water through a window onto ….

water through a window onto a flaming couch until firefighters arrived.

“I saw the smoke, and I saw Mr. Kim running to help, so I grabbed the hose,” Boudevin said Tuesday. “There was a lot of smoke and it felt like it was 250 degrees, but I tried to keep the fire at bay until firefighters came.”

OCFA Division Chief Ron Roberts said he was pleased to honor the men.

“Without the quick and selfless actions of both men, this fire could have been much more damaging as well as potentially causing bodily injury, or worse yet, a fire fatality,” Roberts said. “Both gentlemen are being recognized and awarded by both the city of Seal Beach and the Orange County Fire Authority.”

Kim was awarded the OCFA’s Chief Award, which is the highest honor the agency gives to a civilian honoree.

Boudevin was awarded the OCFA’s Certificate of Merit, which is the second highest honor the OCFA awards to civilians.

Kim, speaking through a translator, said he was truly honored to have received award and would have done the same for anyone.

Boudevin called it his duty to help out when he could, adding that everyone should take time this weekend to double-check their smoke alarms to make sure they are in good working order.