Early Morning Incident
Two now injured in San Bernardino apartment fire evacuation in the early hours of December 23, 2024.
A fire at an apartment complex in San Bernardino resulted in injuries to two individuals as they attempted to evacuate the building.
According to officials from the San Bernardino County Fire Department (SBCoFD), emergency crews were alerted to the situation around 5:30 a.m. after receiving multiple calls reporting a blaze at a commercial structure located in the 200 block of East 13th Street.
Emergency Response and Evacuation Challenges
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a significant fire emanating from the first floor of the two-story apartment building.
The fire was intense enough to pose a risk to the second floor, effectively blocking the primary escape route for residents in the upstairs units.
Witnesses had described a chaotic scene, with reports indicating that as many as four individuals might have been trapped inside.
Firefighters quickly found two people who had managed to escape the flames but sustained injuries in the process.
Preliminary reports indicated that one individual suffered injuries after jumping from the second story, while the other was hurt during a frantic evacuation from his apartment.
Immediate Medical Assistance
Fire department personnel promptly provided first aid to both injured evacuees.
One person was subsequently transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries, while the second individual received treatment on-site.
Officials have not disclosed which of the two was the one who jumped from the upper level, but they confirmed that no additional injuries were reported.
Fire Suppression Efforts
The firefighting team, which included nine engine companies, two truck units, three chief officers, and two investigators, quickly initiated a search of the building to ensure that all residents were accounted for.
After confirming that no one else was trapped inside, they focused their efforts on extinguishing the blaze.
The fire was successfully brought under control within approximately 30 minutes of the firefighters’ arrival.
Extent of Damage and Investigations
The fire ultimately caused damage to three apartment units, but fortunately, no additional occupants were found within the affected building.
According to SBCoFD, the department utilized a drone to gain aerial insights into the fire’s progression, allowing teams to monitor heat levels within the structure and assess potential risks of embers spreading to nearby properties.
“This real-time situational awareness was crucial for our crews, enabling them to manage the fire more effectively and ensure the safety of the surrounding area,” stated a spokesperson for the fire department.
Investigation Underway
As of now, the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Fire officials are working diligently to determine the circumstances that led to the incident while ensuring that safety protocols are in place to prevent future occurrences.
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