When flames broke out in their White Mountain home, 8-year-old Colton Koonooka-Kowchee didn’t hesitate to act. With fire blocking the exits, he jumped from a window into the snow below and ran through deep drifts to get help. His quick thinking led volunteer firefighter Shane Bergamaschi to the scene, where he helped rescue Colton’s great-grandmother, Roseann Titus, from the burning home. Titus, who suffered burns and smoke inhalation, was flown to Anchorage for treatment, while Colton’s mother, Venessa Marie Koonooka, escaped with minor injuries.
The fire destroyed the family’s home and belongings, including food from a recent hunt. Colton’s grandmother, Nora Brown, said his bravery prevented a greater tragedy, possibly saving nearby homes as well. Titus, a longtime employee of the Bering Strait School District, is receiving support from the community, with Bering Air delivering donations and a GoFundMe set up to help the family rebuild.