Neighbors Help Neighbors From Burning Fountain Valley Apartments

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA —Four people were injured, and 21 were displaced after a three-alarm blaze erupted at a Fountain Valley apartment complex.

On Thursday at approximately 11 a.m., a mail carrier spotted the blaze at the 17000 block of San Luis St., according to a Fountain Valley fire dispatcher.

All residents of the fully occupied apartments were evacuated from the scene, according to Fountain Valley Fire Department.

Reports from the scene say that one neighbor extracted the resident and his service dog amid thick smoke. Another neighbor helped his landlord from his burning apartment unit, Orange County Register reported. At least one apartment suffered significant damages.

The blaze severely damaged at least two of the common-wall residential structures, and a third alarm was called as flames threatened a fourplex to the rear. One person was burned and taken to UCI medical center for burns, and two others were taken to the hospital for minor injuries, Fountain Valley Fire Department Capt. Nick Fasullo says.

Costa Mesa Fire, Huntington Beach Fire, City of Orange Fire, and Orange County Fire Authority assisted in quelling the blaze.

"The Red Cross contacted residents in need of assistance and temporary housing," Fasullo said.

There was no immediate word on what caused the fire.