A fast-moving fire destroyed a house in Orange County yesterday, but the residents are counting their blessings today.

The home at 46 Buttermilk Falls Road in Warwick is a total loss, but the homeowner inside was able to get his two young grandchildren out safely before the house went up in flames.

Richard Barth, 73, says he knew to get his 3- and 5-year-old grandchildren out of the house when a small fire somehow started on the second floor. "I put them out in the driveway and told them to just stay there," say Barth.

Barth says he then tried putting out the fire with an extinguisher, but that it was too much and he was quickly overcome with smoke.

There is no word on what sparked the fire, but those fighting it said they had trouble accessing water.

The family is staying with neighbors and says they do plan to rebuild.