Heroes come in all sizes and ages…This past weekend an 8 year-old in Williamsburg helped save his family from a fire that destroyed their home.
Tristan Gonsman, is a third grade student who went through fire prevention training a year ago.
His family says what he learned helped save their lives this past Saturday.
At 7:30 Saturday morning, the Gonsman family woke up to the sound of crackling and popping, coming from the living room and kitchen.
8 year old Tristan Gonsman saw flames around doors and remembered what Geeseytown volunteer firefighters told his class.
“You could not touch anything that was too hot or it would burn your fingers,” Tristan said.
And then he remembered his escape plan…
“I said, “Everybody go to the back window of the changing table.”
There the family was able to get everyone out of the house safely.
Robert Mayes, volunteer firefighter with Reade Township says when he talks about fire prevention at schools having an escape plan is one of the most important points he makes to students.
“Everybody should practice an evacuation drill of how to get out of our house whenever it is on fire, and if that entrance is blocked always have a second evacuation route,” Robert Mayes, Volunteer Firefighter for Reade Township, said.
Amanda Gonsman, Tristan’s mother, says she was impressed with how her son handled that emergency, and thinks every child should go through fire prevention training.
“The fact that he knew not to go out the back door or the front door, because they were hot and not safe…he stayed calm,” Gonsman said.
The Gonsmans hope to rebuild their house and move back in as soon as they can. Martinsburg Grace Brethren Church is accepting money and gift cards for the family.