Orange County fire officials say an off-duty Marine acted quickly when he noticed smoke and flames coming from a Mission Viejo home -- stopping his car and helping evacuate the people inside.
City News Service reports a 61-year-old male resident suffered respiratory injuries on Sunday while trying to put out the blaze with a bucket of water. He was treated at a hospital.
Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi says the fire apparently started in outdoor air conditioning unit and spread to the house. Damage was estimated at about $10,000.
Concialdi says the Marine just happened to be driving by when he saw the smoke and stepped into action.
The Marine didn't want any recognition for alerting the residents to the fire.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
