How a Young Central Texas Girl Saved Her Family and Became a Hero

A terrifying blaze in Chilton, Texas burned a mobile home to the ground and severely damaged another nearby, resulting in a Central Texas family losing everything they own.

Fortunately, 10-year-old Marely Salas kept her cool, led her 8-year-old brother to safety, and even calmed her dad as the fire raged.

One of the Worst Fires Chilton VFD Has Seen

According to our news partner KWTX, veteran volunteer firefighter Ricky McGrath with the Chilton Volunteer Fire Department says this is the worst fire he’s seen in over 20 years.

A Girl's Quick Thinking Saved Lives

Marely, a fifth grade student at Chilton Elementary, woke up her 8-year-old brother, Fernando, and covered his face to protect him from the smoke as she guided him outside.

She stayed calm and didn't get upset, which helped her father focus on their safety.

What Caused The Fire?

Marely's father Ezequiel Salas says he thinks the blaze could have started on the ground outside the home.

At the time, he was sleeping in a room with Marely and Fernando.

“I was asleep, and I started coughing a little bit,” Ezequiel recalled. “I woke up because I started hearing noises in the back of the house and when I opened the door there was smoke and fire.”

How You Can Help

Ezequiel says that they lost everything, but things could have been much worse without his daughter's quick thinking in an emergency.

A nearby home also caught fire and was seriously damaged, but no one was injured and everyone was able to get to safety.

Marely's family has a GoFundMe page, and their greatest need right now is another mobile home.

You can click here to donate.