Girl Jumps From Burning Mahwah Townhome Into Arms Of Waiting Police Officers

MAHWAH, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Authorities say a young girl jumped from the balcony of a burning townhome building and was safely caught by waiting police officers.

It's not yet clear what sparked Tuesday's fire in Mahwah. Authorities say it apparently started shortly before 4 p.m. on the top floor of the three-story building and extended into an attic.

The girl had been forced outside by smoke and flames, when officers realized she would have to jump.

As CBS2's Tony Aiello reported, the drop was about 25 feet.

Police officers had gone door to door evacuating residents from a burning building at the Society Hill condo complex.

"Some residents alerted Lt. Dino that there was a girl standing on the balcony outside," Sgt. Brendan Mullin said.

She went to her balcony and prepared to jump into the arms of Police Lt. Jeff Dino, Sgt. Mullin, and Officer Tom Solimano.

The three cops raised their arms as the girl climbed over the balcony.

"I called for her to jump and she kind of looked down, released herself, and just fell backwards into our arms," Lt. Dino said.

"That little girl jumped into the arms of angels, and those three angels will be remembered by our community for a long, long time," Mahwah Mayor Bill Laforet said.

The blaze was extinguished about an hour later, and the girl is safe.

The fire ravaged six units including one recently occupied by Sage Hamilton.

"She's a little tough cookie for sure," Hamilton said.

Unsure of what she will be able to salvage, Hamilton took some cheer in the news of the dramatic rescue of her little neighbor.

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