11-year-old's actions limited damage from Craven County brush fire

  • Source: WCTI-TV ABC 12 New Bern
  • Published: 02/25/2021 12:00 AM

A Craven County boy's quick thinking likely saved several homes from burning in a Wednesday afternoon brush fire. Sixth grader Matthew Leonberger is being called a hero for his brave actions. The 11-year-old said he was sitting on his couch watching YouTube when he happened to see flames outside his window on Timothy Court Road and immediately jumped into action. "I was sitting right here when I looked over here and saw smoke out here," he told NewsChannel 12's Kate Hussey. "I got up to go look at it, and I saw fire right there in that black spot." His eagle eyes may have saved an entire neighborhood. "I went to go get my brother, then put out the part that was in my backyard," he recalled. But, Leonberger said he could see the flames reached beyond the backyard fence, so he raced to call the fire department.



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