4 rescued from burning home in Waconia

A large fire overtook a home in the 400 block of Waconia’s Orange Street on Wednesday morning. As large flames gripped the exterior of the house, a family of four was trapped inside in a second-story bedroom.

WACONIA, Minn. (FOX 9) - A large fire overtook a home in the 400 block of Waconia’s Orange Street on Wednesday morning. As large flames gripped the exterior of the house, a family of four was trapped inside in a second-story bedroom.

"It was pretty scary to see," witness Skyler Epps told FOX 9 hours later. "I’ve never seen something like that, that close in person."

By the time Skyler got outside to get a closer look, first responders had rescued the family through a second-story window. Waconia Fire Chief Justin Sorensen says five other departments then helped his crews beat the flames down in less than an hour.

Four people were rescued from a Waconia home during a fire.

"It’s always different when it involves kids, and it just takes it up another notch," Chief Sorensen said. "And when you hear people [are] trapped, that’s a firefighter’s worst nightmare to pull up on that. It’s up there with the ones that you’re going to remember."

As of Wednesday, authorities say the fire is considered accidental, while investigators continue to work to identify a cause. Meanwhile, a 32-year-old father, 31-year-old mother, 1-year-old son, and 3-year-old daughter with special needs are hospitalized with smoke inhalation at Hennepin Healthcare.

"I hope they make a good recovery," Epps finished. "I hope they get back on their feet."