Trending Topics

Watch: Calif. firefighters rescue child trapped in burning house

San Bernardino’s increased staffing of four firefighters per truck plus an added medic squad proved crucial in the swift rescue of a young girl trapped in a burning home

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. — San Bernardino County firefighters rescued a young girl with access and functional needs from a burning home on Feb. 3, a rescue that was captured on video.

The first engine arrived within six minutes of the fire being reported and found the single-story home “well involved with smoke and fire,” the department stated on social media. The firefighters were told that a child with special needs was trapped inside the home.

Video footage showed firefighters working at a window on the side of the house where the child’s room was located. Inside, a team located the girl and passed her through the window to other firefighters.

One firefighter carried her across the yard to the street and handed her over to EMS personnel. She was then transported to a hospital, where she remained in serious but stable condition, KTLA reported.

The department stated that the rescue highlights the impact of increased staffing. Last year, the city increased staffing to four personnel per truck and added a medic squad. These improvements proved vital during the rescue, allowing firefighters to quickly hand the child to the medic squad for immediate emergency care.

Trending
After the new chief moved to oust three captains, 13 Jefferson firefighters resigned, taking 133 years of experience
Bismarck Rural Fire Department’s new 9,000-sq-ft facility houses three apparatus with room to expand and features a kitchen, laundry, offices, gym and bunk rooms
The FEMA Urban Search and Rescue pioneer helped build TN-TF1 and Memphis FD Special Operations
After 30 years and five as chief, through historic unrest, major fires and diversity gains, Fire Chief Bryan TTyner will step down Dec. 31