by Jolene Toves

Guam - A family of eight has been left homeless after a fire raged through their home early Monday morning. From the ashes emerges a hero, as 47-year-old Joseph Santos woke up this morning to the smell of smoke and immediately began trying to rescue his family.

His wife, Ruth, told KUAM News, "The only thing is I am glad they are still alive, but if my husband didn't wake me up my husband and I would have been in that room and the rest of my kids would probably follow especially my younger one. She was the one closest to my room." She was the first one Joseph saved, since she's recovering from a stroke and her mobility is limited to a wheelchair.

"This is a shock - the hardest part is that my kids worked so hard to put this place together, but I rather see that they are here materialistic things can be replaced," she continued.

According to Guam Fire Department spokesperson Lieutenant Ed Artero, the E-911 Center received the call at 5:45 this morning. Firefighters rushed to the home along Hahasu Drive in Dededo, where they found the semi-concrete structure completely engulfed in flames.

Joseph managed to save his wife and thankfully his five girls and his 23-year-old nephew was able to make it out safely. Unfortunately, he had to be sent to the hospital, where he was treated for smoke inhalation. The worst, however, was yet to come - as their home was left in rubble the roof caved in.

"Don't be so devastated," Ruth said with amazing resolve. "The only thing is make sure your family is safe. And they're always going to be around you cause that's the first thing I mentioned was all my kids to get out of the house, not to grab anything, but my room. That's where the fire started."

Dededo vice mayor Peter Benavente is asking the community to help. "This thing started about 5:30 this morning and thank God nobody got hurt and we are here with Mayor [Melissa] Savares to do our best and help them out. [We] ask the community and our village to come out and help," he pleaded.

Having lost everything in the fire, Ruth and her family are just grateful to be alive...but they are still in need of your help. If you would like to donate food or clothing, please contact the Dededo Mayor's Office at 632-5203.

Although the cause of the fire remains under investigation, Ruth says she does light a candle in her room nightly because they are currently living without electricity. Meanwhile, the Guam Chapter of the American Red Cross is also providing assistance to the family.