25 Residents Displaced In Victorville Apartment Fire

VICTORVILLE (CBSLA.com) — Firefighters were on the scene of a second-alarm apartment fire Saturday that displaced 25 residents.

According to the San Bernardino County Fire Department, crews were sent around 7:30 a.m. to the Rodeo Drive Meadow Apartments, located in the 14100 block of Rodeo Drive, for report of a second alarm fire.

Once on scene, firefighters said flames were seen burning through the windows and roof of the second-story of the apartment building.

About 25 residents from eight different apartments were evacuating from the building. They reported to firefighters that there were others still inside the apartments.

After assisting several other residents out of the building, firefighters began an aggressive attack using ventilation tactics to contain the fire to the kitchen and living room area of one apartment.

According to authorities, the sprinkler system inside of the apartment activated, which aided firefighters efforts.

In total, 29 firefighters from the San Bernardino County Fire Department, and one fire engine from the Apply Valley Fire Department, were able to contain the flames within 45 minutes.

A preliminary investigation revealed the fire broke out on the balcony of the upstairs apartment, which then spread into the attic of the building, firefighters explained.

A female occupant was awoken when she heard the smoke detector alarm go off. She was able to wake her brother, and they safely exited the apartment with three children.

An adult female was treated and released at the scene for smoke inhalation sustained in the fire.

Two firefighters received non-life threatening moderate to major injuries when the roof and ceiling collapsed. They were transported to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center by paramedics.

Their conditions are unknown at this time.

One apartment sustained major damage. Eight other apartments were damaged by water and smoke.

The American Red Cross reported they assisted nine adults and seven children who were displaced due to the damage, which is estimated to be over $200,000.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The San Bernardino County Fire Department encouraged all residents to install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of homes.