HOUSTON -- A small girl was rescued by Houston firefighters Sunday morning from a fire that gutted an eastside home. The 8-year-old girl was alive, but suffered from breathing problems, so she was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital for observation.

The fire broke out at a home in the 1700 block of Demaree in East Houston at about 9 a.m. The girl’s mother was able to carry out her youngest daughter, age 6, but told firefighters she was unable to find the oldest girl.

"I was panicking," said homeowner Pamela Bailey. "I was scared. I didn't know what was going on."

When told that the girl was still inside, firefighters quickly entered the smoke-filled home to find the 8-year-old hiding under the bed.

Bailey told 11 News by phone that her little 8-year old daughter is autistic and didn't understand how to get out of the home safely on her own. 

“That’s a good thing,” said Houston Fire Department District Chief T.P. Rocha. “They don’t always come out with positive (sic) outcomes.”

Bailey credits fire crews for saving her daughter's life. 

"I would like to thank (firefighters) for getting my child out safely," she said.

While Bailey is thankful her children will be okay, she says she must now begin rebuilding the family's home. She says she lost just about everything in the fire. 

If you would like to help, relatives are starting a support fund through the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church off Flagship Drive. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation.