‘Nothing short of heroic’: 12-year-old boy saves family from house fire in Petersburg

Jun 3, 2025 - 18:25

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‘Nothing short of heroic’: 12-year-old boy saves family from house fire in Petersburg

PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- A 12-year-old boy rescued his grandmother and infant siblings from their burning home on Tuesday, according to Petersburg Fire Rescue and Emergency Services.

On June 3, a fire broke out at a home on the 2000 block of Burks Street, leaving the home severely damaged. Although this was a moment of devastation, a social post from Petersburg Fire said, "a powerful story of courage rose from the smoke, one that deserves to be told."

Twelve-year-old Ramir Parker reportedly saved his two baby brothers and grandmother from the burning home.

According to the fire department, Ramir was talking to his grandmother upstairs when he heard a weird crackling and rattling noise that got louder by the second. Authorities said his first thought was about his baby brothers, a 1-year-old and a 2-year-old, who had just woken up from a nap in the living room downstairs.

12-year-old Petersburg boy rescues family from burning home (Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)

When Ramir went into the hallway, he saw thick, black smoke coming from the basement. Authorities said he yelled "fire!" and notified his grandmother, who immediately asked about the babies. Ramir ran into the smoke-filled room and grabbed both of his baby brothers, leading everyone out of the house.

"Ramir saved lives today," the social post from Petersburg Fire reads. "His quick thinking and selfless bravery are nothing short of heroic. In a moment where seconds mattered, he stepped up, just like a firefighter would. Just like a protector does."

The fire department said Ramir's bravery would be honored in an upcoming award ceremony.