Quick-Thinking Neighbor Rescues Children from House Fire
January 12, 2026
A dramatic rescue unfolded in Middle River, Maryland, as a neighbor’s swift actions saved a family during a severe house fire.
Steven Angelini | WBAL TV / Inside Edition
Ashley Gubernat, who was asleep when her home’s fire alarm sounded, awoke to find flames engulfing the first floor. With smoke rapidly spreading, she acted quickly to rescue her two young sons.
Carrying her younger son, she reached a second-floor window. Meanwhile, she heard her older son outside his room, desperately calling for help.
“My oldest son was screaming, ‘Help me, help me.’ Banging on the side of the house,” Gubernat said.
This distress signal caught the attention of neighbor Steven Angelini, who immediately rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, he encouraged Ashley to drop her children from the window.
“He stood under me and he kept saying, ‘Drop them Ash, I got them. Drop them, I’m going to catch them. I’m going to catch them, just drop them,'” Gubernat recalled.
Angelini successfully caught both children. Additional neighbors soon arrived with a ladder, allowing Ashley to escape the burning structure safely.
Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported. Ashley expressed her gratitude, labeling Steven a hero and thanking all the neighbors for their support. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
