8-Year-Old Alaska Boy Hailed as HERO—SAVES His Family From DEADLY House Fire!
An 8-year-old boy’s bravery rescues his family from a devastating house fire in Alaska. 🌐 #News #WhiteMountainAK #Alaska #HeartwarmingNews
WHITE MOUNTAIN, AK – Eight-year-old Colton Koonooka-Kowchee became an unexpected hero on a chilly Thursday morning in White Mountain, a small village in Western Alaska. As flames erupted in his family’s home, this courageous kid leaped into action—literally—saving his loved ones from a fiery disaster. What started as a typical day quickly turned into a race against time, with Colton at the heart of an inspiring tale of bravery.
Fire Breaks Out in White Mountain Home
The day began like any other for Roseann Titus, who was preparing for work when she noticed flames flickering in the bathroom at the front of her house.
Her granddaughter and great-grandson, Colton, were still asleep, unaware of the danger creeping closer.
Titus tried to douse the fire herself, but it raged out of control, spreading into the hallway and cutting off their escape route.
Colton’s Daring Escape
With no way out through the door, young Colton took charge.
The 8-year-old didn’t hesitate—he climbed out a window, dropping 10 feet into a snowbank below. Barefoot and determined, he trudged through deep snow to find help.
His quick thinking led him to Shane Bergamaschi, a local volunteer firefighter, who sprang into action to assist the trapped family.
Rescue and Recovery
Bergamaschi arrived just in time, pulling Titus through a window to safety. She was rushed to the village clinic, where medics treated her burns and smoke inhalation before airlifting her to Anchorage for further care.
Colton’s mother, Venessa Marie Koonooka, escaped with minor injuries—a sprained knee and frostbite on her toes—but credited her son’s actions for their survival.
The family lost their home and cherished belongings, but they gained something far greater: their lives.
A Community Rallies Around a Brave Boy
Colton’s grandmother, Nora Brown, wasn’t home during the fire but praised her grandson’s fearless spirit. She believes his swift decision to seek help prevented a tragedy that could have claimed lives and spread to neighboring houses.
Titus, a long-time employee of the Bering Strait School District since 1988, is now recovering, supported by her community. Bering Air has stepped up to deliver donations, and a GoFundMe page is helping the family rebuild. To help out, visit the GoFundMe here.
This heartwarming story of a young boy’s courage shines as an inspiring beacon in White Mountain, proving that heroism knows no age. Colton Koonooka-Kowchee’s bravery saved his family—and touched the hearts of all who hear his tale.
RELATED TOPICS: Accidents and Rescues | Alaska | Heartwarming News
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