VALENCIA — An 18-year-old volunteer firefighter Wednesday night pulled out his neighbor’s grandchildren from a house filling with smoke.

Chief Al Minjock of the Adams Area Fire District said Rob Ashmore ran into the house at 55 Almira St. owned by William Hayes after a kitchen blaze started.

Minjock said Hayes’ wife realized her grandchildren were still in the two-story house after she made it outside.

“The place filled with smoke,” he said.

Minjock said Ashmore, who lives on the same street, ran into the house without any gear.

Ashmore later told Minjock he put his shirt over his mouth and ran inside.

“Pretty brave,” Minjock said about his firefighter’s actions.

He said Ashmore leaves for the U.S. Navy in 30 days.

Minjock said the heating element of the Hayes’ dishwater was the cause. He estimated damages at $5,000.

The Hayes are insured.