COLUMBUS, Ohio — A grandmother died trying to save her grandchildren from a house fire early Tuesday morning, according to Jefferson Township fire officials.
Fire crews received a call just before 2:15 a.m. about a fire in the 8600 block of Greylag Street.
Jefferson Township Fire Chief Bradford Shull said four people were in the house. Two young girls, ages 10 and 12, were outside the home when crews arrived. Their grandmother and her young grandson were still inside.
Shull said the grandmother, who has not been identified yet, acted selflessly to save her grandchildren and should be considered a hero.
“Grandma was trying to close doors and isolate things for them to escape... though she succumbed, obviously her efforts were heroic last night,” Shull said. The young boy also died in the fire.
Melanie Ginther, a woman who lives nearby, said she couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw what was going on early Tuesday morning.
“I spoke with the chief...and when he said, that the grandma wasn’t sleeping, that she was trying to get the kids out, I mean, I cried,” Ginther said.
Ginther said hearing and seeing what happened hit close to home for her.
“You realize this is right here, she was a grandma, I’m a grandma… just trying to get your grandchildren out and you don’t make it,” Ginther said.
Firefighters from six area departments including Jefferson Township, Mifflin Township, Plain Township, Truro Township, West Licking, and Columbus responded to the call and assisted until the fire was put out.
“We’re grateful that the other two girls did make get out, but we’re sad for the family and we’re here for them just as we would be for our own families,” Shull said.
Shull added this should serve as an important reminder to be vigilant about potential fire hazards in homes this time of year.
“This time of the year we’re dealing with Christmas decorations, whether it’s a live tree or a fake tree, it’s all flammable. So just gotta be careful with that," Shull said.
Officials said the fire alarm and smoke from inside the home alerted the girls about the fire. They then told officials that their grandmother helped them get out of the burning house.
The grandmother and grandson were unaccounted for while crews battled the fire. Shull said firefighters couldn't go in the house earlier because of the extent of the fire. Their bodies were found hours later.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.