LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
Two children and three adults were transported to University Medical Center with severe burns after their single-story home caught fire.
It happened just before 11:15 a.m. on the 5200 block of Reeder Circle near Maryland Parkway and Hacienda Avenue.
The Clark County Fire Department said the fire started after a deep fryer was knocked over and the oil inside of it ignited.
A dozen or more friends and family were at the home when the fire started. Many of them were in an enclosed front porch where the deep fryer was over an open flame.
Hugo Robles said the family was celebrating his 4-year-old nephew Omar's baptism and birthday party.
"And it was an instant, like quick, I don't know, it just happened so fast I didn't know what to do… the flames, it was unbelievable," Robles told FOX5.
Robles said his niece Celeste and Omar were playing just feet from the deep fryer, cut off from the rest of the family by a wall of fire.
"I was just hearing screams you know, like my little niece and nephew, I thought they were like burning alive or something," Robles said.
But Robles said his brother-in-law, Polo, was quick to act.
"He threw himself on the fire to save the kids," Robles said.
Now all three are fighting to stay alive in the hospital.
Robles said 4-year-old Celeste has burns on 30 percent of her body and Omar has burns on 50 percent of his body.
Meanwhile, Omar's father, Polo, is in the worst shape. Robles told FOX5 he has burns on 70 percent of his body.
Robles said he believes Polo's sacrifice is why the children are still alive.
"He did the right thing, and I don't want god to take his life for doing the right thing," Robles told FOX5.
The children are listed in critical condition and one adult is in serious condition at UMC.
Two dogs were found dead at the scene.
The damage is estimated at $40,000.
The American Red Cross is assisting those displaced by the fire.
Copyright 2012 KVVU (KVVU Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.
(Clark County Fire Dept.)
(Clark County Fire Dept.)
