Not all heroes wear capes: MCTS bus driver saves residents after rushing into burning building

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – A Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) driver was hailed a hero for helping save people from a burning building. MCTS driver Chanaye Brown was honored on Thursday, Oct. 10 for stepping in when help was needed. 

Brown was driving her route on Jan. 5, when she saw flames coming from the window of a home near 79th and Hampton.

Video from inside the bus shows Brown leap into action after spotting the fire.

"I'm going to see if I can get somebody's attention," Brown can be heard saying on video. 

Watch the video below: 

In the video, you can see Brown run toward the building to pound on the front door as a passenger calls 911. As terrified residents ran out, Brown rushed into the building when she heard cries of children. She even tried to use a fire extinguisher. 

"Just full force, just act, go," Brown said. "I don't know, I guess I just felt like it was something that I needed to do." 

Police and firefighters arrived at the scene and quickly extinguished the fire. Luckily, no one was hurt in part to Brown's fearless actions. 

"I was doing something that I would want somebody to do if it was my kids in that predicament. That's how I feel anytime I'm out here driving a route," said Brown. 

For her heroic actions, Brown was named "Honorary Fire Chief of the Day." She also joined firefighters and the Red Cross handing out smoke detectors. 

"A smoke alarm and having an escape plan among your family are really critical to preserving life and property in our homes," said Lieutenant Mike Ball, Milwaukee Fire Department. 

Thursday evening, Brown will be recognized with a Community Hero Award during the Milwaukee Fire Department's annual Meritorious Service Awards Ceremony.