Three Bridgeport police officers are being credited with going inside a burning duplex to help 18 people escape.

Officials say the officers were able to get everyone out of the Clinton Avenue building before the fire department arrived. The police chief says the officers happened to be working nearby when they saw flames coming from the building.

The officers notified the fire department and then ran inside to help.

Five people including one firefighter suffered minor injuries.

Six children are among the people displaced.

Fire officials say they believe the flames ignited on the third floor. The chief says there was extensive damage inside the building, and residents may not be able to return for six to eight weeks.