12-year-old hero helps fight Glades County brush fire

A brush fire burned through 15 acres in Glades County, prompting a swift response from local emergency teams and one young resident. The fire occurred as all of Southwest Florida is under a burn ban.

WINK News reporter Haley Zarcone was at the scene as crews worked to extinguish the flames. Twelve-year-old Fred Kobe played a crucial role in helping put out the fire.

"I was on my dirt bike," said Fred Kobe, who lives in Glades County.

Fred was at a country store when he noticed the smoke and quickly headed home, fearing the fire might be at his house.

"I just thought it was at my house," said Fred.

His sister, Kaylee Kobe, explained his quick actions.

"He got a fire extinguisher out of the tractors and started putting out the fires right by him because they were a couple feet away from catching the tractors on fire," said Kaylee Kobe.

Fred's quick thinking helped protect their property while Kaylee managed to secure their animals.

"I had, like, six horses here, and then we have some cows out there. We had to open up the gates for the cows. And then I loaded the horses up and took them out of here," said Kaylee.

Glades County Emergency Management reported that the fire brought in two dozen resources from across Southwest Florida. Fortunately, no people or animals were injured, and the tractors were saved in time.

Teamwork and quick thinking saved the day on West Jacks Branch Road.

"I was kind of freaking out. But we got it all situated, and everybody just took over a little section of something to do," said Kaylee.

The cause of the fire remains unknown. Glades County Emergency Management urges residents to exercise caution during this dry season under multiple burn bans.