(WSVN) – A family has been ordered out after their home went up in flames.
They were all asleep when police said someone had caused trouble in their North Carolina home.
Tim Sitdikovs and his wife Kristna believed they knew what caused the fire.
It was just before midnight on Wednesday when the Sitdikovs heard someone knocking on their front door.
“When he banged on the door, just like when we were sleeping, it was so scary, so strong, it scared me,” Christa said.
“The police said, ‘Everyone get out of the house.’ Get out of the house,” said Tim.
The couple had no idea what was going on, but followed orders and grabbed their two young sons before running out of the house.
“I was running cautiously,” Christina said. “Then I saw the red reflection by the window, and I knew it was fire.”
A nearby police officer who happened to be on routine patrol noticed that the house and the couple’s car were on fire.
That’s when he took action and rescued his family, including two dogs, to safety.
Firefighters took pictures of the massive fire.
The family said it started in a children’s playroom and quickly spread beyond walls.
“So the smoke all worked out while they slept,” said Tim.
The couple investigated the damage inside and said the smoke detectors didn’t work because all the smoke was trapped inside the walls and the attic.
Investigators wasted no time in determining that the fire was intentional.
Not only were the couple not surprised, but they believe they know who is behind this massive fire.
“We probably can’t say much because the police are at work, but we have an idea,” Christa said.
Despite the damage, Sitdikov is grateful to be alive. And they say that one particular officer is their superhero.
“Just like that night, he saved four lives and he’s still on the mission who knows what to do next,” said Kristna.
Authorities say they are a possible suspect in the case.
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