Three people, including a St. Joseph County police officer, were treated for smoke inhalation Monday following a small fire in the northwest part of the county.

Emergency crews were sent to the scene, in the 52100 block of Portage Road, about 3:30 p.m. after the basement fire was reported.

Cpl. Nick Hartley, 40 arrived within minutes and found the homeowners, ages 93 and 89, trying to put out the fire themselves, said Sgt. Bill Redman of the county police.

The man and woman were overcome by the smoke, as was Hartley, who evacuated them from the home.

Hartley was treated and released, said Clay Fire Battalion Chief Mike Gerndt.

The 93-year-old man was fine but taken to the hospital as a precaution. His 89-year-old wife was still being treated for the smoke inhalation Monday evening, Redman said. They have not been identified.

The small fire was quickly controlled. The cause of the fire was believed to be a malfunctioning dehumidifier, Gerndt said.
 

Reported by www.wsbt.com