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Albert Lea Couple Saved From Fire By Neighbors

ALBERT LEA, Minn. (AP) -- An Albert Lea couple escaped an early morning house fire thanks to some quick thinking neighbors.

It happened about 2 a.m. Wednesday at the two-story house in Albert Lea where Kristopher Schewe and his fiancee Beth Sackson lived.

Neighbor Kevin Clapper tells the Albert Lea Tribune the light from the fire awoke his 15-year-old son, who roused his mother, Tina, and Kevin.

Kevin called 911 while Tina tossed rocks at the second-floor bedroom window to wake Schewe and Sackson. Kevin then maneuvered a ladder into place and Schewe and Sackson got out.

Albert Lea Fire Department Lt. Dennis Glassel says the Clapper family's quick work probably saved two lives. He says the cause of the fire is under investigation.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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