POST FALLS — Kendall Loutsis was babysitting her niece and nephew when she heard an explosion and peeked outside.

The house next door was going up in flames, and police were notifying neighbors to evacuate.

The fire was so fierce it was melting the side of Kendall's brother's home on Sparrow Loop during the June 21 incident.

"I was pretty scared," said Kendall, who will be a sixth-grader at Holy Family Catholic School. "It's not like I was really freaking out, but I was just nervous."

She immediately checked on her niece and nephew when Officer Brian Harrison arrived.

"I contacted her there and asked her to gather the children and follow me outside to safety," Harrison said. "Kendall remained calm and composed during this process. She was able to wake the youngest child from an upstairs bedroom and carried her outside to safety with the older child in tow.

"The flames were intense and there were several loud explosions, all of which was occurring less than 15 yards from the entry of the home Kendall and the children were in."

Kendall's actions were recognized at the Post Falls City Council meeting Tuesday night when Police Chief Scot Haug honored her with a Youth Recognition Award.

"Kendall's ability to remain calm, cool and collected during this event contributed greatly to the two young children in her care also being able to remain relatively calm," Harrison said. "She presented herself as a brave young lady."

Kendall said school presentations on fire safety, including one her firefighter uncle made, helped her to not panic during the tense situation.

Lori, Kendall's mother, said her daughter's actions didn't surprise her, but she's also proud Kendall came through.

"She's definitely that kind of person," Lori said. "It was nice to re-affirm what mom knows. I'm grateful for how she reacted."

Lori said it was nice of the police department to recognize Kendall's efforts.

"Programs that encourage positive interactions with youth make police more approachable," Lori said.