Teen Saves Family From House Fire

17-year-old Nicholas Fountaine points to his home that was consumed by fire Tuesday night in Springfield. He and his mother were watching televison when he heard a strange noise. The sound was the fire alarms going off in his basement. The next thing he knew the power went out.

"I was thinking it was just the fuze box and when I went downstairs, the first thing I saw and could smell was smoke, " describes Fountaine

Instead of calling 9-11, fontaine grabbed a fire extinguisher.

"I checked the door for heat and when I walked in the entire ceiling was engulfed in flames, I tried putting it out, I couldn't breathe or see anything, " says Fountaine.

The fire apparently started near the electrical box, but Fontaine was worried about the gas heater nearby. He and his mother, four year old brother and family dog all got out safely.

Fountaine says he used knowledge from fire safey classes in school to do the right thing, but he realizes he should have left the job up to the professionals. He now has some advice for others who are thinking about taking matters into their own hands.

"If you ever have a fire in your house, don't try to be a hero, it's not worth it, your life is worth a lot more, " adds Fountaine.

The fire did about 50-thousand dollars in damage. The Fountaine's are staying with relatives until they find a place to live.