A former principal of the "severely emaciated" man claiming his stepmom kept him captive for 20 years is speaking out -- claiming the school shared their concerns to child services in the early 2000s.

Sullivan was evacuated safely from the home. But a second resident, a 32-year-old man identified as Sullivan's stepson, suffered smoke inhalation and fire exposure. He had to be assisted out of the home, the release said.