Group of runners save burning house in fire started by suspected arsonist

Police are looking for someone who set fire to a St. Augustine home.

A group of runners had to jump in to help save the people inside the home.

The group was out for their morning jog when they saw flames shooting off of a front porch.

They noticed that propane tank attached to the grill and feared the absolute worst.

“The gas grill was there and flames were right next to it and so we thought it was pretty urgent to get water on it so that it didn't blow,” said David Williamson, a local runner and pastor.

Williamson runs every morning with the same group.

“There were 6 of us this morning, doctors, an accountant, realtor, and me, I'm a pastor at a local church,” Williamson said.

Tuesday morning at 5:30 a.m., that group was tackling more than the pavement when they saw a home on fire.

“We stopped and a few of us started banging on the door to wake up the people inside a few of the others went and scoured the neighbors for hoses,” Williamson said.

Williamson says they were able to grab a hose next door and get enough water on the fire before crews got to the scene.

“The fire department got here and they had a little left to put out and they took care of the rest and we ran on our way,” Williamson said.

Williamson says it's a run they will be talking about for quite some time, and he’s glad they were able to help.

“Thank God it didn't burn down and everyone was safe,” Williamson said.

The fire is reportedly the second suspected arson in this area in the last three months.

The state fire marshal has put up a sign offering reward money for anyone who has information about who started this fire.

WJAX