The leaky roof was more than likely already there. The electrical fire caused by that leak is more the fault of whoever is in charge of property upkeep during times of vacancy.

I dont think anyone could really blame you for this OP. And kudos to you for trying to be a good Samaritan and neighbor. Hope it gets better for you in your new place, good luck! :)

Wait, the fire alarm caught on fire? Now *that's* irony, Alanis.

Welcome to the neighbourhood.

That can't be helped. But if I was your neighbour and you'd helped my family like that, I would be eternally grateful. You seem like a very nice person!

The world needs more neighbors like you! Even if this was on your part, it's nice to know you are willing to jump in like that so quickly.

If it's your first day there.. how do you know they have a gas furnace or a baby?

are you in New Zealand?

least they have someone they can trust to get their baby out

OP here. I wanted to add that this all happened at 3AM during a thunderstorm. The neighbors didn't answer their door until the firefighters knocked. The fire didn't start until they were already here, so there was no smoke at first. The storm blew loose shingles off in 1 place- over the alarm.