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A family, which included a pregnant woman and a toddler were able to escape a house fire that destroyed their home in Millville on Saturday, July 11, authorities said.
At 4 a.m., firefighters responded to Dorset Avenue and immediately encountered flames, the Millville Fire Department said. Katie Hatfield opened her bedroom door and was met with thick black smoke and extreme heat, Newell Branin Jr. wrote on Facebook. Hatfield had put Jack, 3 years old, on the back roof but she couldn't use the window, being six months pregnant, Branin said.
Using 9-1-1, she directed firefighters to where she was in the house, while Jack jumped into the arms of EMTs, Branin said. The firefighters lifted Hatfield and pulled her out the window, firefighters said. Hatfield and Jack were taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
"She knew exactly what to do, what to say and did not panic. I have no doubt that her actions saved Jack, the baby and herself," Branin said.
Firefighters were eventually able to extinguish the fire and bring it under control, firefighters said.
A GoFundMe has been established for the Hatfields.
"While they are incredibly grateful to be alive, the Hatfields are now left with nothing but the clothes they escaped in," Gary Worlock, who organized the fundraiser, wrote.
Donations will help provide immediate necessities such as temporary housing, clothing, food, baby supplies, and other essential items. As of Monday, July 13, more than $29,000 has been raised.
The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation by the Millville Fire Department Bureau of Fire Safety, firefighters said. To view the GoFundMe, click here.
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