Firefighters are undoubtedly heroes — but in this story, a Washington state firefighter's wife is the one who made a rescue during a scary blaze.
"She knew that she had to get herself and her three kids out of the house."
"It was pure adrenaline and determination." (Via KHQ)
Yes — Rachelle Flatt noticed an orange glow on her porch, then heard a pop — soon things were shattering in her house. She started getting her kids out. They're little — just 1, 3 and 6 years old.
And they were all sleeping when the fire broke out. Flatt called 911 at about 9:30 p.m. —The Spokesman-Review reports the flames got to a propane tank.
She started getting her children out one by one — her 6-year-old son was last, and she admits she was worried they might not make it out — the smoke was so thick at that point.
"We barely got out."
"Flatt says she couldn't see anything."
"Because of her brave efforts, her three children are still alive."
"There was no way I was not going back." (Via KXLY)
And during all this — Rachelle's husband, Pete, was actually on duty as a firefighter. He learned his house was on fire — and said he was overwhelmed by emotion when he got to his house and found out his wife and kids were OK.
As KREM reports, the family's home and belongings were severely damaged in the fire. They are welcoming donations to PO Box 30601 in Spokane, Washington.
Pete calls his wife a hero — noting some firefighters go their whole careers without saving people. In one night, she saved three.
