Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated John Magana's name.
A man who rescued his neighbor from a burning building in Southern California said it was one of his "best days."
John Magana sprang into action when he saw the man ready to jump from a third-story window to escape the flames consuming his Simi Valley home on Monday.
The painter told the 29-year-old, who asked not to be identified, to hold on, and went to fetch his 24 foot extension ladder.
"The look on his face was he was going over the edge, and so we said, 'Stay, don't jump,'" Mangana said. "It was take care of business now or face the consequences of him possibly jumping."
When he got back the man was hanging from a window, but he managed to erect his ladder just in time for the victim to climb down. He was checked for medical issues on scene at the 2700 block of Stearns Street and released.
"It was really tough, but to save him on the other end was one of the best days I've had for a long time," said Mangana.
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And the man's father, Nima Vazirzaedh, was overjoyed Mangana had saved his son from the fire, which claimed the life of his three pet Chihuahuas.
"He saved my son. If it wasn't for him he probably would have fallen off," Vazirzaedh said.
It took a total of 39 firefighters to extinguish the blaze in 35 minutes at 12:13 p.m.
"When we see someone step up like this, put their life in danger in order to get in there and save one of their neighbors, it's just really impressive," said Capt. Mike Lindbery, of the Ventura County Fire Department.
Magana will be nominated for a lifesaving medal for his efforts, Lindbery said.
