‘Hero’ Neighbors Rescue Residents and Pets from Tooele House Fire

TOOELE, Utah — A neighborhood in Tooele City came together heroically Thursday night as two homes caught fire, with several residents and pets trapped inside.

Among the first to notice the smoke were Hutch Nordin and his father, C.J., who were returning from football practice. Black smoke filled the air near 90 West and 2100 North, quickly alerting them to danger.

Tooele City Fire Chief Matt McCoy confirmed the fire had spread to the attics of both homes by the time firefighters arrived. Miraculously, all 12 occupants — five in one home and seven in the other — were able to evacuate safely.

That was thanks in part to C.J., who ran into the burning home to alert and rescue people still inside. Hutch recalled seeing his dad carry out an elderly woman with a cane, and then rush back in to save three kittens and another person.

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“He didn’t think twice,” Hutch said proudly. “He just acted.”

C.J. told FOX 13 that he simply did what any good neighbor would do. Others in the community praised his bravery and quick thinking.

The fire, believed to have started in the backyard of one home, is still under investigation. Despite the damage, neighbors expressed deep gratitude for the kindness and courage shown that night.

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