At just 20 years old himself, Derrick Byrd of Aberdeen, Washington is being hailed as a hero after running into a burning building to save his 8-year-old niece.
And, despite receiving some serious injuries for his efforts, he says he'd do it all again, too.
Speaking with KOMO News from his hospital bed, Byrd said his first move was to run through the flames to get out of the house so he could catch the kids as they jumped to safety.
But Mercedes, Byrd's 8-year-old niece, was too scared to jump.
"She was screaming my name," Byrd said, "So I wasn't just going to let her sit there. I wasn't going to let my niece die."
"I don't care if I was burning, I just wanted to get her out," Byrd said.
When he reached Mercedes, Byrd took off his shirt and wrapped it around her face to prevent smoke inhalation. That left his own back exposed.
In the process, Byrd received 4th, 3rd, and 2nd degree burns, including some nerve damage, to his back, arms, and face.
"Even though I got burnt," he said. "I really didn't care, though. I'd rather get burnt than her. She's young. She's still got a lot of stuff going for her. She's a good kid."
All seven people who were in the house when the fire broke out survived. Byrd, Mercedes, and Junior were airlifted to hospital.
"I can't say a hero," he said. "I'd just say for my niece and nephews, I wasn't going to let them die."
"I spend most of my days off with my nieces and nephews," he told CNN. "Mercedes is already an uncle's girl."
They believe it broke out on the second floor, however. The Aberdeen Police Department estimated the damage at $268,000.
Neighbors have launched a food, clothing, and toy drive to help the family get back on their feet.
