Teen Saves 2-Year-Old Sister from Fire That Destroyed Their Home: 'That's My Hero,' Says Dad

Mar. 15, 2025

A Texas teen heroically saved his 2-year-old sister from a fire that destroyed their home.

Local authorities responded to a 911 call about a structure fire in a mobile home community in the early morning hours of Oct. 12, the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department (DFR) tells PEOPLE. At least four homes were damaged as a result of the fire, which killed one person as well as three pet dogs. (According to a previous DFR statement shared with PEOPLE, a Texas woman wasarrested after allegedly confessing to setting fireto a house, which then spread.)

Waking up to flames, the Moreno family rushed to evacuate their house, but according to Fox affiliateKDFW, 16-year-old Jonathan Moreno, realized that his 2-year-old sister Camila was still inside. So he ran back in to save her.

“I knew I couldn’t forgive myself if I got out and she didn’t get out," Jonathan told ABC affiliateWFAA.

Added dad Apolinar Moreno, “That’s my hero.”

According to aGoFundMeset up to help in the wake of the fire, the Morenos lost everything in the fire.

“This unimaginable event has left the Moreno family with no possessions, no home, and deep emotional scars facing the overwhelming task of rebuilding their lives from nothing,” read a message on the fundraising page. “Please help this family regain some stability and hope in the wake of such a life-altering tragedy.”

As of Tuesday, Oct. 22, nearly $15,000 has been raised for the family.

Nina Castro, who works for the alumni association at Jonathan’s high school, told WFAA that she has also organized relief efforts for the family, including food and blankets.

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Jail records showthat Lopez, who remains in custody. has been charged with arson with intent to damage habitat. It’s unclear if she has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on her behalf.

source: people.com