DELAND, Fla. – A DeLand man is being called a hero after surveillance video captured him racing into a burning home and helping a child and her dog get to safety — before firefighters arrived on scene.
The fire broke out Monday near Cascades Park Trail. Neighbors say the man sprinted from his home across the cul-de-sac to the burning house when smoke began pouring out.
The man declined an interview, but his family told a reporter he was simply being a good neighbor.
The surveillance footage tells a different story — one of split-second bravery. In the video, a woman can be heard screaming outside the home as the man runs straight across the street and through the front door.
After several moments, the man re-emerges along with the child and dog, both safely out of the burning house.
A Volusia County Sheriff’s deputy arrived on scene shortly after and was also captured on body camera footage sprinting inside to clear the home. A DeLand Police officer followed close behind.
DeLand Fire officials said the child’s mother initially believed a second child was still trapped inside — but that child had already made it out safely before crews arrived.
Three people were transported to the hospital — the girl, the deputy and the police officer — suffering from smoke inhalation and minor burns. All are expected to recover, officials said.
Neighbors say they are not surprised the man jumped into action, describing it as simply part of who he is.
“He always takes one step forward, so that was amazing what he did,” said Karen Huezo, a neighbor.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s office is now investigating to determine the cause of the fire.