San Diego (KGTV) — A photojournalist with ABC 10News helped save a sleeping family from a fire that ripped through their home in San Diego’s Encanto neighborhood Tuesday Morning, which left them displaced.
Paul Anderagg, who is a part of the 10News Breaking News Tracker, arrived in the 2100 block of Swan Street shortly after the fire was reported around 6 a.m. and spotted flames coming from the back of the home.
Family members inside were apparently unaware that the blaze was moving fast until Anderagg called out to them.
"I saw the family gathering their belongings and some kids and pets and told them you need to get out of here,” said Anderagg.
The chaotic moments were captured on camera as the photojournalist helped rush the family from their burning home. Firefighters with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department arrived a short time later and began putting out the flames.
The family — four adults and a child — and their pets got out safely, but one family member suffered a hand injury and was hospitalized.
Sandra Lozoya was inside and says she woke up to a bright light and knew something was wrong.
“We were confused and the man with the camera came from the back door and said what are you doing here - get out this is serious,” said Lozoya.
The fire had started in a shed attached to the back of the home and Lozoya had no idea just how dangerous things had become.
“Four days ago, my mother died, and now my father, in the back, he has cancer in the face and they say he has a few months. I don't know."
Crews were able to stop the flames from spreading to the rest of the house, but San Diego Fire-Rescue Department officials said the blaze destroyed a studio residence located behind the home and caused damage to the main house's eaves. There was a shed full of memories collected since they moved in 1984 destroyed.
“As long as we're fine, we're good. I appreciate life because we're still here thank you, God, thank everybody, the firemen, the person who screamed so loud thank you so much I appreciate that."
SDFD officials say the family is receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. While the cause of the fire is under investigation, officials believe the fire may have been accidentally sparked by a candle.
The fire reportedly caused an estimated $150,000 in total damage.
