On Christmas Day, neighbors in San Bernardino acted swiftly to rescue a sleeping couple and five dogs from a blazing home.
The incident unfolded at a residence on 7th Street near H Street, where a fire had erupted around 3 p.m.
Fire officials said the house had been converted into a quad-plex, with two units in the front and two in the back.
Before firefighters could arrive, good Samaritans entered the burning building to wake the husband and wife who were sleeping.
The neighbors also rescued the couple’s five dogs, none of whom sustained injuries.
Two other residents-a mother and her toddler daughter-who lived next to the converted home were taken to a hospital for smoke inhalation.
The fire’s cause was not immediately clear, leaving officials to investigate further.
Fire Reported
The San Bernardino County Fire Department reported the call for a fire at the 7th Street address at approximately 3 p.m.
The department noted that the front dwelling spaces were severely affected by the blaze.
The two back units experienced smoke damage and water damage from firefighting efforts.
Firefighters arrived after neighbors had already rescued occupants and pets from the structure.
The fire was first noticed by a resident of the property, prompting the emergency response.
The department emphasized that the cause of the fire remained unknown at the time of the report.
The incident highlighted the importance of quick action in residential fire emergencies.
Community Response
Neighbors entered the house before the fire department could reach the scene, demonstrating community solidarity.
They woke the husband and wife, who were asleep, and carried them to safety outside the burning building.
The five dogs were also located and brought to safety by the same neighbors, who ensured they were unharmed.
The mother and toddler daughter living next door were found with smoke inhalation symptoms and were transported to a hospital.
The quick actions of the neighbors likely prevented further injuries to the occupants and pets.
Their willingness to risk their own safety exemplified the spirit of “love thy neighbor” during a crisis.
The incident serves as a reminder of the value of neighbors looking out for one another in emergency situations.
Aftermath
The rescued couple was taken to a hospital for evaluation of minor burns and smoke inhalation.
The mother and toddler daughter were also admitted for smoke inhalation treatment.
Fire crews extinguished the blaze and subsequently assessed the damage to the quad-plex structure.
The front dwelling spaces suffered severe fire damage, while the back units endured smoke and water damage.
The cause of the fire remains unclear, with no immediate evidence pointing to accidental ignition or arson.
The department is continuing its investigation to determine the exact origin of the flames.
The incident underscores the ongoing need for vigilance against fire hazards in residential areas.
Key Takeaways
- Community members rescued a sleeping couple and five dogs from a Christmas Day blaze on 7th Street.
- The house, a converted quad-plex, suffered severe fire damage to the front units and smoke/water damage to the back units.
- The cause of the fire remains unclear.
- Neighbors’ quick response prevented further injuries.
The incident underscores the bravery of neighbors who acted swiftly on a holiday to protect lives and pets, and it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance against fire hazards.
