Some feline aid helped a woman and her young daughter escape a fire raging in their Shawangunk home early Friday.

The blaze started just after midnight while the residents were asleep. Firefighters say the heroic cat managed to wake the homeowner and alert her to the impending danger. The woman then grabbed her 4-year-old daughter and escaped out the top-floor balcony.

The cat may have saved the day in the nick of time. Pine Bush Fire Chief Pat Mataraza called the blaze one of the quickest-moving fires he's seen in his entire career.

Sadly, fire officials say the cat and a pet dog weren't as lucky and were unable to escape. The displaced family is currently receiving help and lodging from the American Red Cross.

To watch an interview with Pine Bush Fire Chief Pat Mataraza, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.