HOPEWELL, Va. -- A 10-year-old girl is being lauded for her heroic actions after her nearly blind grandmother's home went up in flames in Hopewell on Friday.
Kendra Sponaugle managed to pull her 72-year-old grandmother, Doris Page, from the burning home.
While staring at their charred home Sunday afternoon, Page told CBS 6 reporter Jasmine Norwood that her granddaughter saved her life.
"I was trying to put the fire out and it blew up and burned my face," she said. "Kendra came back in the house and grabbed me."
Page said the blaze began a small stove-top fire that quickly grew out of control.
Kendra said that is when she ran outside and called 911.
"I was screaming at my nanny to get out of the house," she told CBS 6. "I was afraid that my nanny was going to get hurt."
Kendra said she did not think twice before running back into the burning house and saving her grandmother.
"I knew I had to, I knew she was in there," she said.
Captain Ronnie Ellis with Hopewell Bureau Fire said what Kendra did was very brave and that she ultimately saved her grandmother's life.
"In a situation like this, first and foremost make sure you get yourself out safely, and anyone else who is in your home," Ellis said. "Items can always be replaced, lives cannot, get everyone out safely and call 911 as soon as you can."
Brittany Sponaugle said she could not be more pleased with her daughter and she encourages all parents to talk about fire evacuation plans with their kids.
"I am really proud of Kendra. She did something that most adults would not do, and for a 10-year-old to do it. I think she is amazing," Sponaugle said.
The family lost everything in the fire, but said they are thankful that no one was injured.
