Detroit teen helps his family escape their burning home
Posted:
Updated:
By Maurielle Lue Fox 2 News Reporter
DETROIT (WJBK) -- 15-year-old De'Monta Palmer is a hero. He rescued his family from a devastating fire that took their home early Thursday morning.
"I saw... flames (outside) my window, and I immediately rushed out of my bed and I went to my mother's room and I kind of panicked. I yelled, 'Wake up, wake up!" he explained.
Palmer said the house was engulfed in flames. His parents and older brother were still asleep. He knew what he had to do.
"I wasn't scared because I knew I had to do my job to get my family out of there and I was quite confident about doing it."
Seconds after Palmer and his family were safe, the stairwell collapsed. Had he waited any longer, the family would've been forced to jump from the second story balcony.
"I've been here for 20 years and it's just all memories gone," said Yavonne Flounory, De'Monta's mother.
Smoking rubble is all that is left of their family memories. They escaped with little more than the clothes on their backs.
Palmer will be staying with friends until his family gets back on their feet. The rest of the family will receive food and shelter from the Red Cross for the next three days.
Tuesday, March 12 2013 4:33 PM EDT2013-03-12 20:33:13 GMT
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:12:58 GMT
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 7:12 PM EDT2013-05-15 23:12:48 GMT
Makayla Lance is only 17 years old and facing death. Tuesday she was shot in the face allegedly by her 18-year-old boyfriend. When police responded to the scene, he was trying to save her life.
Makayla Lance is only 17 years old and facing death. Tuesday she was shot in the face allegedly by her 18-year-old boyfriend. When police responded to the scene, he was trying to save her life.
Thursday, May 9 2013 4:54 PM EDT2013-05-09 20:54:33 GMT
We've all had one of those days. You have a million things on your mind and are moving way too fast. In Southfield, one woman's absent minded moment put her in a tight spot.
We've all had one of those days. You have a million things on your mind and are moving way too fast. In Southfield, one woman's absent minded moment put her in a tight spot.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:50 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:50:16 GMT
Bestselling author Brad Thor is in town for the annual Metro Detroit Book and Author Society luncheon. But before the event, he stopped by FOX 2 News Morning to talk about his upcoming novel, "Hidden Order."
Bestselling author Brad Thor is in town for the annual Metro Detroit Book and Author Society luncheon. But before the event, he stopped by FOX 2 News Morning to talk about his upcoming novel, "Hidden Order."
Monday, May 20 2013 8:24 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:24:48 GMT
The Detroit Red Wings look to go up 2-1 in their second-round series tonight when they face the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings evened the series at 1-all with a 4-1 victory on Saturday.
The Detroit Red Wings look to go up 2-1 in their second-round series tonight when they face the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings evened the series at 1-all with a 4-1 victory on Saturday.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:10 AM EDT2013-05-20 10:10:15 GMT
A trip to Subway turned into a nightmare for an elderly Berkley couple Friday afternoon in Commerce Township. Oakland County Sheriffs say a man left his 74-year-old wife in the car, while he ran inside
A trip to Subway turned into a nightmare for an elderly Berkley couple Friday afternoon in Commerce Township. Oakland County Sheriffs say a man left his 74-year-old wife in the car, while he ran inside
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
