A West Islip house was heavily damaged by a fire Thursday night, but the elderly man inside was rescued by an off-duty firefighter.

Al Cinotti, a member of the West Islip Fire Department, says he was driving on Higbie Lane after work when he saw a house on fire. Cinotti called the fire into the station and then rushed into the home. He found 78-year-old Adrian Woodward inside and was able to pull him out to safety. Cinotti was also able to rescue Woodward?s dog.

Woodward was treated for smoke inhalation and is listed in critical condition at Good Samaritan Hospital. Police say the fire was caused by electrical wiring beneath the kitchen floor.