San Jose

San Jose Father Saves Child, Mother, Family Dogs from House Fire

A San Jose father’s fast-thinking saved his child, his mother, and the family’s dogs from the flames that consumed their home.

The fire happened Friday night on Delbarr Court in the Willow Glen neighborhood. Firefighters battled the fire for two hours, but before they arrived, there was already a hero on the scene.

It was just after 10 p.m. when the fire started in the garage of Jose Guerra’s home. San Jose fire investigators said it looks to have been sparked by a gas leak from a car.

The father acted fast and got his 5-year old daughter out of the burning home. Then, he rescued his mother, who at that point did not realize how serious the situation was.

So, she asked her son to let her get her purse--but that was not an option.

"I wouldn't have made it out alive if I had stopped for anything," Claudia Guerra said. "In my mind, my babies were safe and that's all that mattered. Jose saved us."

Once his family was safe, Guerra realized that the family dogs were still inside in the very garage where the fire started. Guerra managed to get them out.

"My daddy's a hero," Guerra's daughter said.

They are staying with a family friend while the family figures out where to go next.

Guerra’s quick action saved his family. San Jose fire said having a plan can help others do the same if they find themselves in the same situation.

They also said to plan an escape step-by-step, including drawing a floor plan with clearly-marked escape routes. Make sure the doors and windows can be opened by all family members.

Firefighters also said to pick a meeting place to know when everyone’s out, and perhaps most importantly, practice the emergency plan.

As the weather gets colder, San Jose fire said it is worth checking heaters to make sure they are in working order. And as people light up that jack o’lantern for Halloween, firefighters said to consider a battery-operated light instead of a candle.

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