Robert Wright shows the ribs he rescued during the fire next door to his family's apartment. KMPH FOX 26/YouTube video screenshot

FRESNO, Calif., Sept. 2 (UPI) -- A California man who ushered his wife and kids out of their home during an apartment complex fire said his first thought was to save his barbecue ribs.

Robert Wright, ribs in hand, gave an interview to KMPH-TV after the fire at his Fresno apartment complex and told the reporter he was barbecuing at 3 a.m. when the fire erupted at the apartment next door.


"The only thing I think first is make sure them ribs is right and I ran over and got my family man," Wright said.

He said he carried his kids out of the apartment and was able to rescue his ribs. Wright explained why he was barbecuing so late at night.

"It was three o'clock in the morning, I was hungry man, I was like put them ribs on there," he said.

A woman and a child escaped from the fire next door to Wright and were treated for smoke inhalation. Wright said he didn't require any medical attention.

"I didn't get any injuries except for all the smoke in my lungs, but I already had smoke in my lungs so I'm alright," he said.