It happened Saturday, March 13, around 5:50 a.m. on the 100 block of Holly Drive in the Rio Grande section of the township.
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When officers arrived on the scene, flames could be seen shooting from the roof of the two-story home, as seen from video captured by the Rio Grande Fire Company.
Two adults and a 4-year-old child, who were second-floor tenants, were able to escape the blaze, but officers learned that an 83-year-old man, a 72-year-old woman and their dog were inside sleeping on the first floor.
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Bodycam video obtained by Action News shows the moment officers rushed toward the burning home, pounding on doors and windows.
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After not being able to gain entry to the front door, Patrolmen Mark Bakley and Shawn Rocca found a rear sliding glass door that was unlocked. The officers maneuvered through the smoke-filled house to rescue the family to safety.
The officers were not injured in the incident.
The Cape May County Fire Marshal's Office determined the fire was accidentally started by a cigarette butt left on the second-floor deck.