Bystander pulls one from burning home in Gresham

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — One person suffered burn injuries in a second-alarm house fire in Gresham Tuesday morning, but officials say it could have been worse if neighbors hadn’t stepped in.

Gresham Fire Department received a report of heavy black smoke in the area of Southwest Orchard Place and Southwest 17th Street around 8:30 a.m.

Emanuel Cabrales and Lucia Rasbot were driving in the neighborhood when they saw smoke and pulled over to make sure no one was inside.

“My wife said there’s a guy right there, laying there,” said Cabrales. “I didn’t think twice. We pulled the door away and I drug him out to the porch.”

Officials arrived at the scene and rushed the victim to a hospital. It’s unclear how severe their injuries are.

Gresham Fire commended Cabrales for his “heroic actions,” saying “the victim has a chance of survival” because of him.

When told he was brave, however, Cabrales responded, “No, I think I would like someone to do the same thing for me.”

Firefighters were initially notified there were two victims but said no other people were located during a search.

An investigation is underway to determine what caused the blaze.

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