A second-grade pupil in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, has been recognised after using a fire-safety plan taught at school to get his family out of their home when a smoke alarm sounded.
Blake had attended a fire-prevention lesson at St Jerome Parish School on October 16, delivered by firefighters from the Western Lakes Fire District. Just 48 hours later, the alarm went off at his house.
Firefighters had taught pupils to leave immediately when they heard an alarm or smelled smoke, identify escape routes from every room and gather at a designated meeting point.
According to assistant chief Joseph Hoffman, something left on the cooker caught fire. Blake led his family outside to their meeting place by a lamppost, while his grandfather, who lives next door, used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames before crews arrived.
“He knew exactly what to do – paid attention,” Mr Hoffman said. “He chose to do exactly what he learned. That should be recognised.”
Western Lakes firefighters later returned to the school to surprise Blake with a Certificate of Excellence from the fire district. He is also due to be recognised at an upcoming awards ceremony.
The fire district visited 14 schools and childcare sites during October’s fire-prevention campaign, reaching more than 1,700 children. Officials have urged households to check their smoke alarms regularly, including hard-wired units, which may still contain a battery.
