Line of heroes in fatal fire

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Lives were saved at the fire because of the heroism of firefighters and police officers who came on the scene early.

Before the 911 call, before the flames started shooting out the upstairs windows, a Buffalo police officer, on routine patrol, smelled smoke and followed the trail right to that burning house.

A newly-minted Buffalo police officer, just past his probationary period was first on the scene.

Officer Jared Domaracki followed the smell of smoke to the front door of the two-story house and knocked.

Flames were just starting to break out upstairs in the back and when a 12-year old boy opened the door, Domaracki called the fire in and started to evacuate the first floor.

The second floor was already too hot and smoky.

"The flame was in the back. Nothing was in the house," explained Officer Domaracki.

Firefighters were on the scene in just a few minutes and took it from there.

Despite their heroics, officials said Steven Sally and Jonah Mitchell were already in cardiac arrest and were pronounced dead at ECMC.