Pittsburgh-area teenager up late doing homework saves sleeping dad from fire
Firefighters spent several hours overnight battling a house fire at a home in Cranberry Township.
The fire broke out around 1 a.m. along Garvin Road on Monday, dispatchers told KDKA.
Cranberry Township Fire and Emergency Services Chief Scott Garing said the fire most likely started on the back deck of the home from a grill that the family used to cook dinner on Sunday night.
Garing said the fire started on the outside of the home before traveling up the side of the building to the roof and the second floor of the home.
All three people who live at the home were able to get out safely, Garing said. No injuries were reported.
Butler County teenager's quick thinking saves dad's life
Santiago LeCorchick, an 18-year-old Seneca Valley student, is being hailed as a hero for his quick action that saved his father's life.
Santiago was up late on Easter night, catching up on homework, when he noticed the signs of a fire.
"I could smell the smoke coming through and the ceiling was starting to get black," LeCorchick said.
Without thinking twice, he bolted upstairs, where his father was asleep.
"I ran upstairs screaming through the house to get my dad, and I broke through his door," LeCorchick said.
Santiago's sister, Jenna LeCorchick, expressed her admiration for her brother.
"Santi really deserves all the help. He's one of the best people I've ever met. He's one of my favorite people ever. He's my best friend," Jenna LeCorchick said.
The fire destroyed clothes, family photos and a lifetime of memories. Nothing was salvageable.
"We grew up in that home. I came home from the hospital to that house. My brother came home from Guatemala to that home. We had a good life in that home. It's devastating," said Jenna LeCorchick.
Despite the devastation, the family is grateful for what remains.
"I just want to smile. I'm alive, my dad's alive, that's all that really matters. Things can be replaced, but not people," said Santiago.
The Cranberry Township community has rallied to support the family. Local realtors are collecting donations for the family at one of their vacant homes. The address is 1714 Garvin Rd.
"I immediately felt that I wanted to do something," realtor Alyssa Policella said. "We're here (Monday) from 12 to 6, and we're also going to be back at the same time tomorrow, taking any type of donations from water, clothing, any kind of immediate essentials."
While all donations are appreciated, if you're feeling extra generous, Santiago LeCorchick enjoys novelty T-shirts featuring Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix or anything vintage from the '50s to the '90s.
"Having a whole community behind you, and it hasn't even been a full day. I've had people reach out, send me money, food, clothes, shoes. It's been awesome," he said.
