Washington Man Risks Life to Save Niece from House Fire

A 20-year-old from Aberdeen, Washington, is being hailed as a true hero after running back into a burning home to rescue his terrified eight-year-old niece.

Fire Breaks Out During Family Chaos

The blaze erupted while Derrick Byrd, his sister Kayla, and six others were inside. As flames spread, Byrd’s two young nephews jumped from a second-floor window to safety, but his niece Mercedes froze in fear after watching her mother fall during the escape attempt.

A Split-Second Act of Bravery

Without hesitation, Byrd charged back inside.
“I could feel it burning me,” he told KOMO-TV. “I wrapped my shirt around her face so she wouldn’t breathe smoke, and I just carried her out as fast as I could.”

Burns, But No Regrets

Byrd suffered second- and third-degree burns on his face, back, and arms. Yet he insists he would do it all again.
“Even though I got burnt, I really didn’t care. I’d rather get burnt than her.”

A Hero’s Reminder

While social media praises his courage, Byrd remains humble:
“I can’t say I’m a hero. I just wasn’t going to let them die.”

His story stands as a powerful reminder of family, love, and sacrifice.