A Bellefontaine man is being praised for saving a city couple moments before their home burst into flames Sunday morning around 5:40.
Todd Baumgardner was walking his dogs when he noticed fire and smoke coming from Lester and Jerri Foreman's home at 1316 Dakota Road.
Baumgardner forcefully knocked on the couple's front door, alerting them of a large fire in their attached garage.
Baumgardner then used his cell phone to report the fire.
Listen to Baumgardner describe what happened.
Mr. Foreman said Baumgardner undoubtedly saved their lives.
Moments later, the Bellefontaine Fire Department responded.
Assistant Chief Dwayne Dow said the fire started in the garage, but the cause is undetermined.
He said the fire did about $165,000 worth of damage to the structure and contents.
All off-duty personnel were called in for assistance. Fire crews were on scene for over three hours.
Foreman said he lost a mint condition 2006 Hummer (pictured) in his garage. He said he just bought some new chrome pieces for the vehicle.
The Foremans have lived in their three-bedroom home for 22 years.
Mr. Foreman retired from Honda five years ago and Mrs. Foreman works at Northeastern Elementary.
Mrs. Foreman retrieved her family dog before everyone escaped safely.
The Foremans spent Sunday afternoon meeting with family members and several concerned neighbors.
