Definitely one helluva close call. It's extremely nasty to find yourself on the ~inside~ of a kindling pile. Smoke can take you out with terrifying efficiency. Glad your friends made it out.

My DW (who really is okay) humours me a little as I put my wallet, phone, keys, leatherman, flashlight, and current data backup in a box beside the bed. Always. Home or travelling. But I've seen a fire progress, and anything that's more than three feet away might as well be on Mars. If in doubt, I'm going out the bedroom window; and when I do, I'll have the tools to deal with the next phase. So I sleep well. I hope DW never has reason to bless my preps.

Cheers,
-Doug