Three teenage boys are being honored for rescuing two people from a house fire on New Year’s Day in Atkinson.

Firefighters say 16-year-old Colby Simmons of Dover-Foxcroft, 15-year-old Kaleb Weymouth of Charleston, and 17-year-old Robert Weymouth of Charleston spotted the fire and entered the home on North Stagecoach Road to alert the two people inside of the spreading fire and get them to safety.

The three were given the “Community Heroism Award” by the Dover-Foxcroft Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office at a ceremony Friday at Foxcroft Academy.

(Image from Maine State Fire Marshall’s Office)

State Representative Chad Perkins also presented them with challenge coins and a commendation letter from the Maine Legislature.

(Image from Maine State Fire Marshall’s Office)

The three banged on the doors of the residence after spotting the fire. They then entered the home when no one answered in an area of the house not yet in flames.

They alerted the two people of the emergency, and helped them to safety. In addition, the teens called 911 to inform emergency responders about the fire.

According to the Fire Marshall’s Office, the occupants may not have escaped the ever-growing fire without the help of the three young men. Their actions were called “heroic” and deserving of recognition.

The Fire Marshall’s Office said it does not encourage people to place themselves in harm’s way. But in specific and often rare instances, the office will present Community Heroism Awards to those whose actions are deserving.