5-year-old warns family of house fire

Fire officials are crediting a 5-year-old boy with helping warn his family that their house was on fire.

This happened around 9:20 Saturday morning on the 8300 block of Mt. Baldy in northeast El Paso.

Fire officials told our photographer on scene that the young boy woke up the family after seeing the fire. That’s when one of the family members called 911.

The family self-evacuated before crews arrived.

Crews arrived to find smoke coming from the air conditioning unit.

Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control at 9:30 a.m. and contain it to 5% of the house. Damage is estimated at $7,000.

The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation. It was determined that the smoke alarms were working.

There were no injuries to report.

The El Paso Fire Department would like to remind the public about their FREE Smoke Alarm Program. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can get completely out of control and begin filling a home with thick, black, poisonous smoke.

In just a few minutes, a home can become completely engulfed with flames. With the advance notice of a working smoke alarm, residents can escape with their lives.

Residents who do not have a smoke alarm can request a FREE smoke alarm by calling 485-5699 or by visiting www.elpasotexas.gov/fire-department/services.