Mesa: Three Officers Hospitalized After Rushing Into Burning Home Near Baseline to Save Two Residents

Three Mesa police officers ended up in the hospital Wednesday night after charging into a smoke-filled home to rescue two people trapped inside. The blaze near Baseline Road and 78th Street started with a car fire and spread to an RV and the residence, according to the Mesa Police Department.

A rescue that turned dangerous for first responders

Officers responded to the call at approximately 9:10 p.m. on June 17. When they arrived, they found a vehicle fully engulfed in flames. The fire had already spread to a nearby RV, surrounding brush, and portions of the house, according to police.

"Without hesitation, officers ran toward the home and encountered a distraught male outside the residence who was attempting to re-enter the home where an adult female was still inside," the Mesa Police Department said in a statement. "Officers forced entry into the smoke-filled residence and located the female, assisting her safely outside as conditions continued to deteriorate."

While officers were helping the woman outside, the man went back inside. He initially resisted officers' attempts to get him out. The officers were ultimately able to remove him from the residence without injury.

"Thanks to the swift and decisive actions of responding officers, both occupants were safely removed from the home and escaped the fire without injury," the department said.

Both residents were displaced but suffered no injuries. Neighbors told AZFamily that the couple mostly kept to themselves but were kind. A neighbor who called 911 said they feed stray cats in the neighborhood.

Pool chemicals may have started the fire

Fire investigators are still working to determine the official cause. Police said the fire is not suspicious.

"What they found in that car, there was some chemicals for a pool, and they believe that might've been what started the fire," Mesa Police Detective Laura Cervantes told AZFamily.

A neighbor who called 911 said she knows the couple and that the man works for a pool company. She said she heard loud pops and saw the flames spread quickly, according to AZFamily.

Officers treated for smoke inhalation

Several officers who entered the residence were transported to a hospital for evaluation after being exposed to smoke while conducting the rescue. AZFamily reported that three officers were hospitalized. No firefighters or members of the public sustained serious injuries.

The home is heavily burnt and not safe to live in, according to AZFamily. No neighboring homes were damaged by the fire.

Mesa Fire and Medical Department personnel worked alongside Mesa Police during the incident. Investigators plan to release updates as more information comes in, the department said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Mesa Police Department's non-emergency line, according to police.