More than two months after an early morning fire, the charred remains of a duplex on Aurora Avenue serves as a reminder of the bravery of 11 St. Paul firefighters who saved a man’s life.

Officials said an arsonist started the blaze on April 20. When crews arrived, they were briefed and discovered more than a dozen people from two families occupied the home.

It was unknown who might still be inside. But Fire Cpt. Alan Gabriele and his team from Squad 3 didn't think twice before heading into the burning building to search for survivors.

"You couldn't see your hand in front of your face, I was in there with two other members from my crew, we couldn't see each other, we could hear each other," Gabriele recalled.

Searching the home’s rooms, one-by-one, from left to right, they were able to find a 19-year-old man.

"He was unconscious. He was on the floor and was overcome by the smoke," Gabriele said.

His team was able to lift the man out of a window and to the safety of an ambulance. Officials said if the firefighters hadn’t found the man, he would have died of smoke inhalation.

No one else was injured.

"It makes you feel good, but that's what we're there for and what you are always hoping to do," Gabriele said.

In all, 11 firefighters will receive honors for their bravery on Monday. But amid their heroism, the arson that displaced the two families remains unsolved.

If you have any information about the arson, please contact the St. Paul Fire Marshal’s Office at (612) 215-0504.