HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) - Neighbors came to the rescue of a baby, her pregnant mother and her grandmother after, officials said, a fire broke out inside their Hollywood home, Thursday morning.
Hollywood Fire Rescue responded to the scene of the blaze at the house, located near 60th Avenue and Fillmore Street, just before 7 a.m. “Heavy smoke and flames showing,” said Hollywood Fire Rescue Division Chief Mark Miller.
Christina Payas, who was not at the house, said her pregnant sister, Stephanie Payas, 1-year-old niece Semeriah and her grandmother were all inside at the time.
Area residents said that once they realized the home was on fire, several good Samaritans jumped in to help.
A woman told 7News she helped get the baby out of the burning home. “I just put my shirt over my face and ran in and took the baby from her,” said Gayle Fogee.
Another resident said he pulled someone through the window. “I came outside and I saw them trying to come out the window, so I mean, me and my neighbor tried to come outside to help them, pull them out of the house,” said Christopher Singh.
Crews were able to put out the flames.
Paramedics transported the three victims to Hollywood Memorial Regional Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.
7News cameras captured Semeriah and Christina outside the home shortly after the 1-year-old was discharged, Thursday afternoon. The child’s mother and grandmother remain at the hospital.
“You just never know when things can happen,” said Christina.
Payas was thankful that neighbors rushed to their aid. “Thank you so much for helping, for giving a hand and helping my sister out with the baby and my mom,” she said. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. We really thank you.”
Another aunt, Sandy Payas, later began to sift through the remains, hoping to at least save some pictures.
As night fell with their mother and sister, who is four months pregnant, still in the hospital, Christina and Sandy were holding it all together, taking care of their niece and bringing belongings to another family home across the street.
“I’m just grateful, grateful to God that she’s good, and everything’s good with her,” said Christina as she held Semeriah.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The home is a total loss. The victims will stay with family members for the time being.
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