When a fire broke out in a Cleveland apartment building, Cordale Sheffield didn’t think twice. The 30-year-old father rushed straight into danger to save his stepchildren, ultimately suffering devastating injuries. His incredible bravery is now inspiring people across the country.
Cordale Sheffield was spending time with his two stepchildren, ages 10 and 11, at the Rainbow Terrace Apartments. It was supposed to be a regular day. Then, without warning, a powerful explosion shook the building. The blast was so strong that it threw Cordale out of the apartment.
As the smoke cleared and the shock set in, he realized something terrifying. The kids were still inside.
Cordale Sheffield immediately called out for the children. He begged them to jump from a window to escape the flames. His 11-year-old stepson leaped out. But his stepdaughter was frozen with fear. She couldn’t bring herself to jump. That’s when Cordale made a split-second decision.
He ran back inside to save her.
According to his sister, Cierra Alqawi, Cordale was already burned when he made that second trip inside. But that didn’t stop him.
“He had to go back through the building to go get her, and that’s when he got mostly burned,” Cierra explained during an interview with News 5 Cleveland. “I think that’s when his hair caught on fire.”
Cordale Sheffield was determined to bring her out, no matter the cost.
Cordale’s decision saved the girl’s life. But it came at a huge cost. He suffered third-degree burns over 92 percent of his body. Doctors have already removed all of his skin. His sister described it in heartbreaking terms: “He has no skin.”
He has undergone at least four surgeries already. Wrapped in bandages from head to toe, Cordale now faces a long recovery. Doctors say he may need to stay in the hospital for at least six more months.
Both children were also injured in the fire. They are sedated and under close watch in the hospital. Despite everything, Cierra said they are “relatively okay.” Their mother had been at work when the explosion and fire occurred on June 23.
Cierra cannot express how proud she is of her brother. What he did was something most people would hesitate to do. But he didn’t pause.
“He’s a hero, and everybody’s recognizing him as a hero,” she told the news. “That’s just how I want people to recognize my brother, as who he is. He’s a fighter. He’s a hero.”
Incredibly, Cierra didn’t hear about the fire or her brother’s injuries through official channels. She found out on social media. Someone had posted footage showing Cordale Sheffield walking away from the building after saving the children.
She described the moment she saw the video. “He looked like a zombie,” she said. “That’s what he looked like.”
The pain and shock were clear in her voice. But so was her pride.
Cordale wasn’t the only one acting fast that day. A video shared by 19 News showed another woman tossing a small child out of a second-story window. People below caught the child safely. Moments later, those same people signaled firefighters and helped get a ladder in place to help others escape.
It was a team effort. Strangers became heroes in a matter of seconds.
Lieutenant Mike Norman of the Cleveland Fire Department confirmed that the fire had serious consequences. A total of 44 housing units were damaged. Nearly 100 residents were displaced. The estimated damage is around $3.5 million.
The City of Cleveland released a statement expressing its concern and offering support.
“A fire broke out in the Garden Valley neighborhood, resulting in significant damage to several homes,” the statement said. “Firefighters and first responders worked tirelessly to contain the fire and acted quickly to protect residents and preserve property.”
The city also said they are coordinating with local organizations to support those impacted. The American Red Cross opened a temporary shelter at the Zelma George Recreation Center to help those who lost their homes.
“We extend our heartfelt concern to those affected by this incident, especially to the individuals who sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital,” the city added.
Cordale Sheffield’s family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help with his medical expenses and long-term care. So far, more than 40,000 dollars has been raised. Every donation helps a man who gave everything to save the children he loves.
Authorities are still working to determine what caused the explosion and fire. The investigation is ongoing, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.
Cordale Sheffield is more than a man who suffered tragic injuries. He is a symbol of courage and selflessness. He ran into fire not once, but twice, just to make sure his stepchildren would live.
In doing so, he became a hero, not just to his family, but to an entire community.
His story reminds us what bravery truly looks like. And while his recovery journey will be long and painful, he won’t be walking it alone. He has the support of loved ones, neighbors, and strangers who have all been moved by what he did.
If you would like to help Cordale and his family during this difficult time, you can donate to the fundraiser.