A Deerfield Beach family lost everything in a pre-dawn house fire early Friday, just hours after finishing their Thanksgiving meal, forcing them into the cold night as neighbors and firefighters rushed to help.

The blaze broke out in the Deer Creek community west of I-95, sending Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue crews to the 2600 block of Deer Creek Emerald Way around 2:58 a.m. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and an active house fire.

Crystal Pool, who had been celebrating Thanksgiving at the home with her son, Tyler Foley, and three others, said the fire moved dangerously fast.

"The clothes were on fire. Everything happened so fast," Pool told CBS News Miami. The home belongs to Foley's paternal grandmother, who has dementia. The family said the house is uninsured.

Foley said he sprang into action as soon as he realized the home was on fire, helping everyone, including the family pets, escape safely.

He said he believes the fire started in a closet due to an electrical short.

"I grabbed a hose but it made it worse," he said.

 Foley's girlfriend said he saved her life: "I thought I was dreaming. There was black smoke everywhere. He carried me out."

 Pool said the family is now left with nothing.

"We lost everything. My son has an aneurysm and can't work right now," she told CBS News Miami. 

Neighbor Darin Fiedeldey said he woke up to the sound of sirens, saw smoke, and found the family outside in pajamas in the cold. He and others brought blankets and water as firefighters worked.

At least one adjacent townhome also sustained damage.

American Red Cross assisting the Deerfield Beach family

Local American Red Cross volunteers responded to the Villas on the Green neighborhood shortly after the fire, providing emergency financial assistance, health and mental-health services, and one-on-one support to the two adults impacted by the blaze, according to the organization.

The Red Cross says it will continue working with the couple to address their disaster-related needs.

How to help

Neighbors 4 Neighbors has set up a donation page for anyone who would like to help the family recover from the fire.