Two teenage heroes have emerged from a fire last week in Paola. Sixteen-year-old Lucas Nance and his 15-year-old brother Matthew are being commended for helping neighbors evacuate the multi family home. Lucas woke up to popping sounds and flashing lights and saw sparks shooting from a power line in the roof. He jumped up, woke his brother and then pounded on his father’s bedroom door, yelling “fire” and telling him to call 911. He then ran across the yard and started pounding on the front door, yelling that the house was on fire. When he didn’t get a response, he ran up the exterior set of stairs to the second-floor balcony and pounded on that door, even trying to break it down. By then, the smoke was too much and he had to retreat. But, the pounding woke some of the residents inside and they began getting everyone out.
At the fire station, across the street, Matthew Nance was busy helping the victims stay warm even before the Red Cross arrived, assisting with the delivery of blankets, clothing, food and other supplies. Paola Police Chief Chad Corbin credited the quick action of both boys in calling 911 and potentially saving lives
