Firefighters in Southern California save young girl as blaze guts home

LOS ANGELES (KTLA) - Firefighters in San Bernardino County saved a young girl with functional needs who was trapped inside home as flamed gutted it on Monday, dramatic video shows.  

The incident unfolded at around 11:15 a.m. in the 1300 block of North Valencia Avenue in San Bernardino, according to a news release issued by the fire department.  

Crews in the first engine arrived within six minutes of the fire being reported and found the single-story home “well involved with smoke and fire.”  

“Shortly after arrival, residents informed fire crews that their daughter, who has access and function needs, was trapped inside the home,” fire officials said. “In response to the life-threatening update, firefighters shifted their strategy from fire suppression to search and rescue.”  

Footage of the incident shows several firefighters at a window on the side of the house where the child’s room was located, while a team inside the burning house located the girl and passed her through the window to safety.  

The firefighter carrying the girl ran across the yard and out to the street where he gently laid her in the street. Medical personnel quickly intervened and rushed her to the hospital where she was reportedly in serious but stable condition.  

Search and rescue crews inside the home were also able to save the family’s dog.  

Ultimately, 30 firefighters, one truck company, one medic squad and three chief officers were able to knock down the blaze, though the home sustained severe damage.  

“The San Bernardino County Fire Protection Unit would like to remind residents to keep bedroom doors closed, especially when someone is sleeping inside,” the release noted. “The closed bedroom door helped prevent smoke and flames from causing major injuries, providing enough time for emergency crews to locate the girl without any significant burns or airway injuries.” 

No information was provided on the cause of the fire.