An off-duty Eureka firefighter and High Ridge firefighters rescued a man who became trapped on a deck while trying to escape a fire in his home on Sunday (Dec. 15).
High Ridge Fire Protection Engineer John Barton said the fire was in the 100 block of Downing Street in House Springs.
He said three adults were living in the house and were all home at the time of the fire.
Barton said they smelled something strange, and when they opened the garage, they saw smoke and fire.
Two of the residents left the home through the front door, and the third resident was trying to save the three dogs and two cats when he found himself trapped on the deck. The animals all survived.
Barton said the off-duty Eureka firefighter lives nearby and came to help.
Barton said High Ridge crews were dispatched at 3:56 p.m. and arrived on the scene at 4:04 p.m.
He said the cause of the fire was unknown, but it was not suspicious.
Barton said the homeowners were not able to reenter the home and are staying with family.
The fire was under control by 4:30 p.m. and crews left the scene at 6:22 p.m.
High Ridge crews were assisted by Eureka and Cedar Hill fire protection districts and North Jefferson Ambulance.