Good samaritans rescue neighbors from burning home in Mississippi

ESCATAWPA, MS (KTRK) -- Two men are being called heroes after they helped rescue a 102-year-old and her grandson from a burning Mississippi home.

Despite the huge flames and smoke, Octavius Kirkland and Matthew Taylor ran inside the home Tuesday morning to rescue the family, ABC affiliate WLOX-TV reports. The neighbors also saved the pets trapped in the inferno.

Escatawpa's Volunteer Fire Team, who put out the blaze, praised the men.

"I think it is amazing. I really do. Being the chief of the fire department and seeing what we see every day, it really means the world to me see neighbors like this caring about their neighbors," Chief Donnie Lowery said.

The two friends said they appreciate all the accolades, but just knowing their elderly neighbor is safe is thanks enough. The grandmother is hospitalized in good condition and her grandson has been treated and released.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.