What started as a late-night drive around the city ended as a lifesaving mission for a group of young ladies from Saskatoon. 

Late Wednesday night, 19-year-old Ella Lucas and her friends, Amber Harper, Kaleigh Folk, and Kaycee Penrod were just heading home when they noticed some sparks coming from the roof of a home on Smith Crescent in the Parkridge neighbourhood. 

Being the first ones on the scene, Lucas says it was only natural to get involved.  

“I hopped out of the car very fast and banged on the door and was ringing the doorbell,” she explains. The occupant, named Dick, answered the door shortly after to see what the fuss was all about. After explaining to him that his house was on fire, she was able to help him get to safety.

“He was downstairs only to take a pill for his knee. Apparently, he couldn’t sleep that night, so it’s crazy timing on his part. He was very, very lucky to be downstairs. The top floor was already on fire when we got there…It’s like the universe was looking out for him.”

Lucas says the man seemed worried about leaving a few sentimental treasures inside the home, so, although the smoke was growing thicker, she went back inside to get some essentials.

“I felt very badly, and I knew that I could run in quickly, faster than he could try, so I ran in and grabbed as many (family) photos as I could, some blankets, a pair of shoes for him to wear, and I grabbed him some medication, as well.”

Noticing the man was clutching his chest, the girls decided to call an ambulance, as well as the fire department, both of which arrived shortly after. 

Lucas says she had never dealt with a situation similar to this before, but she and her friends were able to stay relatively calm.

“I am in nursing prep, so I am hoping to help a lot of people in the future, but that was definitely an eye-opener for me,” she admits.

Lucas says the man was extremely grateful for their act of bravery and is now receiving care at Royal University Hospital.