HOUSTON --
A man rescued from his burning home by Houston firefighters got the chance to show his gratitude Friday.
The fire happened at a home on Wilmington near Cullen in southeast Houston.
Fire officials said he was saved not only by the courageous firefighters but by a new drug that's being carried on most squad cars.
"Thank you sir. God bless you all," said an enthusiastic Parris Flowers.
Burns are still evident on his hands as Flowers shook the hands of the men who saved his life.
"They risked their life to save my life, someone they don't even know. That surely touches my heart," said Flowers.
The story began Nov. 1 with a fire that ripped through the home.
"It was nothing but smoke billowing when we tried to get through the front door. It was just black. We couldn't see anything," said Juanita Spencer, a resident.
Neighbors realized Flowers was still inside.
"I just started crying and praying and saying, 'I don't think he's gonna make it,'" said Spencer.
Firefighters fought through smoke and fire to save Flowers from the burning building and once out, it was not immediately good news.
Flowers had a pulse but was not breathing. The medic on the scene administered a Cyano-kit, a series of drugs used to fight the cyanide poisoning found in fire smoke.
"I think without that drug, five more minutes he would be dead. There's no question," said Capt. Mo Davis, with the Houston Fire Department.
After three months in a coma, Flowers is thankful to the brave firefighters.
"They saved my life. I couldn't have made it without (them). If it weren't for them, I would be long, six-feet under," said Flowers.
"It's what we joined the fire department for. You know, all the other stuff you hear, it's why we join the fire department," said Davis.
The Cyano-kit that was used is carried by most fire medics. It's been in effect in Houston for about a year and credited with saving at least a dozen lives.
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