VIDEO: African man risking his life saves a family from a building fire in Paris

A dramatic rescue unfolded on Friday in the 18th arrondissement of Paris after a fire broke out on the second floor of a residential building, trapping two families on the top floor. The incident occurred at a building on rue de la Chapelle, sending plumes of smoke through the structure and triggering a swift response from emergency services.

Naomie, her neighbor, and their four young children were caught in the thick smoke and flames with no clear escape route. As the fire intensified and the stairwell filled with smoke, panic and fear gripped the upper floors. But in a moment of extraordinary bravery, a nearby resident risked his life to save them.

Eyewitnesses watched in disbelief as the African man scaled the exterior of the building, climbing along a narrow ledge several dozen meters above the ground. Without any safety equipment, he made his way toward the trapped families, determined to reach them before it was too late.

"He didn’t think twice," said one resident. "He saw they were in danger, and he just started climbing. It was like something out of a movie."

Thanks to his daring actions, the families were guided to safety until firefighters arrived on the scene. Emergency crews quickly took over, extinguishing the blaze and evacuating the remaining residents. Naomie and her two sons, aged 9 and 11, along with others, were treated for smoke inhalation and transported to nearby hospitals. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, but the apartment where the fire began was completely destroyed.

The entire building was evacuated as a precaution, and authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. In the aftermath, many are hailing the unidentified neighbor as a hero, crediting his courage with saving lives.

Local officials and neighbors have rallied around the affected families, offering shelter and support. The mayor of the 18th arrondissement issued a statement thanking the emergency services and calling the rescuer’s actions “a remarkable act of solidarity and bravery.”