Child Saves Elderly Woman in Early-Morning Lawrence County House Fire

Shortly before 4:30 a.m. Thursday, February 19, Lawrence County Fire Rescue units responded to a reported structure fire on Chief Creek Road in the Henryville Fire District.

First-arriving units found a heavily involved residence with several endangered exposures, including a nearby mobile home less than 20 feet from the burning structure. A Lawrence County Constable and Deputy Sheriff assisted EMS with patient care.

An elderly female suffered severe burns, and a 12-year-old child sustained minor burns. Both were treated on scene and transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center by Lawrence County Emergency Medical Services. Preliminary reports indicate the elderly female was pulled from the burning home by the child, while another sibling called 911.

Firefighters operated in defensive mode due to the fire’s intensity and limited water supply. Multiple tankers from across the county assisted in a water shuttle operation. The fire was fully extinguished.

Investigators say there were no working smoke detectors in the home. Authorities commended the child for her quick actions, which likely saved a life.