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VIDEO: Teen Hero Saves Neighbor And Her Children From House Fire

April 3, 2025

Today's good news story comes from Cleveland, Ohio.

A 16-year-old's brave and selfless actions saved a mother and her children from a devastating house fire.

Credit: Ashley Caraballo / 19 News

Tyler Sowden was at home when he heard frantic screams coming from his neighbor’s house. Without hesitation, he sprang into action.

"I was in my house," Sowden recalled. "I heard screaming. I seen the kid on top of the roof. The house was on fire, so I took a ladder, ran over, put the ladder up, grabbed the four kids and helped the mom down the ladder."

At the time of the fire, the home was occupied by a mother and her three children—a 10-month-old baby, a 7-year-old, and a 12-year-old. Authorities say Sowden managed to save the mother and the two youngest children, while the 12-year-old was able to escape by jumping from the back porch.

When asked about his reaction to the fire, Sowden admitted he didn’t think twice before acting.

"I don't know, I wasn't thinking," he said. "I just took the ladder and ran."

Lieutenant Mike Norman of the Cleveland Fire Department praised the teen's bravery.

"It's amazing," Norman said. "He saved their lives. He was heroic this morning. I give him a lot of credit—to react, to think ahead, to bring the ladder. He brought the right ladder to the scene and helped that woman and her children down. He saved three lives today."

Sowden’s stepfather, who was away from home at the time, expressed immense pride in his actions.

"He just jumped into action, no questions asked, risking his life to save the others," he told 19 News.

Watch the video below.