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2 Injured In San Jose House Fire, Crime Bars May Have Hindered Escape

SAN JOSE (CBS SF)— Two people suffered serious burns in a fire at a home in San Jose early Friday morning, where crime bars on the windows and doors may have hindered their escape.

Firefighters responded to a report of a fire at a home in the 2900 block of Aetna Way at about 3:45 a.m., San Jose fire Capt. Reggie Williams said.

The fire was found in the rear of the structure in a patio enclosure, Williams said.

Two residents— a male and female—were inside the home at the time of the blaze and had a difficult time escaping, according to Williams.

There were bars on all the windows and exterior doors, and the residents escaped the home through the rear where the fire was burning, Williams said.

Williams said the two residents suffered "critical burns" and were transported to a hospital for treatment.

2 Injured In San Jose House Fire, Crime Bars May Have Hindered Escape

The fire has since been knocked down, but had not yet been deemed under control as of 6 a.m., according to Williams.

KCBS' Matt Bigler reported at its peak, 30-foot flames shot up from the single-story home's roof and woke up a neighbor, Junior Lopez.

Lopez said he saw the two victims running up to the garage yelling to call the fire department.

Williams said an arson investigator was at the residence, which is now considered a crime scene. The captain did not say why it is being considered an arson.

Further details were not immediately available.

TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Bay City News Service contributed to this report.

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