Massachusetts

Elderly Couple, Cats Rescued From 2-Alarm Structure Fire in Brockton, Mass.

The residents of a home that caught fire in Brockton, Massachusetts on Friday morning were rescued by firefighters through a third-floor porch.

Fire crews responded to the 2-alarm fire at approximately 5:45 a.m. near 23 Kenwood St.

"I woke up to women screaming, 'Help me! Help me! Help me!'", recalled neighbor Carol Burke. "The house went up so quick."

A man who lives at the now-charred home told NBC10 Boston that firefighters rescued a total of four residents including his grandparents, who are 95- and 98-years-old. Several cats were also rescued from the scene, although at least one died.

"They went into it while it was blazing," witness Dennis Hursey said. "They were on all floors taking people off ladders and carrying people down and risking their own lives like I couldn’t believe. It was unbelievable."

Brockton Fire Chief Michael Williams said he was not surprised at the quick work by his crew.

"It’s a job well done. And I see this all the time. I’m very proud of my men — men and women. They always do an awesome job," Williams said.

Firefighters remain at the scene to look out for hot spots. Commuters are urged to avoid the area as Kenwood Street is partially closed.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation but authorities believe it started in a first-floor bedroom.

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