65-year-old man burned in Miami house fire. First responders let out of the hospital

A 65-year-old man, two police officers and a firefighter were hospitalized early Thursday morning after a fire partially burned a house east of Miami International Airport, according to authorities.

The police officers and the firefighter were discharged hours later but the 65-year-old resident remained hospitalized.

Around 12:30 a.m., two Miami police officers arrived at a burning single-story house, 3691 NW 16th St., in Grapeland Heights.

“They went in but the smoke and fire were too strong,” said Officer Michael Vega, a Miami police spokesman. “So they went to the back and used a fire extinguisher and a hose to try to gain access.”

When fire crews arrived, residents told first responders that a family member was still inside, said Miami Fire-Rescue Lt. Pete Sanchez.

Firefighters found the 65-year-old man on the floor in the back of the house and took him to safety. He was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital in serious condition with first and second-degree burns on 30% of his body.

Two Miami police officers who entered the house to aid the family inhaled smoke and were taken to the same hospital in stable condition. The firefighter was hospitalized “for an evaluation.”

Firefighters were able to extinguished the flames within minutes.

Four people were displaced and no longer have a home, Sanchez said. The American Red Cross is helping coordinate emergency aid.

The cause of the blaze is being investigated.