The victim, a man in his 40s, suffered burns over the upper part of his body and had to be taken by Life Flight to Memorial Hermann Hospital. He was not the only one transported to a hospital, however.
A Lakeview police officer who initially went into the garage and tried to save him also suffered minor burns and smoke inhalation.
The fire broke out just before 2pm at a home on Seaway at Lakeshore. Neighbors reported seeing smoke coming from the garage. They initially assumed someone was cooking, but as the smoke got thicker, they began investigating. That's when they heard someone crying out for help.
The garage door was closed and neighbors were not able to get it open. They were trying to get in through a side door when the police officer and firefighters arrived on the scene. That Lakeview police officer went inside to try to rescue the victim. Firefighters were able to pull the man out.
Investigators believe the fire started as the man was cooking something on a hot plate.
Authorities say the home actually belond to the victim's mother, and he wasn't allowed there. However, he sneaked into the garage after she left the residence.
The officer who was transported to an area hospital was released later in the evening.
Arson detectives are still investigating.
