Local hero rescues elderly woman from garage fire in Fortuna Foothills

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - On Wednesday afternoon, in the Mesa Del Sol neighborhood in the Fortuna Foothills, a garage fire quickly spread to a parked car in the driveway.

Thanks to quick-thinking neighbors and a heroic passerby, everyone inside made it out safely.

"There was a lady outside screaming for help, so I just did what I had to do," began Colin Savage.

Colin Savage says it was a split-second decision that relied on instinct and courage. Potentially saving a life.

"It was definitely a lot of adrenaline. It was a scary situation, but as long as I was able to help her out, that's all that matters to me," Savage continued.

Rural metro Fire responded to the scene Wednesday afternoon. The fire started in the home’s garage and quickly spread outside.

Alex Juardo said neighbors alerted the homeowner, who was cooking at the time and unaware of what was going on. 

Juardo was working on a house across the street and describes the scene.

"We saw the smoke, then, you know, we were just—we didn't go near it," Juardo explained. "We just saw what looked like a family walk out and kept our distance from the house."

Colin Savage believes the way he was raised played a big role in his response.

"You never know what's going to happen to someone else, you know? Especially with how my parents brought me up—it's treat others how you want to be treated for me," said Savage.

Fire officials are still investigating the cause of the fire, but thanks to the bravery of neighbors and one local hero, a tragedy was avoided.