Journalists never like to become the news. We cover it, but we just had to share this one...
During Saturday's massive fire, where one firefighter suffered minor burns and at least three police officers were treated for smoke inhalation and community members were evacuated, our very own photographer joined others in assisting people vacate the area.
WATCH: Raw video from Air15 over the scene of the fire
Black smoke turned into flames at an apartment complex that was under construction in Gilbert.
The windy conditions pushed the smoke and embers quickly across the street and over to the neighborhood where within minutes smoke alarms were set off and homes were evacuated. Our photographer, Manny Campa, was in the area shooting video of the flames when he turned around and saw a cluster of people standing near a wall.
Those in the surrounding neighborhood had to climb over the wall to leave the area. Their only way out was by jumping over it. That's when Campa stepped in to help children, animals and adults, along with other Good Samaritans who were assisting. Together, these strangers helped other strangers.
The fire didn't give up. It kept growing and growing. Fire crews say this is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, fire they've battled.
PHOTOS: Five-alarm fire engulfs Gilbert construction site
As Mister Rogers once said, "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'"
No serious injuries have been reported during the 5-alarm fire.
