Cleveland Father Severely Burned After Risking His Life to Save Stepdaughter from Apartment Fire

When flames erupted without warning at a Cleveland apartment complex, 30-year-old Cordale Sheffield didn’t hesitate. Acting purely on instinct, he risked everything to rescue his stepchildren—an act of courage that’s now inspiring people across the country.

Cordale was spending the day with his 10-year-old stepson and 11-year-old stepdaughter at the Rainbow Terrace Apartments. Suddenly, a powerful explosion rocked the building, throwing him completely out of the apartment.

Dazed and injured, Cordale quickly realized something terrifying: the children were still trapped inside.

As smoke billowed and chaos unfolded, he shouted to them to escape. His stepson managed to leap from a window, but his stepdaughter was paralyzed by fear. With no time to waste, Cordale made an unthinkable decision—he charged back into the burning building.

“He was already injured from the explosion,” said his sister, Cierra Alqawi, in an interview with News 5 Cleveland. “But he still went in. That’s when he got the worst of it. His hair caught fire. He was burned everywhere.”

Cordale reached his stepdaughter and got her out alive—but at a tremendous cost. He suffered catastrophic burns over 92% of his body. Doctors have since had to remove all of his skin. “He has no skin left,” Cierra said, heartbroken.

He’s already undergone at least four surgeries and remains in the hospital, wrapped head-to-toe in bandages. Doctors estimate he’ll need to remain hospitalized for at least six more months. Both children were also injured and remain under close medical supervision, though they are expected to recover.

The children’s mother had been at work when the tragedy unfolded on June 23.

“I’m so proud of my brother,” Cierra shared. “He didn’t think about himself—he just acted. He’s a hero. That’s who he is.”

She learned about the fire through social media, not an official call. A video had surfaced of Cordale walking away from the fire, severely burned but alive. “He looked like a zombie,” she recalled. “It was horrifying to see.”

Cordale wasn’t the only hero that day. A separate video from 19 News showed another woman dropping a child from a second-story window, where bystanders caught the child and helped guide others to safety. Together, strangers came together and saved lives.

Lieutenant Mike Norman of the Cleveland Fire Department confirmed that the fire destroyed 44 apartment units and displaced nearly 100 residents. Damage estimates have climbed to $3.5 million.

City officials responded with support, releasing a statement acknowledging the severity of the disaster. “Firefighters and emergency crews acted quickly to contain the blaze and safeguard lives,” the city noted. The American Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at Zelma George Recreation Center to assist displaced families.

Cordale’s family has launched a GoFundMe to cover his extensive medical care, and donations have already surpassed $40,000. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, with updates expected as officials gather more evidence.

In the face of devastating injury, Cordale Sheffield stands as a true symbol of bravery. He didn’t just run into a fire—he ran in twice. And because of that, two children are still alive.

His road to recovery will be long and painful, but Cordale will not face it alone. He has a community behind him, inspired by his strength, sacrifice, and love