Unable to open the door of the Green Street home, McConnell improvised. He grabbed a cinderblock and smashed his way in, then battled thick smoke to get two trapped victims to safety.
As he did that, city Firefighter Brian Comitto grabbed a portable ladder and rescued a third victim who was at second-floor window.
McConnell and all three residents were taken to area hospitals with various injuries in the 3:30 a.m. blaze, Fire Chief Erik Enersen said.
Their injuries weren't considered life-threatening, responders said.
The two-alarm fire was brought under control in barely more than 15 minutes, Enersen said.
An investigation was determining the cause, he added.
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