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Babysitter Saves Kids From Fire That Killed Woman

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May 16, 2009 3:01 pm US/Eastern

Babysitter Saves Kids From Fire That Killed Woman

WHITMAN (WBZ) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: Damage to the Whitman home is estimated to be around $80,000.
WBZ

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A heroic babysitter risked her life to pull four children from a burning home in Whitman overnight in a fierce fire that killed an elderly woman.

Fire officials say the intense blaze broke out inside a house at 15 Newland Drive around 1 a.m. Saturday.

A babysitter was staying in the house to watch over four of 73-year-old Helen Drass' grandchildren while their mother was out of town.

The babysitter was able to get all of the children out of the home safely. As she tried to rescue Drass, she suffered burns to her hands and she suffered smoke inhalation, but is expected to fully recover.

"She truly is a hero," said Fire Chief Tim Grenno. "If she hadn't made the quick decision to evacuate the children when she did this would have been much worse. I give her a lot of credit for having a solid head in a time of crisis."

A firefighter was also injured, but will be OK. Grenno said the fire was intense and firefighters initially had to fall back.

"The fire was so intense it did more damage in 10 minutes than most fires do in 30 minutes," he said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but officials say it does not appear to be suspicious.

Damage to the home is estimated to be around $80,000.

The Red Cross is helping the family find temperary housing.