ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - What started as a normal drive to work turned into a life-saving rescue on Gaines Avenue.

Willie Slaughter was heading to work on Wednesday, Feb. 25, around 8:30 a.m. when he noticed thick black smoke rising from behind a home along the street. At first glance, he knew something wasn’t right.

Slaughter pulled over, jumped out of his truck, and ran toward the house. He began banging on the door, trying to get someone’s attention. When no one answered, he kept pounding — eventually forcing his way inside.

That’s when he discovered three women and a 6-month-old baby asleep inside the home, unaware it was on fire.

Slaughter says he quickly woke them up and rushed them to safety.

After getting everyone out, he ran next door, grabbed a water hose, and called 911. He continued trying to slow the flames as the fire grew larger by the minute.

By the time firefighters with the Albany Fire Department arrived, the home was engulfed in flames. Crews worked to put the fire out as neighbors looked on.

A witness who later checked on the home says the roads were blocked off due to fire damage. She says she heard the three women telling firefighters that if Slaughter hadn’t responded so quickly, they might not have made it out alive because they were asleep when the fire started.

No injuries have been reported.

The cause of the fire has not yet been released.

What could have been a tragic morning ended in relief — thanks to one man’s quick thinking and willingness to act.

Neighbors say Albany has a hero in Willie Slaughter.

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