3 Police Officers Injured During Fire Rescue In North Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Three Philadelphia police officers were injured while rescuing a man from a burning home in Strawberry Mansion.

Flames broke out around 8 p.m. Tuesday in the 1800 block of Taylor Street.

Police say three plain clothes narcotics officers from the 22nd District were among the first to respond, and knowing that time was not on their side, they quickly rushed into the burning home to rescue a man who was trapped inside.

"These officers disregarded their safety and wanted to save a life," said Chief Inspector Scott Small. "They went inside this property that was fully engulfed by not only flames, but also smoke. And these officers didn't have any breathing apparatus, they didn't have any protective gear, they didn't have any fire resistant gear, so they were really brave."

The three officers and the man they rescued were all taken to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation. They are expected to recover.

A firefighter who was battling the blaze suffered a broken nose when he was struck by flying debris.

The home appeared to be a total loss.

Investigators were searching for the cause of the fire.