SAN ANTONIO — When neighbors on Carrie Lane found an inferno raging outside their northeast San Antonio home, they sprang into action.
Video recorded last week offers a window into a world most people would rather not see, but fire officials said knowing what to do and what to avoid in situations like this can make a huge difference.
Before firefighters arrived, the snap, crackle and pop of fire filled the air. Neighbors scurried to move their cars out of harm's way and fire officials said if it’s possible to do it safely it’s a great idea.
“That’s huge! That’s a dream come true” Joe Arrington with SAFD said, adding “The more access we have to a building that's on fire the better. The faster we can get to it.”
One woman even grabbed a garden hose to protect her own home...until a police officer warned it was too dangerous.
"If your home is next door to a home that's on fire, maybe spray the outside of your house, keep it moist. Keep it wet,” Arrington said.
Arrington added that safety always has to be top of mind, because there’s a big difference between a garden hose and the high capacity hoses of firefighters.
Arrington said home hoses may deliver nine to 12 gallons per minute, but professional handlines can deliver about 150 gallons per minute.
“I know you think you're making difference with your garden hose in there but realistically you're not. In a big house fire that water is evaporating before it even gets to the fire,” Arrington said.
Pre-planning is important too, Arrington said, adding that every family should have an emergency meeting spot.
“Have that meeting place. Have a rally point where you can say everyone is here,” Arrington said.
Other things to consider long before disaster strikes, Arrington said, keep trees trimmed up so fire can’t jump from house to house on rooftops and never store firewood adjacent to a home.
“Everything combustible needs to be away from your house,” Arrington said.
Arrington also said keeping fire hydrants accessible is vital.
“We’ve all seen the videos. Never park in front of a fire hydrant. We don't want to have to go through a car but if we do, we do. Not only is it against the law, it's a bad idea,” Arrington said.
The fire department has a website with life saving videos. There's content for kids, adults and seniors that cover all seasons and lots of stuff you probably haven't thought about.
Here's the link that could help save your family: https://www.firesafesa.com/