BOISE -- Two Ada County Sheriff's deputies were treated for smoke inhalation after helping to get an elderly woman out of a burning home in southwest Boise Wednesday morning.
The fire was on Missoula Way near Maple Grove. When fire crews arrived flames were already engulfing much of the garage.
"A neighbor came over to the house and banged on the door, said the house was on fire and asked me to call 911. He said he couldn't find his grandmother, so we broke in the back door. She wasn't in there, broke in front door and couldn't find her there, Couple minutes later the police arrived and they found her back someplace, we don't know where," says neighbor Wes Bender.
Two deputies, Carl Olson and Sgt. Joe Wright, went in to rescue an elderly woman who was trapped in the home.
"Deputies approached the house, through a window they could see the foot of a person. They made entry into that room. They were able to get that person out. Very chaotic scene for a few moments but quick response from fire and police to a successful end, we hope," says Sgt. Patrick Calley.
The elderly woman in her 80s was found on the floor of the bedroom and the deputies pulled her out the window. She was unresponsive, so they began CPR until paramedics arrived and took over treatment.
Both deputies suffered from some smoke inhalation. Olson's carbon monoxide level required he be taken to St. Alphonsus where he was treated and released. He is reportedly doing well.
A man in his 30s lives in the home with his grandmother, a woman in her 80s. The man was transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation, but is now out. The woman remains hospitalized.
Fire investigators believe the blaze likely started in the family room that included a fireplace. However, the space was so badly damaged that the exact cause or location of the fire cannot be determined. The family room, an adjacent garage and sun room were completely destroyed. There was also smoke damage to the rest of the house. The fire is considered an accident.
