The Selma Times-Journal

Chad Mitchell was delivering a wedding invitation on his day off from fire fighting. His job found him at 310 McDonald Avenue.

Barbara Cowan walked out of her daughter&8217;s house, 311 McDonald Ave., and saw house across the street pouring out smoke.

Both had a decision to make.

Both choose to help.

Tenant Eumkeea Bender and her children were in the home at the start of the fire.

Cowan walked across the street to the house and knocked on the door. The children answered the door. She told them they needed to get out. She called 911.

Mitchell ran to a house to call 911. He had left his cell phone because it was supposed to be a short trip.

Selma firefighters responded to the call. They controlled the fire.

Hoses snaked across the avenue. Water gushed out of spouts and joints. Concerned neighbors kept a safe and courteous distance.

The fire brought down a power line that ran by the front left bedroom, the origin of the fire.

The line remained live on the ground, but people were kept clear.

Capt. Joe C. Phillips said the cause is still undetermined.

No one was hurt in the fire. The house received moderate damage.

The case is still being investigated.