Off-duty firefighter rescues woman trapped in Bensalem fire

BENSALEM, Pa. (WPVI) -- Flames broke out in Bensalem, Bucks County and an off-duty firefighter helped rescue a woman trapped inside a second floor apartment.

It happened around 1:30 Sunday afternoon at Tattoos by Bird in the 1500 block of Bristol Pike.

A passerby, who happened to be an off-duty volunteer firefighter, spotted the blaze and jumped into action.

The Bensalem Fire Department says there was a woman trapped on the second floor inside an apartment within the tattoo shop.

Witnesses say the firefighter used a contractor's ladder to climb and reach the woman.

Old Haven Pizza shop owner Paul Giannos says his father watched it all unfold.

"My father called me prior to me coming and he was crying. All I thought of was everything my father worked for going up in flames - that's all," said Giannos.

He was relieved to see the fire didn't take out his business or the others here.

Giannos is also grateful the firefighter was able to make a big save.

The Bensalem Fire Department says his name is Phil Rubin from the Cornwells Fire Company, which is less than a mile away from the scene.

The woman he rescued is the girlfriend of the owner of the tattoo shop. The owner was also here and made it to safety.

No injuries were reported but unfortunately we've learned the man owned several exotic birds and reptiles that didn't make it.

Officials say the fire started in the second floor apartment but the cause is still under investigation.