An 8-year-old is being called a hero after finding and helping put out a brush fire — preventing what could have become a dangerous forest fire.

Brayden Roberts was walking about a mile in the woods in Winchendon when he came across smoke and flames spreading through the dry brush. He quickly ran back home and called 911.

The 8-year-old and a family member then returned to the fire to start putting it out with water from a nearby stream.

The fire department was able to respond and put the fire out fully.

“This young man’s actions were nothing short of courageous,” said Winchendon Fire Chief Thomas Smith. “He recognized a dangerous situation, got help immediately. That’s bravery.”

He was thanked for his efforts at the Winchendon Fire Station by Smokey the Bear.

“Brayden’s heroism is a

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