"Thank God for the neighbor!" Man alerts sleeping 18-year-old to fire; Oak Creek family now homeless

OAK CREEK (WITI) --  An early morning fire has left an Oak Creek family homeless -- but they're alive, thanks to some quick-thinking by a neighbor.

"Oh thank God for the neighbor! Normally he gets off at 6, 6:30 -- but he happened to get off at 4:30," homewoner Edward Paez said.

The South Milwaukee Fire Department responded to Paez's home near Wildwood and Drexel in Oak Creek early Thursday morning, August 7th for reports of a structure fire.

According to officials, crews responded to the home around 4:30 a.m. after the neighbor spotted flames on the deck.

Upon arrival, crews encountered a well-advanced fire involving a single-family dwelling, and attached wooden deck and a two-car garage. Officials say all three sustained extensive damage.



South Milwaukee Fire Department personnel were assigned interior fire attack and assisted in overhaul.

At this time, the cause of the fire is unknown; however, FOX6 News has learned that the fire broke out on a deck between the garage and home.

Paez and his family were camping about an hour away -- but Paez's 18-year-old son was home -- and had fallen asleep in the living room.

"He was actually woken up by a neighbor across the street that just happened to be getting home earlier than normal and he was knocking on the door," Paez said.

That was enough to rouse Paez's son so that he could get to safety.

An Oak Creek Fire Department spokesperson says they continue to investigate the cause of the fire -- but that early signs point to something outside the home as being the source.

Fire officials haven't yet determined damage estimates -- but say the damage is significant.

The fire has left the Paez family with just a few of their belongings.

"They basically said it's really bad, so we were only allowed to come out and take a couple personal belongings, but you know, we can't even go in there, There's so much structural damage. Everything was totaled. Every clothing, every furniture piece, everything pretty much that we owned is in that house," Paez said.

Despite the loss of what was in his home -- Paez says he's grateful.

"My son came out, you know. He's alive, so thank God for that," Paez said.

No additional details have been released at this time.



Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.