Illinois sheriff's deputies helped a family escape their burning home Tuesday, and in one case, they used a blanket to catch a 5-year-old child who jumped from a third-story window.
The fire broke out shortly before 10:30 p.m. in West Peoria, and Peoria County sheriff's deputies were part of the response, the agency stated in an online post. Flames were shooting through the roof when they reached the scene, and they discovered that a family of four was still trapped inside.
When deputies tried to enter the home, the flames in the entry hallway proved to be too overwhelming. The deputies, along with bystanders, found a blanket and used it as a net to catch a child who was dropped from a third-floor window.
Firefighters from West Peoria and other communities also responded to the blaze, and they were able to three family members from the apartment. Crews put out the flames, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
"This is such a great example of our first responders working with citizens in our community to save lives," Sheriff Chris Watkins said in a statement. "As you can see and hear in the body-worn camera footage, this was a very intense situation. I am proud of everyone involved and thoughts and prayers for the families affected by this fire," Sheriff Watkins said.
