Mesa police rescue 63-year-old man from inside burning house

PHOENIX — Mesa police officers rescued a 63-year-old man from inside a burning house last week, authorities said.

A lieutenant with the Mesa Police Department was patrolling near Main and 63rd streets just before 6 p.m. on April 12 when he discovered an unreported house fire, the Mesa Police Department said in a press release.

He was told the man, due to his physical condition, was unable to evacuate the home, which was fully engulfed in flames, authorities said.

Officers entered through a window after being blocked at another entrance due to the extent of the fire.

With the help of a neighbor, officers were able to rescue the man through the window.

First aid was performed on the man by officers before Mesa Fire and Medical personnel took over for further treatment and took him to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A video of the rescue can be viewed. [WARNING: Video may be considered graphic.]

The lieutenant during the rescue attempt was overcome by smoke and dropped to his knees before being assisted away from the fire by other officers, authorities said.

He and another officer were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation, but both have since been released and are recovering, authorities said.

“The unselfish efforts by the Mesa Police Department members involved in this incident undoubtedly saved the life of the male resident and other residents in and around the structure,” the department said.

“This is a good example of how the Mesa Police Department and Mesa Fire/Medical Department, and the community can seamlessly work together as a team to assist the citizens of Mesa.”

The cause of the fire was found to be some old cardboard and leaves outside the residence, authorities said, with the high winds on the day resulting in the fire spreading through the structure.

Follow @KTAR923