Carlos Matos first noticed the flames coming from the oven at the senior care facility where his mother is the on-site administrator. After the 10-year-old calmly alerted his mother, he called 911.
Before emergency services even arrived, Carlos and his mother had managed to evacuate all six residential patients from the building. “We did what we had to do,” his mother said.
Carlos, his mother Liz, and sister Thalia returned today to see what they might salvage. Not much. "It was fire to the ceiling," said Carlos, who never panicked. "We did what we had to do," said Liz. Carlos lost his PS4 among other items. Nothing left. #abc7now@healdsburgFirepic.twitter.com/TRKnQh6GGT
— Wayne Freedman (@WayneFreedman) November 26, 2018
The facility was nearly completely burned to the ground, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
They got all six patients out of the burning house even before fire crews arrived. Amazing when one looks around inside. The senior care center is gutted. All residents now in a local hotel. #abc7now@healdsburgFirepic.twitter.com/0BWYeG59jx
— Wayne Freedman (@WayneFreedman) November 26, 2018
Carlos’ family and the local fire department are hailing him as a hero for his steady, decisive action in the face of life-threatening emergency.
And today we celebrate...