Smoke Alarms Helped Save East Hollywood Family From Burning Apartment

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A family of five abruptly awoke to the sound of their smoke alarms echoing through their apartment, alerting them of a fire. This life saving sound provided them the necessary time to call 9-1-1 and escape through a second-story window.

Just before 6:30 AM on January 19, 2012, Los Angeles Firefighters quickly arrived in a little over three minutes to find smoke showing from the second story, of a two-story apartment building located at 811 North Mariposa Avenue. Firefighters performed a rapid Search and Rescue operation to find anyone inside the smoke filled residence, but they were already out... 

Upon detection of the fire, the family immediately called 9-1-1, then got out and stayed out! They were unable to exit the front door due to smoke & flames, therefore they broke out a window from their second-story apartment and threw a mattress outside to the ground, in anticipation of having to jump. Neighbors assisted by placing aluminum "painters ladders" to the window allowing the mother, father and three daughters to safely exit the 46 year-old building.

A total of 39 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief A. Ward, worked hard and fast to extinguish the flames in just 13 minutes. The fire was confined to the unit of origin, before it had a chance to spread to any of the dozen attached units. The cause of the fire was electrical and appears to be accidental in nature. The dollar loss is still being tabulated, and the American Red Cross assisted with the displaced family.

Every year in the United States, about 3,500 people die in home fires. Most of these deaths occurred in homes that didn't have a working smoke alarm.

Fortunately, due to early detection from functional smoke alarms, no one was seriously injured or killed in this morning's incident.

Your Los Angeles Fire Department asks, "If a fire breaks out in your home while you are asleep, how will you know?"  Smoke and heat rapidly build, making every second count. A smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke 24/7. Remember, Smoke Alarms not only protect your family but can help save the lives of firefighters who would otherwise have to risk their lives by searching a burning home for residents. Lastly, don't forget to prepare and practice your fire escape plan twice a year with everyone in your household, including children and people with disabilities.

Republished with permission of the Los Angeles Fire Department. View original article here.



Author:Erik Scott - PIO - LAFD