Hillsborough County Fire Rescue is working a residential structure fire in the 1700 block of Carnegie Circle.
- Two injured in Tampa house fire
- Homeowner's girlfriend suffered burns to 80% of body
- Homeowner thanks neighbor for saving family
Officials said one woman and two girls--ages 11 and 12--were inside the home when it caught fire. According to officials, neighbors pried burglar bars off the house to get them out.
“I ran over there and the only thing in my mind was if those were my kids,” said neighbor Austin Peterson. "I was hitting it with a sledge hammer to try and break off the bars from the concrete. It wouldn’t come off that easy . We had to pry the door open it was so hot."
Officials said two of the victims were taken to the hospital--one badly burned.
Officials said homeowner Edwin Peterson was out shopping at the time of the fire, but his girlfriend suffered burns to 80% of her body. He also said one of the girls is his daughter and the other is his niece.
The family lost everything they own, but Peterson said he's thankful his neighbor was able to save what truly counts.
"He definitely is a hero. He definitley helped save my family. It's a great move, he really did a great job," he said.
Officials said the home is total loss.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
This is a developing story, please check back for updates.