AKRON, Ohio — A 6-year-old remained in critical condition at Akron Children's Hospital after being rescued from the basement of a burning home, according to the Akron Fire Department.
Firefighters responded to the fire on Laffer and Iroquois Avenues just after 7 p.m Thursday.
A family of six was home at the time. Two adults and and three children managed to get out on their own, but Zaiouli Wilson, a first grader at Seiberling Elementary, was trapped in the basement.
The girl's father, Michael Wilson, burned his arm in a failed attempt to get to the girl.
A short time later, Akron firefighters rushed in, grabbed Zaiouli and rushed her to Akron Children's Hospital.
On Friday afternoon, Michael returned to the home and said his daughter was not burned, but inhaled smoke. He also said he was very grateful to the firefighters.
"Thank you for getting her out. It could have been worse," he said.
A firefighter who responded to the fire suffered a minor injury, according to the department.
Fire officials said the home is a total loss.
Investigators have not determined the cause, but said it did not appear to be suspicious.
