The PSNI are investigating a suspicious fire in the Dunmurray area of Lisburn last night.
A caravan was set alight in the Juniper Rise estate and the flames spread to a nearby house. The caravan was destroyed and the house was damaged.
Police and fire crews were called to the area shortly after 11.30pm. A large crowd had gathered and threw stones at firemen.
Belfast fire service area commander Chris Kerr said if the attack on the fire appliance had forced it off the road, the blaze could have proved deadly.
"If it was not for our driver, we could have been looking at death or more serious injury," he said.
Two firefighters were injured in the attack on their appliance when a smashed windscreen saw one officer suffer cuts, while the second had to be taken to hospital after getting glass in his eye.
Both firefighters have been discharged from hospital.
Mr Kerr said that despite being two members down after the attack, the fire crew responded to the fire and rescued the pensioner from the blaze.
The 84-year-old pensioner suffered from the effects of smoke inhalation and shock.
The PSNI have appealed for anyone with information about the incident to contact them.
Additional reporting: PA