MYLOUS HAIRSTON
WIVB
Republished with Permission

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BUFFALO, N.Y. - A life or death situation unfolded as fire consumed a Buffalo home.

The fire was heavy and at least one smoke detector sounded the alarm.

However, all six members of a Buffalo family were still in danger as flames raced through their home.

Early Sunday morning on Crossman Street in Buffalo several people called for help when they noticed this home going up in flames.

"One call from an occupant who said she was trapped in a back bedroom with her husband and four children," said Division Chief Don McFeely.

When firefighters arrive, there was an added sense of urgency.

"Crews found that three children were hanging from the back window. One had already fallen on the ground, and one was dangling from the window and the the other was in the window," said McFeely.

The children, ages two, eight, and 12 were pulled to safety. However, two adults and another child were still in the burning home. Firefighters went through the front door and took out a window to get to the victims who had no way to escape.

"They found two victims, a male and a female, unconscious in a rear bedroom," explained McFeely.

"As crews started searching the second floor, I think they found a four-year-old on the front side front bedroom," he added.

The names and conditions of family members have not been released. A neighbor says the family moved into the house this past summer.

"I'm just glad that they are all okay. Hopefully the neighborhood can get together and help them out as much as they can, said their neighbor Bernadette Ross.

Late Sunday afternoon family members salvaged some belongings and loaded them into a van. Firefighters believe the fire may have started in the kitchen area of the home that is close to Cheektowaga border. However, the cause has not been determined.