COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A family of five was pulled from a burning home on the city's north side Tuesday afternoon.
Columbus and Mifflin Township fire crews were called to the city's North Side Tuesday afternoon.
NBC 4's Mike Bowersock reported with the FAST FACTS.
Columbus and Mifflin Township fire crews were called to the 1700 block of Milford Avenue at about 2:40 p.m.
But the first responders weren't firefighters -- they were two police officers who weren't wearing any fire protection.
The officers, Timothy Stout and Rob Carter, rescued three children and two adults from the two-story townhouse-style apartment.
"Someone had to act," Carter said.
A 3-year-old male was pulled from the fire with second-degree burns on over 40 percent of his body. The toddler was transported to Children's Hospital in serious condition.
A 5-year-old male also was transported to Children's Hospital with smoke inhalation in critical condition.
Another child, 2-year-old Dillion, was pulled from the house and handed to his grandmother. He was transported to Children's Hospital for evaluation and is OK.
The 26-year-old mother, Evelyn Lawson, was transported to The Ohio State University Medical Center in critical condition with second- and third-degree burns to more than 25 percent of her arm and face, along with smoke inhalation. Her condition was upgraded to fair condition.
"Two of the kids are burned and the mother's burned and three of them are alright," said Kim Gillespie, a relative.
The fire was contained close to 3 p.m.
The American Red Cross was called to the home to help the family.
Fire investigators said the fire started on the first floor and all victims were found on the second floor.
The fire appears to have been started in a couch on the first floor and was ruled accidental -- children playing with fire.
Restoration crews said they will be able to gut the apartment and save it.
For additional information on this developing story, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail stories@nbc4i.com.
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement