APARTMENT FIRE DISPLACES 3 FAMILIES IN EL CAJON; FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE 2 TRAPPED ON BALCONY

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October 20, 2009 (El Cajon)—Just before 9:00 p.m. this evening, El Cajon firefighters responded to reports of an apartment fire at 1077 E. Lexington Avenue. When the first crews arrived, flames and heavy smoke were seen coming from a second floor apartment of the 12-unit complex. About twenty firefighters fought the blaze, knocking it down in 15 minutes. Two occupants of a neighboring apartment were trapped on their second floor balcony and were rescued by crews. Three families displaced by the fire are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

 

Quick action by firefighters kept the flames from spreading to adjoining units. The San Miguel Fire Protection District assisted El Cajon fire crews. The two people rescued from the balcony sustained minor smoke inhalation, but were not transported for medical treatment. There were no other injuries reported.

 

One upper floor apartment unit was heavily damaged, two adjoining units sustained some smoke and fire damage, and an additional two to three units sustained water damage. The cause of the fire is now under investigation. Total damage to structure and contents has been estimated at $250,000.

 


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