Neighbors of Barclay Friends Senior Living in West Chester rushed to help the facility’s residents reach safety after fire recently engulfed it, writes Justine McDaniel for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

“It’s a fine line between helping and being in the way in a situation like that, but help was definitely needed for the residents,” said Ed Costa, one of the people who came to help.

Nearby residents were quick to organize themselves, supplying blankets and other items to help keep people warm. Dozens of people joined a massive effort to evacuate the more than 200 elderly residents from the complex, helping lift wheelchairs over the fire hoses and wrapping scared evacuees in blankets.

“I was surprised at how calm they were. The biggest complaint was ‘I’m cold,’” said nearby resident Harry Cepis.

West Chester mayor Jordan Norley expressed his gratitude to the people who rushed to help.

“I’m very proud of how our community has come together during this tragedy,” he said.

Read more about the rescue efforts in the Philadelphia Inquirer here.