SEFFNER, Fla. — The 9-year-old boy recently rescued from a house fire in Seffner is finally out of the hospital, another step in his recovery journey.
Last month, two Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputies pulled Owen Ares through a window to save him from a smoke-filled bedroom at his burning home. His mother was outside, praying on her knees when somebody shouted "We got him."
Owen told 10 Tampa Bay he feels lucky to be alive. When asked what's feeling better Owen said, "my face."
Owen suffered second-degree burns to his face and arm, in addition to smoke inhalation. In the days following the fire, he was "heavily" sedated and hooked up to a ventilator during treatment at Tampa General Hospital.
His condition began to improve as his lungs cleared. And, just last week he took his first steps – with some help – since the fire. While he still has a long recovery journey ahead of him, his latest improvements are good news.
One of the first things he wanted to do once he got out of the hospital was to visit the family's 110-year-old house, which was a total loss following the fire.
"It's burnt down, it's sad," Owen said.
His mom tells 10 Tampa Bay she took him and answered all his questions.
Body camera video of the dramatic rescue was previously released by the sheriff's office. Below, you can see how Deputies Kevin Reich and Alexander Maldonado worked quickly to save Owen's life.
"I could not be more proud of the quick actions and bravery these deputies displayed, never giving up until they were able to pull the child to safety. It is because of their heroism that this young boy made it out alive," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a previous statement.
Both deputies will be honored Wednesday afternoon during an awards ceremony held by the sheriff's office. They will both receive a Life-Saving Award.
Owen said he felt like he was in the hospital forever. Now that he's out and living at his grandparent's house in Brandon, he hopes to regain his speed to get back on the football field.
On Saturday Owen's mom said the community is coming out to help demolish the house in Seffner. Anyone is welcome to attend and the family is grateful for all the love and support from the community.