Mother rescues children from fire

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - A mother who escaped from her burning apartment, spoke out for the first time since her family was trapped by flames.

The fire broke out in an apartment building off Lakebend Drive early Monday morning. Dozens of residents were forced to evacuate.

It started in the third floor apartment belonging to Lebriney Daniels and her two children who were 2 and 4 years old.

In an exclusive interview, Daniels told 2 News the smell of smoke woke her up. When she walked out into the hallway, she saw the ceiling of the halls and kitchen area covered in flames.

The single mother said all she could think about was getting her two children out of the burning home.

Several residents struggled to get out. Firefighters put a ladder and rescued a baby from a third floor window. The baby's parents were just getting ready to throw the child down into the arms of a neighbor.

Another man was forced to jump off his second floor balcony, and was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Daniels described the nightmare of rescuing her children from their bedrooms, and told 2 News it was a really close call for her whole family.

"I ran in and I got my son, and threw him out the door. Then I ran back in and got my daughter and threw her out. Within a split second the fire was so much more stronger, and the smoke was so much more thicker," said Daniels.

She said the ceiling started to fall in as she ran out, and as they drove away from the burning building, she saw flames shooting out her bedroom window.

"God, I thank God, because one more minute and me and my kids could have died," said Daniels.

2 News asked Daniels if she had experienced any electrical problems in her home. She said her lightbulbs would blow out almost every single day. She was constantly buying new lightbulbs.

Dayton Fire investigators said they were still trying to figure out what sparked the flames.

If you'd like to help the victims of the fire, you can call the Red Cross at (937) 222-0124.

They've opened a shelter for victims at the Christian Life Center on Little York Road, but still need help providing necessities.