Everyone on the block escaped from the flames without any injuries thanks to a quick-thinking Philadelphia police officer.
The fire happened in the 3800 block of Pulaski.
Officer Tawaina Weal, who has less than two years on the force, was on routine patrol around 2:30 a.m.
"I was patrolling the area. I was driving down 18th street. I heard screaming, and I saw fire," said Officer Weal.
She saw those flames and knew she had to act fast to get people out of homes on the block.
"The fire was too big to rush in. The fire, when I saw it, was already blazing, so I just made sure I got everybody out that I could get out," Officer Weal said.
As firefighters battled the flames, witnesses told police they saw who started the fire, possibly with a towel soaked with gasoline.
"The officers arrived on location. They were met by multiple witnesses that saw the suspect throwing something through the window which caught the house on fire," said Sgt. William Schmid.
Police said the homeowner identified the suspect accused of starting the fire as a relative with mental health issues. An officer took him into custody right there at the scene.
The suspect was transported to Temple University Hospital to be treated for burns to the arms and legs.
There is no word yet on any criminal charges.
