Firefighters Rescue 2 Residents From Burning North Hollywood Home; 3 Cats Perish, 1 Dog Resuscitated

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES, Aug. 21 (KNN) — Two people trapped inside a burning two-story residence were rescued by firefighters early Wednesday morning and immediately transported to local hospitals.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call at approximately 2:33 a.m. reporting a structure fire in the 11000 block of West Sarah Street, near the intersection of Vineland Place and Sarah Street. Firefighters from the Valley Station arrived at the scene to find a two-story, 3,300 square foot home engulfed in flames.

First arriving firefighters were informed by two residents who were able to evacuate after being alerted by a functional smoke alarm, that two people remained trapped inside the burning residence.

During an aggressive and well-coordinated attack on the flames, firefighters discovered and rescued an 83-year-old man in serious condition and a 50-year-old woman in grave condition, reported the LAFD. They were both transported by ambulance to local hospitals.

One unresponsive dog and three unresponsive cats were also discovered.

The two men who evacuated the burning home – an 80-year-old and a 35-year-old – declined offered ambulance transportation to a local hospital and remained at the scene.

No other injuries were reported. However, as far as the pets are concerned, the three pet felines proved to be beyond medical help and were determined dead at the scene, according to the LAFD.

Firefighters were able to resuscitate the dog and provide supportive care pending arrival of the city’s Department of Animal Services.

The LAFD reported that the American Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers were summoned to provide for immediate needs of the two men.

The cause of the fire is under active investigation.

Amel Kharchenko, Video Journalist / KNN