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Teen Saves Woman from Tampa Blaze - A Heroic Moment in the Community

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/1 .. ampa-blaze-a-heroic-moment-in-the-community.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 19:09 GMT by Fox 13
      Locale: Florida, UNITED STATES

Teen Saves Woman from Tampa Blaze – A Heroic Moment in the Community

A quiet Tuesday morning on Tampa’s North Shore turned into a dramatic rescue that highlighted the bravery of a local high‑school student. According to a Fox‑13 News report published on the site “Teen helps rescue woman from fire Tampa,” a 16‑year‑old resident of the city was instrumental in getting a 67‑year‑old woman safely out of a home that was on fire. The event, which occurred on the evening of May 2, 2024, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of quick thinking, community awareness, and fire‑safety training.

The Incident

The blaze began in the early evening when a faulty electrical outlet in the kitchen of a 3‑story house on 56th Street triggered a fire that rapidly spread through the upper floors. A resident inside the house, who had been cooking dinner, noticed the smoke but was initially unaware that it was spreading beyond the kitchen. The teenager, who lived just two blocks away, was walking home from school when she saw thick black smoke and heard the sounds of someone calling for help from inside the house.

Upon approaching the scene, the teen noticed the house’s front door was locked and a woman’s voice was coming from inside. Despite the dangerous conditions, she moved toward the house, called 911, and informed the dispatcher that a person was trapped inside a burning building. The dispatcher immediately advised the teen to stay clear of the front of the house and to move to a safe location while firefighters were on their way. The teen did just that—she moved a short distance back and kept the phone line open.

When Tampa Fire Department (TFD) units arrived within minutes, the teen was the first to arrive on the scene. The dispatcher’s instructions were simple: “Stay back. We’ll get you.” Yet, the teenager refused to stay at a safe distance. She went to the second floor, where she discovered the woman, a 67‑year‑old named Marjorie “Marge” Thompson, stuck behind a locked door. The teen used her phone’s flashlight and a piece of cloth to signal to the firefighter on the scene, who was fighting the blaze. She then carefully worked to unlock the door, eventually freeing the woman, who was coughing and choking on smoke.

Quick Action and Immediate Rescue

With the door unlocked, the teen guided Marge toward a stairwell. She helped her take a few measured steps out into the hallway, then onto the street, all while the fire roared behind them. Once Marge was outside, the teen called the dispatcher again to confirm her safety. The dispatcher confirmed that Marge was now out of harm’s way, but she was still in shock and breathing heavily.

The TFD units then immediately directed water hoses to the interior of the house, extinguishing the flames and preventing the fire from spreading to neighboring homes. Thanks in large part to the teen’s quick actions and clear communication, the woman was saved, and the potential for a tragedy was averted.

Community Response

After the rescue, the teen was interviewed by Fox‑13 News. She spoke calmly about her actions, saying, “I just knew I had to do something. I didn’t think about the danger to myself—I only thought about getting her out.” She also explained that she was taught basic fire‑safety drills at school and that the training made her feel prepared to act in a crisis.

Fire Chief William “Bill” Harris praised the teen’s heroism in a statement released by the TFD. “This is exactly the type of bravery that keeps our community safe,” Harris said. “We’re proud of this young resident and the life he saved.”

The local school district also issued a statement, congratulating the teen and highlighting the importance of community service. They also announced plans to incorporate more real‑world emergency response training into the curriculum.

Additional Context and Resources

The Fox‑13 article linked to several useful resources. One link took readers to the Tampa Fire Department’s page on residential fire statistics, which highlighted that in 2023, the department responded to 1,452 residential fires, with 23 resulting in loss of life. The article also directed viewers to the city’s fire‑safety guide, which includes information on smoke alarms, evacuation plans, and how to use a fire extinguisher.

Another link led to a page on the high school’s website that showcased the teen’s award ceremony, where he received a “Hero Award” from the school’s Board of Trustees. The school’s website also hosted a brief video interview with the teen, in which he thanked his family, teachers, and the local community for their support.

Lessons Learned

The incident underscores several key lessons for residents of Tampa and beyond:

1. Stay Calm and Call 911 – The teen’s decision to immediately contact emergency services saved crucial minutes.
2. Use Basic Fire‑Safety Knowledge – Training, such as school fire drills, can make a difference in high‑stakes situations.
3. Communicate Clearly with First Responders – Keeping the dispatcher and firefighters informed ensured the teen could act safely.
4. Community Vigilance Is Essential – Residents who watch out for each other can prevent tragedies and save lives.

The teen’s actions, which the Fox‑13 News coverage framed as “a true act of courage,” serve as a beacon of hope and an example of what can happen when a community member steps up in an emergency. While the house suffered significant damage, the most important outcome was that the woman was saved, and the fire was contained before it could threaten neighboring properties.

The story has resonated across Tampa, prompting local officials to increase community outreach and fire‑safety education. The city is now offering free smoke‑alarm installation workshops for residents and is partnering with local schools to expand fire‑safety curricula.

As the community reflects on this remarkable event, one thing is clear: the actions of a single individual can change the course of a life, reinforcing the value of preparedness, quick thinking, and compassion. The teenage hero’s story will likely be told for years to come, a testament to the power of ordinary people doing extraordinary things in extraordinary moments.