Strangers stepped in to rescue an 11-year-old boy trapped after a home caught fire Friday night, according to fire officials in Renton, Washington.

Crews arrived around 7:15 p.m. to find flames and smoke seeping from the roof of a home on the 12600 block of Southeast 170th Street.

Harper Kristiansen, 13, and his 11-year-old brother knew something was wrong Friday when they noticed strange noises and smells.

The 11-year-old boy went upstairs to investigate when, "He started screaming, 'Fire, fire fire! There's a fire!'" Harper said. "So I went upstairs and I saw the fire, and started to panic."

The two became separated in the confusion. Harper managed to escape the flames and began screaming for help, but strangers, believed to be neighbors, were already there.

They went in through a front window and helped Harper's brother escape.

"Thank you everyone for just helping us," Harper said. "Hopefully, we can get the house rebuilt."

The Red Cross is helping the family.

The family is still searching for the neighbors to thank them. Renton firefighters are investigating the cause of the fire.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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