By: Richard L. Smith
A two-alarm fire in Orange on Thursday morning left 12 residents homeless and sent a police officer to the hospital, city officials said.
The Orange Fire Department responded to the blaze at approximately 11 a.m. in the 200 block of Snyder Street.
When crews arrived, they encountered heavy flames on the first floor of a two-story, wood-framed house.
The fire spread rapidly to the second floor, prompting officials to call a second alarm to bring in additional personnel.
Orange Police officers were the first to arrive at the scene and immediately began evacuating residents from the home.
During the rescue efforts, one officer was overcome by smoke and transported to a nearby hospital. Authorities have reported that his condition is not life-threatening.
Firefighters worked swiftly to contain the flames, bringing the fire under control within about an hour.
Despite their efforts, the structure was deemed uninhabitable, displacing three families, including a total of 12 individuals.
The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced families with temporary housing, food, and other essential needs.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Orange Fire Department. 
Officials praised the swift actions of first responders, which helped ensure that all residents were safely evacuated, and expressed gratitude that the injured officer is expected to recover.
IMAGE CREDIT: Elvin Padilla, OEM Coordinator