Derrick Byrd, the uncle who risks his life to Save 8-Year-Old niece from burning house
A man from Washington is being called a hero for risking his life to save his young niece from a house fire. Derrick Byrd, a 20-year-old from Aberdeen, ran into a burning home to rescue 8-year-old Mercedes, even though it meant he would suffer serious injuries.
Derrick ended up with second- and third-degree burns on his face, back, and arms. However, he doesn’t regret his actions. Speaking to KOMO-TV, he explained, “Even though I got burned, I didn’t care. I’d rather get burned than let her get hurt. She’s young, and she has her whole life ahead of her. She’s a good kid.”
The fire broke out in a home where Derrick and six other family members were staying, including his sister Kayla and her three children. What happened next shows just how brave Derrick is.
Fire Starts While Family Is Inside
The fire began while everyone was inside the house, leaving little time to react. As the flames spread, Derrick quickly stepped up to help. He first turned his attention to his sister’s two sons, Junior and Royce, who were trapped upstairs.
The two boys were scared but managed to jump out of a second-story window. Derrick caught them safely as they leaped, one after the other. However, the situation became even more terrifying when Mercedes, his 8-year-old niece, was too afraid to jump.
Mercedes had just watched her mom, Kayla, fall from the roof and hurt herself. The fear froze her in place. She couldn’t bring herself to take the leap, leaving her trapped inside the burning house.
A Brave Choice
When Derrick saw that Mercedes wouldn’t jump, he made a split-second decision. Without thinking about the danger to himself, he ran back into the house to save her. By then, the fire had grown, and the heat was intense. Flames surrounded the home, but Derrick didn’t stop.
“I could feel it burning me,” Derrick said when describing the experience. Despite the pain, he pushed forward to reach Mercedes.
Once he found her, Derrick acted quickly. He took off his shirt and wrapped it around Mercedes’s face to protect her from breathing in the thick smoke. Then, holding her tightly, he ran out of the house as fast as he could.
Suffering Burns but Saving a Life
By the time Derrick made it out of the house, he had suffered severe burns on his face, back, and arms. Still, he didn’t care about his injuries. His only concern was making sure Mercedes was safe.
When asked about his heroic actions, Derrick was humble. “I’d do it again, even if it meant getting burned worse or even dying,” he said. For him, saving his niece and nephews was the only thing that mattered.
What Makes a Hero?
Although many people are calling Derrick a hero, he doesn’t see himself that way. “I wouldn’t say I’m a hero,” he said. “I’d just say I wasn’t going to let my niece and nephews die.”
His selfless actions, however, tell a different story. Risking your life to save someone else, especially a child, takes incredible bravery. Derrick’s courage and quick thinking likely saved Mercedes’s life that day.
How the Community Reacted
News of Derrick’s heroic actions spread quickly, and many people in the community praised him. Social media users shared his story, calling him an inspiration and an example of true bravery. Others pointed out how his love for his family outweighed any fear of the fire.
While Derrick is recovering from his burns, his story continues to touch hearts across the country. His actions remind us of the power of love and the sacrifices people are willing to make for their family.
The Fire’s Aftermath
The fire destroyed the family’s home, leaving them with nothing. Kayla and her children were shaken by the event, but they are grateful to be alive. Derrick’s burns will take time to heal, and he may need ongoing medical care. Despite these challenges, the family is focusing on moving forward together.
Community members have stepped in to help the family during this difficult time. Fundraisers and donation drives have been organized to support them as they recover.
FAQ: Uncle Risks Life to Save Niece from Burning House
Who is Derrick Byrd, and why is he being called a hero?
Derrick Byrd is a 20-year-old man from Aberdeen, Washington. He is being called a hero for running into a burning house to save his 8-year-old niece, Mercedes. Despite suffering severe burns, he put her safety above his own.
What injuries did Derrick Byrd suffer?
Derrick suffered second- and third-degree burns on his face, back, and arms while rescuing his niece from the fire.
How did the fire start, and who was in the house?
The fire broke out in a home in Aberdeen, Washington, where Derrick was staying with six other family members. This included his sister Kayla and her three children—Junior, Royce, and Mercedes.
How did Derrick save his niece and nephews?
Derrick first caught his nephews, Junior and Royce, as they jumped out of a second-floor window. When his niece, Mercedes, was too scared to jump, he ran back into the burning house to rescue her.
What did Derrick do to protect Mercedes during the rescue?
Derrick wrapped his shirt around Mercedes’s face to protect her from inhaling smoke. Then, he carried her out of the burning house as quickly as possible.
What did Derrick say about being called a hero?
Derrick humbly said he doesn’t consider himself a hero. He explained that he acted out of love for his niece and nephews and wouldn’t let them die, even if it meant risking his own life.
How has the community reacted to Derrick’s bravery?
The community has praised Derrick for his selfless actions. People have shared his story online, calling him an inspiration. Fundraisers and donations have also been organized to help his family recover from the fire.
What safety lessons can we learn from this story?
Derrick’s story highlights the importance of fire safety. Key tips include having a fire escape plan, installing and maintaining smoke detectors, staying low to avoid smoke, and never re-entering a burning building once you’re out.
What is the current situation of Derrick and his family?
The family lost their home in the fire, and Derrick is recovering from his burns. While they face challenges ahead, the family is grateful to be alive, thanks to Derrick’s bravery.
How can people help Derrick and his family?
Community members have organized fundraisers and donation drives to support Derrick and his family as they rebuild their lives. Contributing to these efforts is a great way to help.