Caleb McCray Saves Family from House Fire

Caleb Mccray

Local Hero Caleb McCray Saves Family from House Fire

Springfield, IL – October 25, 2023 – In an act of extraordinary bravery, 28-year-old Caleb McCray risked his life to save a family of four from a devastating house fire early Tuesday morning. The incident occurred on the 1500 block of Maple Street, where a fast-spreading fire engulfed a two-story home just after 2:00 a.m.

According to fire officials, the blaze began in the kitchen due to an electrical malfunction. Neighbors reported hearing loud popping sounds before seeing flames erupt from the windows. Caleb McCray, who lives just two houses down, was awakened by the commotion and immediately sprang into action.

'I heard people screaming, and when I looked outside, I saw the house was on fire,' McCray recounted. 'I didn’t think—I just ran over there. I knew the family had young kids, and I couldn’t stand by and do nothing.'

McCray entered the burning home through the front door, which had been left ajar in the chaos. He found the parents, Mark and Lisa Thompson, struggling to navigate through the thick smoke to reach their two children, aged 5 and 7, who were trapped in an upstairs bedroom. McCray guided the couple to safety before rushing upstairs to rescue the children.

'I could barely see, and the heat was unbearable,' McCray said. 'But I kept thinking about those kids. I found them hiding under a bed, scared but unharmed. I carried them out one by one.'

Firefighters arrived shortly after and extinguished the blaze, but not before the home sustained significant damage. The Thompson family was treated for minor smoke inhalation but is expected to make a full recovery. They credited McCray with saving their lives.

'We owe Caleb everything,' said Mark Thompson. 'He’s a true hero. Without him, I don’t know if we would have made it out.'

Local authorities and community members have since praised McCray for his selfless actions. Springfield Fire Chief Laura Hernandez called his bravery 'remarkable' and emphasized the dangers of entering a burning building without protective gear.

'Caleb’s actions were incredibly courageous, but we always urge people to prioritize their own safety and call 911 immediately in such situations,' Hernandez said. 'That said, there’s no doubt he made a life-saving difference last night.'

McCray, a construction worker and lifelong Springfield resident, humbly downplayed his heroism. 'I just did what anyone would do,' he said. 'I’m just glad the family is safe.'

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the Thompson family as they rebuild their lives, and local businesses have already pledged donations to assist with temporary housing and essentials.

As for Caleb McCray, the community is rallying to honor him. A petition is circulating to have him recognized by the city for his bravery, and a local brewery has already named a new ale after him: 'McCray’s Courage.'

For now, McCray says he’s just happy to see his neighbors safe and sound. 'That’s all the reward I need,' he said with a smile.

Caleb McCray Saves Family from House Fire

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