Newark Mayor Cory Booker rescues neighbor from New Jersey fire, reportedly burns hand

Newark Mayor Cory Booker talks during a news conference outside of the Prudential Center April 4, 2012, in Newark, N.J. / AP Photo

(AP) NEWARK, N.J. - Newark Mayor Cory Booker was treated and released from the hospital Thursday night after suffering from smoke inhalation while helping to rescue his neighbors from a fire.

Booker arrived home Thursday night to find the house next door on fire, according to spokeswoman Anne Torres. Booker and two of his security detail entered the home to help its residents escape, Torres said. He was taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, and was released around midnight.

Cory Booker on schools, Facebook and his own BFF

Booker, a prolific social media user, tweeted late Thursday that he was fine and thanked his followers for their well-wishes.

Thanks 2 all who are concerned. Just suffering smoke inhalation. We got the woman out of the house. We are both off to hospital. I will b ok

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) April 13, 2012

He then posted a tweet early Friday morning that read:

Thanks everyone, my injuries were relatively minor. Thanks to Det. Alex Rodriguez who helped get all of the people out of the house.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) April 13, 2012

Booker told The Star-Ledger he suffered second-degree burns on his hand.

Newark Fire Director Fateen Ziyad told the newspaper that Booker had recounted to him how he heard a woman yelling "I'm back here," from a back bedroom when the mayor rushed into the building but was held back by his security details. The mayor yelled at his security guards to release him, saying: "She is going to die, she is going to die," Ziyad told the newspaper, adding the mayor crossed through smoke and flames to grab the woman and carry her in his arms out of the building.

Torres said the mayor was exhausted from the ordeal and would hold a press briefing on Friday morning.

Details on the cause of the fire or the extent of the other people's injuries were not immediately available.

[jjmcm13135]

As a career firefighter, I know how the pucker factor can increase when entering a burning structure WITH PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT!! Kudos to you Mayor Booker!! You are welcome at my firehouse any time!! What you did is the definition of courage and selfless public service!

[Pecator]

I first learned of Mr. Booker from his viral video on Marriage Equality. I was terribly impressed. I thought, "What an incredible individual;profoundly articulate, unbelievably adept at the political, insurmountably led by his conviction." I honestly thought, "What an inspiring person of strength and courage."

I have obviously underestimated him. I think I may move to Newark to have a political leader like him.

Nice see people in politics carry the traits that make true heros.

[realtimecoffee]

Well done Mayor Booker, well done indeed.

[Man_ofreason]

Wow! As a retired fire chief, I know exactly what the mayor faced and how terrifying it can be. To overcome such fears and risk horrendous injury and even death because he valued the life of his neighbor more, is truly heroic. I salute you Mayor Booker.

[whiptit7]

I dont think heroes come in specific colors or political parties they come with a pure spirit, bravery and caring for others, Well done Mr Booker. Now bury the hype and get back to work.

[twatts1000]

Chuck Norris is weak compared to Mayor Cory Booker... MCB is just awesome!

[twatts1000]

Chuck Norris is weak compared to Mayor Cory Booker. MCB is just that awesome...

[twatts1000]

Chuck Norris is weak compared to Mayor Cory Booker. MCB is just that awesome...

[davefromdayton]

Well done Mr. Booker!!! I am not a democrat, but I would gladly vote for you

[AnnieDanny]

It's very nice to read about a politician being a REAL HERO. Great story, great outcome.