No question - I would have done the same, especially since the balcony was accessible. Sounds like the firefighters weren't going into the building at all at the time, so no one was at risk except the man (and dog).

The firefighters should have gone up the balcony. Had a 1 year old human been banging on the glass door would they have waited? Would there have been no options? I'm glad locals are speaking up, hopefully that will reduce if not eliminate any jailtime and fines.