Posted on March 29, 2021 at 8:11 AM by Maggie Le
On February 18, 2021 Fountain Valley Fire Department responded to a structure fire on the 17000 block of San Luis Street. Upon arrival firefighters found two multi-family apartment buildings heavily involved in fire. Fountain Valley Fire Department personnel quickly established an offensive fire attack, which contained the fire in both buildings. Heat and smoke damage was found in multiple units. All of the units were occupied at the time of the fire and resulted in 21 temporarily displaced residents. Red Cross contacted the residents in need of assistance and provided temporary housing as needed. The community also came together and the displaced families received food from Fountain Valley Pizza D’Z and Pholicious and financial assistance from Fountain Valley Kiwanis and Fountain Valley Community Foundation.
A total of four civilian injuries were reported. One burn patient was transported to UCI medical center for treatment. Two patients were transported to a local hospital for minor injuries, and one patient was assessed and released on scene. Eye witness accounts from multiple neighbors and on-lookers stated that one of the neighbors (Maria Garcia) pulled an elderly man and his dog out from one of the burning apartment units. City Council recognized Maria’s heroic act at the March 22, 2021 City Council Meeting.
Fountain Valley Fire Department was assisted by Costa Mesa Fire Department, Huntington Beach Fire, Orange City Fire and Orange County Fire Authority. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.