Fernanda Santos, 14, was presented with a Certificate of Heroism on Wednesday by Wenatchee Valley Fire Department Chief Brian Brett at the WVFD commissioners' monthly meeting. Santos received the award "for her actions," the award stated. "She took the necessary steps to save not only her own life but that of her sister."
She was also gifted a challenge coin and a gift card for Wendy's.
On Nov. 21, 2023, the fire department responded to Santos' home for a fire on the 300 block of Methow Street in Wenatchee. The fire began in the laundry room, which was connected by a door to the bedroom, where Santos and her 12-year-old and 2-year-old sisters were asleep.
Her family was able to escape, but she was trapped in her room with her sisters.