The San Benito community is coming together after a man lost his house of more than 40 years in a fire on Tuesday.

Homeowner Lonnie Rieck said the fire started in the back part of the home, and he was forced to escape through the front window. 

"When I opened the door, the flames were so bad because of the wind blowing that way," Rieck said. 

Rieck said his dog, Pepper, wouldn't go out the window. 

"My dog wouldn't come out, and thank God to the fire department," Rieck said, holding back tears. "They went in and saved her. I thought she was gone."

The community is stopping by to offer their support, including San Benito Mayor Ricardo Guerra. 

Watch the video above for the full story.