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Methuen DPW Worker Clearing Snow During Blizzard Helps Family Escape Burning Home

METHUEN (CBS) -- They were there for storm clean-up but just as Saturday's blizzard started to blow through Methuen, a plow crew ended up rescuing people from a fire scene.

"I wasn't expecting that at that time in the morning," said Methuen Public Works employee Bill Bonnano. "I didn't do anything major. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time, honestly."

A group of plows and sanders had gathered at a staging area in a parking lot plaza across from the home on Pleasant Street. One of the crew looked up and noticed what he thought was a bonfire at first. It was the porch on fire.

"Called dispatch, police, and started banging on the doors. A lady and a young girl came out," said Bonnano. "Started yelling upstairs, I heard somebody, so I went up the stairs to go find them."

He said it wasn't long before Police and Fire crews were right beside him.

"It was unbelievable that Mr. Bonanno happened to be in the area and saw the fire at this time of day. He literally saved several lives," said Methuen Deputy Fire Chief Dan Donahue. "The woman that was sleeping in that room had no idea that the inside of her walls were on fire. It was amazing what he did."

Since crews were alerted early on, the damage to the home is now limited to the side porch and part of an external wall leading into the house.

One of the residents is hearing impaired. All of them made it out uninjured.

"I wouldn't feel right if I didn't do something. Can't stand there and watch a house burn when you know people are in it," said Bonnano.

The incident was the beginning of what turned out to be a weekend of non-stop plowing for two days, with very little sleep.

"I'm just glad I was there," said Bonnano. "I would hope somebody would do it for me and my family."

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