WA man resists rescue from burning unit

A Perth man suspected of lighting a fire in his unit tried to fight off police as they rescued him from the burning apartment.

A Perth man who fought off police as they dragged him out of his burning unit, is under police guard in hospital.

Police are expected to charge the man on Tuesday with lighting a fire in his unit in East Victoria Park and other offences.

Officers forced their way into the smoke-filled unit on Monday afternoon and tried to rescue the man, but he resisted their help.

The man and the two police officers were all taken to Royal Perth Hospital for smoke inhalation.

Earlier, he assaulted and threatened with a knife a neighbour investigating why smoke was coming from the unit about 5.20pm on Monday, police say.

Police expect to charge the man later on Tuesday with three offences including criminal damage by fire.

The unit complex had to be evacuated and firefighters brought the blaze under control without further external damage.