Strangers Break Into Long Island Home To Rescue Sleeping Residents From Overnight House Fire

BAYPORT, N.Y. (CBSNewYork)-- Five strangers went above and beyond to help save three people from a burning home on Long Island.

"We could've died. If it wasn't for those people, I don't know if I would've woken up," Ronald Provenzano told WCBS 880's Sophia Hall.

Provenzano was overcome with emotions as he described how he was asleep with his girlfriend when five strangers were passing their home at 2:30 a.m. Saturday on Middle Road in Bayport. The good Samaritans saw their house on fire and saved their lives.

"We had the A/C on-- we couldn't hear anything. They broke the painted glass, stuck their hand in, opened the lock, then opened the door. They stepped in and started screaming, 'Wake up, wake up, wake up!'" he recalled.

Provenzano told CBS2's Dave Carlin it was a group of people in their 20s that saved them after banging on the door and getting no answer.

"They went one step further by getting into the house and physically alerting them," Bayport Fire Chief Bob Fleming said.

The couple, along with another friend and their cat named Montauk, all got out safely. They said they do not know the five strangers' names, but want to tell them this:

"Thank you for everything you did."

The house, unfortunately, is a total loss. However, there was more than one stroke of good luck as winds were calm and kept flames from spreading to other properties.

Provenzano says he has two immediate priorities: to rebuild the home and to find those good Samaritans he urgently wants to thank.