Boy Saves 9 Puppies In Roseville House Fire

ROSEVILLE, Calif. -- A 12-year-old boy who was home alone when his house caught fire Tuesday saved nine puppies while getting out of the house safely, officials said.

The incident happened at around 11:45 a.m. at a single-family home at the 1600 block of Soledad Drive, reported KCRA-TV in Sacramento, Calif.

The blaze -- aided by high winds -- quickly spread from the house to a nearby fence and to a second home, officials said.

Both of the houses, however, were saved because of the quick action of neighbors who stretched lawn hoses to the fire, protecting the exterior of the homes, officials said.

An employee with the Roseville Water Department suffered a minor burn injury while helping neighbors put out the fire.