South Bend firefighters douse flames while SBPD officers evacuate nearby homes

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- An early morning residential fire in the 1700 block of S. Magnolia Street caused members of the South Bend Police Department and South Bend Fire Department to evacuate nearby homes. 

"As officers and firefighters arrived on-scene, they observed heavy flames and smoke coming from the residence," SBPD said. "As flames began to threaten nearby homes, SBPD Officers Owen Hoggard, Emanuel Garcia, Michael Sibilla and Faith Quintana rushed inside the home next door to check if anyone was inside."

Police say a woman met them at the door and told them her husband has mobility issues and would need help getting out of the house from upstairs. 

"The officers worked together to get the couple out of the house safely," SBPD said. "The couple was eventually able to return to their home after it was deemed safe. Fortunately, there were no injuries as a result of the initial fire. Great teamwork by these officers and SBFD to keep everyone safe!"

The initial call came in around 5:30 Tuesday morning.