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Barberton single mom rushes into burning home to save her two youngest children

Fire officials call her actions heroic.

BARBERTON, Ohio — The outside of the gray two story house on East Ford Avenue in Barberton looks like many on that street. Christmas decorations sit on the front porch, waiting to be put away. 

But earlier this week on Monday, this quiet neighborhood was shaken by fire. 

The homeowner, a single mother of five, noticed something. 

Barberton Fire Lieutenant Steven Ionno picks up the story. "She seen the lights flicker, thought it was strange and went upstairs and when she got to the top of the steps, she seen smoke rolling out of that room."

It was the bedroom of her youngest children. She immediately called 911.

DISPATCHER: "911, where is your emergency?"

CALLER: (screams) "Help me! My house is on fire! 164 East Ford Avenue!"

Then, not fearing for her own safety, she braved the thick smoke and flames in an attempt to save her children. She got one out alive, then went back in for the other. It was all captured on the 911 call.

CALLER: "OK baby" (breathing heavily)

DISPATCHER: "Are you still there?"

CALLER: "I'm trying to help my baby. Get him outta the smoke. OH MY GOD! Oh my God! My baby! Please!"

They all made it out, but sustained serious injuries. Lieutenant Ionno tells us that the children and the mother sustained smoke inhalation and some burns on the body. 

All were taken to the burn unit at Akron Childrens Hospital where they remain. The children, ages 1 and 2, are in critical condition. The mom is in serious condition. All are stable at this time.

No cause has been determined at this time, but according to fire officials, there were three non-working smoke detectors in the home. 

The city of Barberton offers free smoke detectors to residents, and according to Ionno, the fire department will even install them. 

The city of Barberton is also taking donations to support this heroic mom in her time of extreme need. If you'd like to help or have questions about the smoke detector program, contach the Barberton Mayor's Office at (330) 848-6719 or on their web page cityofbarberton.com.

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