HOLT, Fla., July 1, 2023—Quick action by two teens saved a home from going up in flames today.

Neighbor Dylan Moncada and his friend, Bryce Phillips, both 16, were at the home of Sandra and Steve Sims helping to lay flooring when the fire occurred outside around 12:45 p.m.

An ember from a burn barrel located in the backyard touched off a woodpile next to it. The flames threatened the home not far from the woodpile.

“When I walked outside, it looked like the back side of the house was on fire,” Sandra said.

Dylan and Bryce grabbed hoses and kept the fire at bay until Holt Fire District arrived. A couple of Okaloosa County Sheriff deputies also showed up and assisted the boys.

According to Holt Fire Chief Scott Chestnut, the teens’ quick action saved the home by keeping the fire from spreading further.

“They got the hose and got the fire under control,” Sandra said.

The heat from the fire melted the vinyl siding on the back and side corner of the home next to the flame.

The boys were just about to go to lunch when the fire started, according to Sandra.

“Five minutes more and we wouldn’t have had them,” she said. “They did an excellent job getting the fire under control. I don’t know what I would have done without them.”