ORANGEFIELD, Texas — Firefighters are crediting an Orangefield teen with saving his family following an early Wednesday house fire.
17-year-old Garrett Rawls thought he was dreaming when he heard the walls cracking.
"My walls were just creaking... cracking.... and it was something you wouldn't want to expect to hear when you go to sleep at night," said Garrett Rawls.
Firefighters from three fire departments battled the house fire that left behind heavy damage before sunrise Wednesday in Orangefield.
Orange County Emergency Services District Two firefighters were sent to the blaze at a home in the 10000 block of East Greenwood Dr at about 3:30 a.m. according to a firefighter.
The family was asleep at the home when the Garrett woke up and smelled smoke according to Bridge City fire marshal Elgin Browning.
He woke up his family and got everyone out of the house Browning told 12News.
"All this can be replaced I just needed to get them out of there. I'm glad I did at the time I did... because 10 more minutes the smoke, the carbon monoxide it was getting bad," Garrett Rawls said.
"I didn't know what to do. I heard my mom screaming...and that's all I can think of was everyone okay," Garrett's sister, Harleigh Rawls said.
The family tried using a hose while they waited for firefighters to arrive, but this caused the fire to grow.
"The ceiling fell through multiple places. My whole room caught on fire it's just nothing left," said Garrett Rawls.
The neighborhood is just north of Orangefield Junior High School.
Within about 10 minutes, a "mutual aid" call for assistance was sent out and firefighters from West Orange and Orange County Emergency Services District Four were sent to help out.
The home sustained heavy damage from fire, smoke and water.
The cause of the fire is under investigation but it is believed to be electrical Browning said.
The family feels fortunate to have survived.
"I love my brother so much. He really did save us. If he wouldn't have woken up and got me and my mom, we wouldn't have gotten out in time," said Harleigh Rawls.
Garrett believes that his late father was watching over the family this morning.
"His obituaries that were in places that burned but they did not burn... it's the only thing that didn't burn... it felt like he was watching over us the whole time," said Garrett Rawls.
Garrett says that he and his family have a place to stay, and that if anybody wants to help, a simple prayer goes a long way.
Fire damages Orangefield home early Wednesday
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.