Rescues in Fremont (delayed post)
FREMONT — In a valiant team effort, police and fire crews rescued a couple and their autistic son from a two-alarm house fire that injured seven people, including four emergency responders, a fire captain said Monday.
Police and fire crews were dispatched at 4:31 a.m. Monday to a single-family home in the 38600 block of Farwell Drive after neighbors reported seeing smoke coming from the one-story, three-bedroom home, fire Capt. Daniel Cardenas said.
When crews arrived, he said, flames were shooting through the roof.
Emergency responders noticed a 20-year-old man at a window on the side of the house. A police officer drove a patrol vehicle up to the window, broke it and pulled the man to safety, Fremont
police spokeswoman Geneva Bosques said.
When the man told crews his 51-year-old mother and his 47-year-old father were still inside, the team entered the home, found the couple unconscious and pulled them from the burning home, Bosques said.
The couple was transported to a hospital in critical condition, Bosques said. They eventually regained consciousness and were transported to another hospital, where they were listed in serious condition and expected to remain for a few days.
Their autistic son, who suffered minor smoke inhalation, was later released to family members, Bosques said.
Two firefighters who fell through the roof while fighting the blaze were also injured. They were transported to a hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening burns, Bosques said.
Two police officers who helped rescue the family were also transported to a nearby hospital to be treated for minor smoke inhalation. They were released a short time later and were resting at home Monday afternoon.
A family cat was unaccounted for as of Monday afternoon, Bosques said.
Firefighters had the blaze under control about 5:10 a.m., and it was out by 6 a.m.
The cause and origin of the fire were under investigation, but authorities said it does not appear to be suspicious.
“Until we can talk to the occupants, we just don’t know, but it does not look like foul play is involved,” Cardenas said.
The house, valued at about $700,000, was destroyed.
Derek Mello, who lives across the street, said he heard a strange noise from inside his house about 4:30 a.m., so he ran outside and saw the house engulfed in flames. The 42-year-old man said he dialed 911 to report the fire.
Mello said that he wanted to help his neighbors, but the fire was too hot and dangerous, so he was told to stay back.
After the fire, Bosques commended rescue crews for their team effort and bravery.
“We are so proud of the life-saving efforts performed by the brave men and women of the Fremont police and fire departments this morning,” Bosques said. “Our thoughts go out to the family, and we wish them well during their recovery.”
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