A Hillsborough County firefighter is being called a hero after springing into action on his way to work.
Clint Walker was in Bradenton Saturday, headed to his firefighter job in Sun City Center. On his drive into work at 6:30 a.m., Walker saw smoke and flames coming from a home in the 600 block of 21 Street West.
He quickly dialed 911 and told Bradenton Fire Department that there was a working structure fire.
Walker then ran up to the burning home and pounded on the door. Walker woke up the family inside and they all managed to get out of the home safely.
The family even managed to get two dogs and a cat out of the home.
"They were very ecstatic and very thankful that I was there," Walker said of the family after the fire. "They kept telling me thank you so much we appreciate it. I just tried to help out."
The house was destroyed in the fire. The fire is considered suspicious and there are arson signs posted around the property.
The Red Cross is assisting the family.