Home heavily damaged in fire

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Two people were able to escape unscathed from a fire at a home in Pensacola Saturday night.

The Osceola Fire Department responded to a fire on Rickwood Dr. around 8 p.m on September 8. Five fire engines responded to the blaze, which started in the home’s garage and spread throughout the house.

The homeowners, Richard and Susan Dean were preparing for a large Sunday dinner with friends.

Instead, they spent the day sifting through what’s left of their destroyed home.

“It was a huge, red fire coming out of the top of the house and billowing smoke and it got worse. Things were exploding and glass was breaking,” said Susan Dean.

Two vehicles were damaged in the blaze and there was some severe damage to parts of the residence, but most of the home was spared.

“We smelled some smoke and thought it was coming from the stove. I stepped into the garage to grab our fire extinguisher and realized there was a fire coming out of the ceiling,” Richard Dean said. 

The Deans say they immediately called 911 and Susan Dean ran outside into the front yard.

Richard Dean ran into the burning garage, moving their car to keep it from exploding. Minutes later, the garage roof collapsed.

"It’s a blessing in disguise because I’m sure the car would have exploded and damaged our neighbor’s houses,” said Susan Dean.

The Deans say their faith is what will get them through this hard time.

“Nobody was injured in any form or fashion. Our grandchildren who live next door weren’t with us. We got out safely and the Lord took care of us,” Richard Dean said.

The Florida State Fire Marshall is now investigating the blaze.