ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A fire tore through a home on Rochester’s west side Monday morning, resulting in the death of a 12-year-old boy and injuries to several others, including members of the Rochester Police Department.
Firefighters say the first calls came in at around 9:45 a.m. for a fire on Hague Street.
Before the department arrived, three officers who were responding to a call nearby located the fire and immediately started rescue efforts. The Rochester Police Locust Club says that officers broke through the front and back door and safely evacuated several people.
One officer found a ladder and was able to break a second-floor window to get people out.
"The officers definitely know they were put in the right place at the right time," Adam DeVincentis, vice president of the Rochester Police Locust Club, said. "So they didn't even have a second thought about going in. And we've had people get considerably injured, officers taking it upon themselves. It's not in our wheelhouse to run into burning buildings, that's what our fire brothers and sisters are for. But when you're there and it's right away, nothing is going to stop you from going in and saving a life."
Once fire crews arrived, they took over rescue efforts. Two adults and four children were able to get out of the home prior to the fire department's arrival. A 12-year-old boy was found by firefighters inside the home and taken to the hospital, where he later died.
It took about 45 minutes for crews to get the fire under control, and the cause is being investigated. Officials say the home sustained major damage and is unlivable.
All three police officers suffered from smoke inhalation. Two were taken to the hospital. One of them was cut from breaking the window, but has since been released.
Correction: A previous version said that an adult had died as a result of the fire.