Letter Carrier Mitchell Dettman was recently delivering mail in Sac City, IA, when he spotted flames leaping from a trash can near a residence.
Dettman rushed to the front door to alert the homeowner, who called 911.
The Postal Service employee then grabbed a garden hose and battled the blaze until firefighters arrived.
“The fire could have extensively damaged the house and injured the adults and children inside,” said Sac City Postmaster Mark Cupples. “Mitch’s quick actions are a great example of selfless service and bravery.”