SHERMAN OAKS—On August 10, firefighters rescued a young boy from a fire that affected his residence in Sherman Oaks. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, “Firefighters found the missing 14-year-old male pulseless and non-breathing with severe full-thickness burns.” Others injured include a 58-year-old man, a 50-year-old woman and a 12-year-old girl.
Initially, the 14-year-old had been reported deceased; however, he was transported to the Sherman Oaks Hospital by helicopter.
Firefighters arrived at approximately 6:30 a.m. to extinguish the blaze at the home, where the additional residents had been rescued. The man suffered second and third-degree burns, the woman declined medical attention as she did not seem to be affected by any serious injuries, and the young girl”experienced progressive respiratory distress after smoke exposure.”
Four firefighters also sustained injuries. “Three sustained painful second-degree burns to hands and extremities, and were taken to the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital, while the fourth was taken to an area hospital for a significant knee injury,” states the LAFD press release.
The 86-year-old home did not have a functioning smoke alarm or residential fire sprinklers. The total monetary loss from the fire is approximately $440,000. The cause is currently under investigation.
The boy has now been transferred to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, according to the Sherman Oaks Hospital.
