FAIRBURN, Ga. — A metro Atlanta 11-year-old is being recognized as a hero after bravely leaping into action to save her family in a Fairburn house fire Friday morning.
Still in her pajamas and baring the cold, courageous little Autumn Hampton recalled hearing strange sounds and smelling something on fire. That's when she immediately began to alert her mother, her two brothers and grabbed her dogs.
"You can hear sounds kind of like it’s popcorn," Autumn said. "I got my dog and put them in the den and then woke up the boys."
As fire crews got on the scene just around 4:30 a.m., they discovered heavy fire and smoke coming through the roof of the home located on Woodland Hills Drive.
Fairburn Fire Chief Cornelius Robinson stated the home was destroyed, leaving the family with only what they were wearing when they escaped the home.
"It’s unfortunate they lost everything right after the Christmas holiday, so it’s just tough for the family," the fire chief said.
Chief Robinson credited the 11-year-old who ultimately saved her whole family's life.
Autumn said she knew what to do from school fire drill training.
"Probably because either I watch a lot of fire trucks movies and shows where they have to rescue people, and then you probably know what to do from school fire drills," she said.
"We’re just fortunate this family was able to get out alive," said Chief Robinson.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to support the family who lost everything in their home. Those who feel moved to donate can click here for more information.