WATCH: Officials use a ladder found nearby to rescue a resident from the upper floor of a burning home in southern Wisconsin

This story first appeared in our sister publication, Walworth County Community News.

LAKE GENEVA – By a lucky coincidence, serious injuries were prevented from a fire in Lake Geneva on Friday.

Lake Geneva police officers used a ladder fortunately found nearby to rescue a resident from the upper unit of a burning home, where the only staircase down was blocked by flames.

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According to a news release, the Lake Geneva Fire Department was called around 10:30 a.m. Friday to a report of a structure fire at 1008 George St. with one person trapped inside.

While the fire brigade was on the way, the Lake Geneva Police Communications Center upgraded the alarm to a structure fire. The alarm upgrade brought additional units from the Town of Linn, Town of Delavan, Town of Lyons and Elkhorn fire departments.

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The first emergency services from the Lake Geneva Fire Department arrived on scene in less than two minutes and reported a fire in a two-unit apartment building.

Firefighters could see that the only outside staircase leading to the second floor was destroyed by the fire.

Engine 281 and Med 281 began suppression and rescue efforts while simultaneously searching for alternative routes to reach the casualty in the upper unit.

When the victim reached the rear of the building, Lake Geneva Police Department officers William Walser and Brock Bouland escorted him down a ladder.

The officers found a ladder nearby and extended it to the upper window.

Two other inmates were located and had escaped from the lower unit under their own power.

The fire was quickly extinguished and the building required extensive renovation due to its age and configuration.

The cause is being investigated. There is no suspicion of criminal activity.

One occupant was assessed at the scene with minor injuries but was not transported.

“We are grateful for the quick actions of officers Walser and Bouland. Their resourcefulness and willingness to act resulted in minimizing the injuries to the trapped victim. Residents are reminded to ensure they have working smoke alarms, have two options for exiting their home, and practice their escape plan regularly. A special thank you to our mutual aid partners for their quick response and support,” said Chief John Peters.