Man Braves Fire to Save Dog

By Doug Warner, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK -- Mack Zeiler was afraid people would think he was a thief. He never imagined he'd be called a hero.

The Wayne, Oklahoma man was driving though a northwest Oklahoma City neighborhood in July when he spotted smoke and flames coming from a house. Concerned that people might be inside, Zeiler stopped and walked up to the house.  

"Well I saw a car in the driveway," he said. "So I went ahead and peeked in the side window and saw a purse on the table."

Elisa Vasquez walked onto the scene behind Zeiler. She witnessed what he did next and decided to nominated him as a NEWS 9 Oklahoma Hero.

Zeiler picked up a rock and was about to throw it through a window when he paused.

"He turned around and said, will you be my witness that I'm not here trying to vandalize or steal or anything," Vasquez said. "I said yes sir, I'm your witness."

Fortunately the homeowners were not trapped in the fire, but Zeiler's efforts were not in vain. He managed to save Zeek, the family dog.

"I am honored to have met this man this year," Vasquez said. "I think this man is a true hero, to go into a burning house and help people he did not know."

Zeiler was the final Oklahoma Hero nominee. Viewers can cast their vote for their favorite hero on News9.com's Oklahoma Hero Page. Later this year NEWS 9 will broadcast its 5 and 6 p.m. newscast from the winner's hometown.