City honors five-year-old who saved family

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Vicksburg City Mayor and Board of Aldermen presented an AMAZE award to five-year-old Ranajai Hill due to his heroic efforts in wake his family during an early morning fire.

Ward 1 Alderman TJ Mayfield presented to award to Hill during the regular board meeting held Wednesday, Dec. 24. Despite being a hero in the eyes of the community, Hill was shy and brought to tears about being recognized.

The award stated it was presented to Hill for his outstanding bravery for saving his family from a house fire at the age of five years old.

At approximately 2:31 a.m. Friday, Nov. 28, Vicksburg Fire Department responded to a fire on the 1600 block of 1st East Street. Upon arrival, VFD’s Battalion 1, Tim Love, E6, E7, Platform 1, Rescue and FM40, found the structure at 1614 1st East Street fully engulfed.

All occupants were outside the home thanks to the homeowner’s five year old grandson. The child woke up his grandmother to tell her there was a fire around a gas space heater. The homeowner attempted to put out the fire, but was unsuccessful. Thanks to the child’s heroics all four members of the home got safely outside without injury.

VFD Chief Harry “Trey” Martin said the child was a hero.

“The five year old grandson was a hero or there could have been multiple fatalities,” said Martin.

Fire Investigator Nathaniel Williams investigated and determined the fire was caused by a gas space heater in the home. The home was a total loss.

“I would like to remind everyone that all homes need to have a working smoke detector,” said Chief Martin. “The Vicksburg Fire Department will come and install them [detectors] free of charge. Just call Central Fire Station at 601-636-1603.