ST. LOUIS – Fire crews are investigating a house fire in St. Louis’ Clayton-Tamm neighborhood. The St. Louis Fire Department responded to the 1400 block of Graham around 12:45 p.m.
According to the St. Louis Fire Department, a neighbor rescued a 12-year-old girl from the burning home. Both were injured escaping through a broken window. Both patients declined to be transported and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Steve Perks was inside his home when he heard screaming. At first, he thought it was children, playing outside.
“Something told me to check on it that it’s not a scream for help,” Perks said.
He walked to the home on the 1400 block of Graham. He saw a girl trying to escape out of the front window of her burning home. Perks called 911.
Then, he got to work to help the 12-year-old girl who was trapped inside.
“I busted the window in and got her out,” Perks said. “I think anybody would have done that.”
St. Louis Fire Capt. Garon Mosby said the girl was home alone at the time of the fire, and was trapped inside. There was a deadbolt on the front door that was locked on the outside and inside. There was no key.
“In keeping people out, we run the danger of keeping us in,” Mosby said. “That same security measure can hinder your escape.”
The girl was unharmed and later reunited with loved ones.
Firefighters are still investigating what caused the fire, but they say it may have started in the back bedroom or office, where electronics are stored.
