Neighbors, Peter Vernalis and Matt Dymowski, who were home for the holidays, saw the flames and ran inside the Kennedy's home.
MARYLAND, USA — Tom Kennedy and his wife have lived in their Sandy Spring home for over 20 years.
On Thursday, Tom ran to get some last minute things for Christmas dinner. Shortly after, his sister called, saying the house was up in flames.
Fire investigators determined two lithium batteries that had been charging in the garage sparked the massive fire.
Tom’s sister ran out the house, but his two dogs were still inside.
Neighbors, Peter Vernalis and Matt Dymowski, who were home for the holidays, saw the flames and ran inside the Kennedy's home.
“You couldn't see or breathe. I had my hoodie over my nose.” Vernalis said.
Vernalis searched for one dog, Dymowski for the other.
“By the time I saw the flames, I was barefoot in my pajamas. I ran from my house over here.” Dymowski, said.
The two college students found the dogs and ran outside, just minutes before the explosion.
” I value the dogs. It was a terrible situation and I know Tom and his wife value those dogs. They are everything to them. It was Instinct.” Vernalis, said.
Tom says he's thankful his family including his pets are safe.
He’ll be spending Christmas with family, nearby.
It’ll be about a year before he and his wife are able to move back in.
RELATED: Sandy Spring family without home after fire caused by lithium-ion batteries
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