burning home
Julie Hambleton
Julie Hambleton
November 16, 2023 ·  3 min read

Heroic 5-year-old carries sister out of burning home, then rushes back to help save 7 other family members

A Mystical Raven Highlight Story: Sometimes there are stories that are just too good, too beautiful, or too unbelievable to keep locked away. That’s why we scour the archives and bring some of them back to enjoy again. They may make you smile or shed a tear, but they’re always meant to add a little positivity to your day. This story is from February 2020. Enjoy! 

Now I finally believe that superheroes are real, and they don’t have to be fully grown men wearing capes. Five-year-old Noah Woods, a quick-thinking, fearless little man recently saved his entire family from an electrical fire outbreak at their home in Bartow County, Georgia. Noah helped a total of seven people get out of the burning house to safety and is one of the few kids who have been honored with the Lifesaving Award

Noah’s family was asleep when a fire broke out in their home from an electrical malfunction. Noah shares a room with his 2-year-old sister, Lily, and immediately he saw the flames and smoke, he grabbed her and got her out through the window, the only open exit at the time. No one really knows how he managed this feat but he did it, without thinking twice.

He dove back into the burning house to rescue the dog and immediately ran to call his uncle next door for help. There were other people trapped inside the burning house, asleep. Noah rescued 7 people and no life was lost. His sister sustained minor burns to her feet, but other than that, she was okay. Noah and four other members of his family were treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns. 

The little boy’s quick thinking saved many lives and averted what would have been a colossal tragedy.

He now wants to be a police officer

According to CBS News, Noah said he wanted to be a superhero but after his recent rescue episode, he now wants to be a police officer.

“Normally our firefighters are being recognized… but we’re here today to recognize one of our local heroes,” Fire Department Chief Dwayne Jamison said during an event to honor Noah on Friday [1]. “Noah’s brave actions saved the lives of the family that day, so we want to recognize him today,” 

“We’ve seen children alert their families before,” Jamison told CNN [2]. “But for a 5-year-old to be alert enough to do this … that’s pretty extraordinary.”

Noah was presented with the Lifesaving Award and named an honorary firefighter in a congratulatory event held by the Fire Department. He was presented with his very own shiny fireman helmet and a badge to commemorate his astounding bravery.

Read: Hero Dog Seeks Out And Rescues Koalas that Have Survived The Australian Bushfires

Noah Woods
Noah Woods. Image Credit: BARTOW COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT

“This kid right here is so warm-hearted,” his cousin said at the press conference. “I’m honored, I’m privileged just to be part of this family and recognize Noah today. I’ve heard heroes come in all shapes in sizes. He showed me this week, age is a part of it too. Knowing a 5-year-old can go out and save his whole family is an eye-opener to me,” he said. 

By the grace of God, all nine of our loved ones were able to get out of our home,” Noah’s grandfather David Woods said in a GoFundMe post. “If it wasn’t for Noah, we may not be here today.”

This GoFundMe account was set up by Noah’s family to solicit for funds from kind-hearted people since their home has been destroyed. The brave Noah and little Lily deserve to have a good home over their heads once again. Let’s all support the family as they struggle to get back in their feet.

Kudos, Superhero Noah. The world needs more brave people like you.

This article originally appeared on Secret Life of Mom and has been republished here with permission.

Keep Reading: Hero Dog Rushed Through a Burning House to Rescue His Tiny Kitten Friend

Sources

  1. 5-year-old boy pulls sister and dog out of window during a house fire, saving their lives.” CBS News.Caitlin O’Kane. February 14, 2020.
  2. He pulled his sister out a window in a house fire and went back in to save the family dog. He’s 5 years old.” CNN. Francisco Guzman and Brian Ries. February 14, 2020
  3. David Woods. Kingston home fire. GoFundMe. Retrieved February 18, 2020.