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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 his wife Lucia Rasbot (not pictured) helped rescue someone from a 2-alarm Gresham house fire on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 (KOIN).

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.