A Georgia passerby rescued a man from his burning home by breaking down the storm door.

A house fire in Winterville, Georgia, started in the garage, according to fire officials.

A Georgia passerby rescued a man from his burning home by breaking down the storm door.
A Georgia passerby rescued a man from his burning home by breaking down the storm door.

Last month, a Georgia homeowner was rescued from his burning home by a quick-thinking passerby who kicked down a locked storm door to pull him to safety.

On the afternoon of Oct. 29, while taking a nap in his Winterville home, David McConnell was awakened by a noise from the kitchen.

McConnell stated that he heard some popping, snapping, and crackling, but he believed it would eventually subside, so he returned to sleep.

McConnell discovered something was wrong when the fire alarm sounded. He stated that he leaped out of bed and found his home filled with thick smoke.

house on fire
Firefighters responded to a house fire in Winterville, Georgia, around 5 p.m. on Oct. 29. (Athens-Clarke County Fire Department)

"McConnell stated that he couldn't see out his backdoor or window, which was quite frightening."

McConnel attempted to leave his home via the front door, but discovered the storm door was locked.

house on fire
Fire officials said that the roof collapsed when first responders arrived. (Athens-Clarke County Fire Department)

On his way home from work, Dylan Betts, a good Samaritan, stopped when he saw smoke and rushed to assist.

"I tore off the locked storm door and then kicked it in," Betts stated.

charred interior of home
No injuries were reported as a result of the fire. (Athens-Clarke County Fire Department)

Through a "thick wall of black smoke," Betts called out as he stepped inside the home.

"Fortunately, Mr. David recognized my voice and immediately approached me," Betts shared with FOX5.

house on fire
The fire was believed to have started in the garage before spreading throughout the home. (Athens-Clarke County Fire Department)

Betts replied to the outlet's question about risking his life to save a stranger by saying, "That's America, why not?"

Betts was saved by McConnell and his family calls him "our hero." As a small thank you, McConnell gave Betts tickets to a Georgia/Tennessee football game.

According to the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department, the fire started in the garage and spread throughout the structure. When firefighters arrived, they found deteriorating conditions, including a roof collapse. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

by Stephen Sorace

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