Local

Neighbor helps occupants escape devastating house fire

DES MOINES, Wash. — Four people and nearly two dozen pets are safe Thursday after a house fire in Des Moines.

Fire officials were called to the scene near South 27th and 232nd Street around 3 a.m.

Flames and smoke were pouring out of the side of the two-story house.

Juan Garcia, who lives next door, says he heard explosions before seeing the fire.

He decided then he needed to do something because he didn’t see people coming out of the house.

“I decided to run into the house and woke everyone,” said Garcia. “I think it’s just adrenaline. I had to do it.”

The four residents inside made it out, along with the family dog.

All 20 cats inside were also rescued – most of them kittens born just a few weeks ago.

KIRO 7 spoke to the landlord who also lives there. She said everyone was asleep and would have no idea that there was a fire until the neighbors alerted them.

So far, there is no word on what caused the fire.

No one was hurt.

No other properties were affected.