Mother, 2 children jump from burning home in Camden

CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) -- Several police officers jumped into action to rescue a mother and two children from a burning home in Camden.

It happened around 4:00 p.m. Wednesday along the 800 block of Atlantic Avenue.

Upon arrival, fire crews reported smoke coming from the home. A mother and her two daughters - ages 4 and 7- were trapped inside on the second floor.

The fire quickly spread, making their rescue attempts more difficult.

Finally, a group of six officers locked arms to make a human net beneath a rear window.

The woman and her children jumped safely out of the window, where the officers below caught them.

The victims were transferred to Crozer-Chester Medical Center in critical condition.

One officer suffered smoke inhalation and was treated and released from Cooper University Hospital.

"I'm extremely proud of the heroic actions taken by officers who responded to this fire. They risked their lives without hesitation to make sure that the children and their mother got out and because of their actions, this family is alive today." said Chief J. Scott Thomson.

The fire was brought under control in about 10 minutes.

The cause is under investigation.