LOS ANGELES—A 90-year-old woman is safe and sound after two Los Angeles Police Department officers rescued her from a burning home on the morning of Sunday, January 15.  According to an LAPD news release, at approximately 9:35am, officers Seree Rattanapichetkul and Anthony Farias of the Rampart Division were on patrol when they spotted heavy smoke coming from the upper level of a single family home located at 1143 South Westlake Avenue in Los Angeles.

After requesting the Los Angeles Fire Department for assistance at the 1,764 square foot home, the officers sprung into action, breaking down a chain link gate to escort the residents of the burning home who were gathered in the front porch area to safety away from the fire.

Rattanapichetkul and Farias were then told that a 90-year-old woman was trapped inside a back room on the ground floor of the burning home.  As the smoke increased and filled the downstairs floor of the structure, officers accompanied by a resident made their way through the smoke infested air and located the woman, leading her out the front door of the home to safety.

Even though they were told that everyone was accounted for, officers ran back into the flaming home to confirm that no one remained inside.  Officers confirmed this statement to be correct.

The fire was quickly extinguished in 24 minutes by 47 firefighters from the LAFD, according to a tweet on the department’s Twitter page.  Occupants of the home and the officers were examined by paramedics at the scene and were treated for minor smoke inhalation.  A firefighter was transported to a local hospital with minor smoke inhalation as a result of firefighting operations and was listed in fair condition according to LAFD spokesman Matt Spence.

Officers Rattanapichetkul and Farias were available for media interviews on Sunday, January 15, 2012, until 6:30 p.m.  Those wishing to meet the rescuing officers may call Lieutenant Wes Buhrmester or Sergeant Bob Bishop of the Rampart Division at (213) 484-3400.

Zillow.com states the home was built in 1880 and estimates its value to be around $357,400.