2 men save disabled man, hailed as heroes

APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. (KSAZ) - Several people are being called heroes after they saved a man from a burning home.

On May 30 emergency crews were called to a fire at a home near Saguaro and Frontier Roads in unincorporated Apache Junction. Inside was one person, a handicapped 59-year-old man who was rescued by his two neighbors before the home burned down.

Rescue crews rushed the victim to Maricopa Medical Center's Burn Unit with serious burn and smoke injuries, but he is expected to survive.

Through the course of the investigation, authorities interviewed the victim who believes a propane tank may have exploded in the home which started the fire. Investigators believe the fire was an accident but the official cause has not been determined.

The neighbors who helped save the man are a 69-year-old Vietnam War Veteran and a 39-year-old man.

"Without the quick action of these men, the outcome of this would have been quite tragic. It is a selfless act of bravery for these two men put themselves in harm's way to save their neighbor from his burning house and I personally commend each of them for their lifesaving actions," said Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu.

The man remains hospitalized at the burn unit.