Robyn McLean deserves praise for the quick action, determination and bravery she displayed upon noticing that a Chicora home was on fire and that a woman - Courtney Miller - was tossing smouldering items out a window. Thanks to McLean's efforts, the damage that the house sustained was probably less extensive than it would have been without her efforts. And, perhaps, her presence helped the home's occupants escape without serious injury.

After McLean and relatives, riding in a car on their way to a store, noticed the problem at the house, McLean, 21, of Petrolia, rushed into the home and filled and dumped two buckets of water on the fire, which was in a bedroom of Miller's children. It was only after smoke became too intense that she was forced to abandon her attempt to fully extinguish the flames.

"It (smoke) was so nasty. I couldn't see two inches in front of me," McLean said. "To tell you the truth, I don't know how I got out of there."

Fortunately, she and all of the home's occupants did escape without serious harm. Only Miller required treatment, for minor burns.

McLean is a great example of how a person, engaging in routine, daily activities, can suddenly become a hero.

She didn't change the course of world events or prevent widespread calamity, but the good she accomplished, and her willingness to place herself in peril on behalf of others, should always be appreciated.

Communities with people of such concern should consider themselves fortunate.