A Hamilton teen is being praised as "a hero" after he pulled a man from a burning tent in an encampment in Bayfront Park Sunday night.
Christine Fox said her son Zeke, 17, was driving home from a friend's home when he saw what he initially thought was a bonfire.
Fox told CBC Hamilton Zeke turned the vehicle and headed toward the fire to get a closer look, and realized it was actually a tent up in flames.
"He got out of the car and ran over to the tent and there was somebody inside the tent screaming for help," Fox said.
"He then called [me] and my husband and he was frantic saying that there was a tent on fire and somebody was inside yelling for help."
A tent was on fire in an encampment near Bayfront Park on Sunday night. (Christine Fox)While her husband called 911 and headed to Bayfront Park, Zeke told his mom he didn't think he could wait for help to arrive.
"His words exactly were, 'Mom, I have to go in or this man's going to die. I love you and I'll call you back,'" Fox said.
Zeke managed to get the man out and rolled him in the snow, as her husband arrived, she said. The fire department and ambulance arrived about four minutes later.
'Hamilton hero' prevented 'total catastrophe': policeFox said she was not surprised that her son — a Grade 12 student at Cathedral High School — decided to run inside a burning tent to help someone in need of help.
"Zeke has always been a unique individual wanting to help people," she said.
"As parents, we've always taught our children that no matter what, you do what's right, even when no one's watching, and help others. We're super proud."
Hamilton Paramedic Service said they received a call about the fire shortly before 11:30 p.m. When they arrived, they assessed two patients.
Paramedics transported a man in his 50s and in critical condition to a local burn trauma centre, and a teenage boy in serious condition to a local pediatric trauma centre.
Adam Kimber, a spokesperson for Hamilton Police Service, confirmed "Hamilton Hero, Zeke Fox" first noticed the fire.
"Zeke sprung into action and heard a voice calling for 'help,'" Kimber said. "Zeke rescued the male and no doubt prevented a total catastrophe."
Teen thanks community for supportFox said Zeke was kept in hospital overnight but said Tuesday that he's been released with "a few cuts and bruises and a couple of burn marks" and returned to school.
Zeke was kept in hospital overnight Sunday but was feeling well enough to attend school on Tuesday. (Christine Fox)People have been heaping praise on the teenager after Fox shared a post about the incident on a neighbourhood Facebook page.
"You're a breath of fresh air in this crazy city. We need more humans like you … Modern day hero," wrote Annette Sweet.
Zeke has also shared a post, thanking everyone for their support and get-well wishes.
"For as long as I can remember my mom and dad have always taught me to do the right thing even when no one is watching, and when I was younger every time I left the house they would always say mind [your] manners and be respectful," Zeke said.
"All these comments mean a lot more than I can express. Thank you."