A Lake County deputy said she didn't think about herself when she ran into a burning home. Deputy Stephanie Pfiester was actually answering another call on Woodcrest Way near Clermont, Tuesday night, when someone flagged her down and told her about the fire.
When Pfiester drove up to the burning home, flames were already coming through the roof.
"I jumped out, tried to look inside. It was pretty much engulfed at that time. I could hear screaming," Pfiester said.
A paralyzed woman was on the floor of the back porch, with the fire growing around her. Pfiester ran inside.
"The only thing I was thinking was, I have to get her out in time. I was like, I just have to hurry and get her out safely, that's all," she said.
Pfiester, a neighbor and the woman's daughter dragged her from the porch.
"We had to drag her. That was the only way," Pfiester said. "We tried to do it as quick as possible, because I only imaged that the fire was coming through that side of the building where we were at."
Everyone was out safely by the time firefighters arrived. Pfiester said, it's a night she wont forget.
"My father is a firefighter in Orange County. He was very proud of me. Now I can relate to what he does everyday and I have a new appreciation for firefighters," she said.
Firefighters said the fire was started by an 8-year-old child who lit a blanket on fire while playing with matches or a lighter. The child then, dragged the blanket through the house, spreading the flames.
The family is staying with relatives and friends.
