Twin girls thank firefighters one year after being saved

It was nearly a year ago when twins Chloe and Emma were rescued from a raging apartment fire in Everett.

The twins are now 4 years old.

“Just watching them grow bigger is amazing every day,” said mother Sihaya Sweum.

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It was Jan. 29, 2018, when fire consumed their first-floor apartment. The girls were trapped inside. Fortunately, they were in the bedroom with the door closed when two firefighters entered the burning building and pulled them out alive.

“The thought that one of them wouldn’t have made it, it breaks my heart,” Sweum said.

The girls spent 24 hours in the hospital for smoke inhalation.

Though they're recovered and don't have any lingering health impacts, Sweum tends to block out the fire. It's just easier that way.

“Especially since Chloe had a breathing tube when I saw her in the hospital and they didn’t know how she was going to be. She was in an induced coma. So that was really scary,” Sweum explained.

They now live in a different apartment in the same complex.

The girls still talk about the fire.

“Firefighter saved me from the fire,” said Emma.

The American Red Cross has honored Capt. Nick Adsero and firefighter Brent Duckworth for saving the girls.

Rep. Suzan DelBene also recognized them on the House floor and made their bravery part of congressional record.

Emma and Chloe have also gotten to visit them. They’ve given them special gifts like a stuffed puppy.

“I cuddle with him all the time,” Chloe said. “He’s so comfy.”

Everett Fire says the cause of the fire is undetermined.

But Sweum said one of the twins has admitted to starting the fire with a lighter her 23-year-old sister left lying around. That older sister was also supposed to be watching the girls when she left them alone.

The prosecutor declined to file charges against the sister. Sweum was initially furious at her older daughter for putting them at risk. They're currently trying to repair their relationship.

“It's hard. I feel very grateful that they're OK and that’s the main thing of everything,” said Sweum.

The twins, bubbly and thriving, don't realize how close they were to not making it out alive.

But it's always in the back of Sweum's mind.

“Appreciate the little things a little more, indulge them maybe a little bit sometimes,” Sweum added. “You realize how important family is.”

“Thank you for saving me,” said Chloe.

Cox Media Group