Two Seattle police officers and a firefighter who were injured while rescuing a man and a woman from a burning house were hailed for their bravery Wednesday.
The man and woman they rescued were listed in critical condition at Harborview Medical Center with smoke inhalation.
The rescue began when Officer Jacob Haines was patrolling a South Seattle neighborhood at about 4 a.m., when he saw flames inside a house and called for help.
"I saw smoke coming out from the vents from the top of the roof," he said. "(I) started breaking the windows and yelling, 'Your house is on fire! Get out now!'"
No one responded, so Haines kicked in the front door and found two people were inside. He brought the man out, but couldn't pull the woman free.
Officer James Parnell arrived to help Haines.
"We reached through, grabbed her leg, we're pulling her out, couldn't even get her out," said Parnell.
Seattle firefighter Jason Lynch offered his help.
"I tried to assist from outside but couldn't get her out. She was wrapped up in the bed frame, so I dove through the window -- cut my leg open -- and we got her out," Lynch said.
Haines and Parnell were treated for minor smoke inhalation and were taken to the hospital for observation.
Lynch had to get his leg patched up.
Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske congratulated and thanked all three for their bravery.
Later, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels offered words of praise to the Seattle police and fire departments.
"I want to commend the bravery of those officers and the excellent work of our fire department," Nickels said. "Our thoughts go out to the victims. The actions today of the Seattle Police Department and the Seattle Fire Department could well have been the difference in saving those lives."
Fire investigators said the fire was contained to the kitchen and was caused by a kitchen appliance.
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