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Structure Fire with Near Double Fatality in Converted Living Area Garage
By frhayes | October 11, 2008
On Saturday October 11, 2008 at approximately 12:30 A.M. the Long Beach Fire Department responded to the report of a structure fire in the 6000 block of Orizaba Ave. Fire Engine 12 arrived on scene in under 4 minutes and conducted a primary search of a detached garage and the shed behind the garage, where the fire was located.
Fire crews worked on confining the fire to the detached garage. Paramedics treated and transported two elderly females that were living in the garage that had suffered burns related to the fire. The injuries sustained by the two female occupants were estimated at approximately 10 to 20 percent 2nd degree burns. 2 small dogs were also rescued from the fire. The quick knock down stopped the spread of the fire to the rear shed, where other family members were living, including 2 small children.
This incident was a very “Close Call” and almost resulted in two fatalities, with a smoke detector possibly installed in the garage, which alerted the occupants to prevent this from occurring.
Arson Investigators are looking into the cause of the fire that may be related to smoking, and working in conjunction with the building department to determine if the garage and shed, which had both been converted to living quarters, have the appropriate permits.
This incident occurred in Council District #9.
Battalion Chief Sarjeant gave one interview to the media on scene.
Update as of Tuesday, October 14, 2008, is that one of the elderly females injured in the fire is in critical condition at a local burn center.
Topics: Incidents | 22 Comments »