Hero officer races into smoke as backyard fire pit destroys Penndel home

🔥Fire pit sparks fast moving blaze in Penndel Borough

🔥Neighbor Justin Ritorto was already pounding on the front door

🔥Penndel police officer Sean Peck went inside and got 8 people out

PENNDEL, Pa. — An unattended fire pit has been determined as the cause of a fire that quickly engulfed a home early Thursday morning where 8 people inside were rescued by a police officer.

Penndel police officer Sean Peck has been hailed a hero after spotting the fire as he was heading out on patrol from the police station on West Woodland Avenue around 4:40 a.m. He entered the home despite the thick heavy smoke.

"Recognizing the imminent danger to the occupants, Officer Peck entered the home despite the fire and heavy smoke conditions. His swift and courageous efforts led to the successful evacuation of eight individuals," Penndel Police Chief Sean Perry said in a statement.

Peck told 6 ABC Action News that neighbor Justin Ritorto was already pounding on the door and shouting to get the attention of the three children and five adults inside. A pet bunny did not survive.

The Pendell Fire Marshal's Office on Friday said the home suffered "catastrophic damage" and was destroyed because of the fire pit in the backyard.  The fire  "ignited nearby combustibles and allowed the fire to extend to the house." The fire was ruled accidental.

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A home for 30 years

While no one inside was injured the home was declared a total loss.

Homeowner Robert Turner told Fox Philadelphia had lived in the home for over 30 years and had a collection of "nice art" that was lost to the fire. Penndel Deputy Fire Chief Sam Simon said there were hoarding conditions inside that made the home unsafe to remain standing after the fire.

The officer has also created a GoFundMe campaign to help the family with its recovery.

The fire marshal said that fire pits should never be left unattended, should be positioned away from combustibles and be fully extinguished before leaving the area.

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