Five people were rescued from an intentionally set three-alarm fire that injured a Virginia firefighter early Tuesday.
The fire broke out just before 4 a.m. on the fifth floor of a Suffolk apartment building, the Suffolk News-Herald reports. More than 60 firefighters responded to the call.
Crews pulled five people from the burning building. Two of those rescued were taken to the hospital, and they were in stable condition.
“All I felt was heat and I couldn’t see," rescued resident Kevin Henly told WAVY-TV. "I couldn’t see outside into the hallway. I felt the firefighters grab me and rush me downstairs and out the building."
A firefighter suffered smoke inhalation, but it wasn't clear if the first responder was taken to the hospital for treatment.
One of the residents who was rescued also was arrested and accused of starting the fire, . Herbert Macarey Boothe, 69, was charged with arson, and he is expected to face additional charges.
Crews had the fire under control shortly before 5 a.m., according to the News-Herald. Over 30 residents were displaced by the fire, and firefighters helped occupants get their medication and other personal items from the burning apartment building.
