A man spotted heavy smoke and flames at his neighbor’s house as he was taking his garbage out Thursday morning, Aug. 14, then ran to help his 89-year-old neighbor escape her burning mobile home in north Auburn, according to the Valley Regional Fire Authority.

Witnesses said the man banged repeatedly on the door of the double-wide mobile home to alert Jo-Ann Adams of the fire, which had started about 6:42 a.m. in The River Mobile Estates, 3611 I St. NE.

When Adams answered the door, the man helped her outside, according to the VRFA.

The man left the mobile home park after helping the woman, and fire investigators have been unable to contact him.

The fire probably started in the carport and extended to the home, fire investigators said. The exact cause is undetermined at this time, but the fire caused approximately $100,000 in damage. The home is considered a total loss.

Adams is with family members.

VRFA personnel received the dispatch to the report of heavy black smoke and flames coming from the mobile home. Multiple neighbors and a passerby called 911.

When firefighters arrived, they found half of the home engulfed in flames but the resident safely outside.

Crews from three fire engines and a medical aid unit quickly extinguished the fire. Firefighters protected adjacent mobile homes from damage.