IMO, the fire in the next room over spreads way too fast. It acts like the floorboards have been soaked in oil. Once you free him, the fire rushes in and blocks your exit to the main part of the building. I attempted to put it into turned based mode so I could throw some water on it, but it stayed in real time mode. Very annoying. You pretty much have to put the fire out first, and then save him.
