Man Saves 95-Year-Old from Lauderhill House Fire

When Tracy Bernard Smith noticed smoke pouring from his neighbor's home two doors down, he didn't hesitate for a second.

The Lauderhill resident was walking to his family's house in the rain on August 29 when he spotted flames at 95-year-old Rose Nelson's home. Smith rushed to the window and found Nelson trapped inside, unable to escape on her own because of carpal tunnel syndrome that prevented her from opening the window.

"I saw smoke in the front and I knew what it was," Smith said. "I lifted the window and she was standing right there."

What he saw next still shakes him. Nelson was covered in black soot, with tar-like substance coming from her nose. Smith pulled her through the window and carried her to safety just as flames engulfed the home.

Lightning had struck an AC wall unit, igniting a fire that destroyed the interior of Nelson's house. Fire crews arrived to find smoke and flames visible from the rear, but thanks to Smith's quick action, Nelson was already out.

Nelson's daughter, Sandra Watson, says her mother is recovering at Jackson Memorial Hospital's Burn Center. Doctors have cleared the soot from her lungs and treated burns to her throat and tongue from smoke inhalation.

The home where Nelson lived for decades has been declared unlivable. Like many seniors on fixed incomes, Nelson couldn't afford homeowner's insurance as costs climbed beyond her budget.

Sunny's Take

Watson says her mother keeps asking about her home, her neighbors, and the plants she lovingly tended. At night, Nelson sometimes wakes up screaming "Fire" and her address, reliving those terrifying moments.

But the family isn't giving up. Watson created a GoFundMe to help cover medical bills and rebuild the home her mother loves. "Momma, you're gonna come with me," Watson told her. "We are gonna work on getting the house back together."

Smith's courage gave Nelson a second chance, and now her community has the opportunity to give her a place to call home again.