A woman and six kittens were rescued Thursday as firefighters faced extremely packed conditions at a San Fernando Valley home during a fire that was knocked down after a more than one-hour attack that involved about 75 firefighters.
The firefight involved "multiple challenges," including downed power lines and "extreme storage" inside the Reseda home in the 17000 block of West Vanowen Street. Los Angeles Police Department officers and a neighbor rescued an 18-year-old woman from a window and hospitalized in fair condition.
A neighbor who suffered smoke inhalation also was hospitalized in fair condition. A firefighter suffered minor burns and two officers were treated for minor injuries
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The six kittens rescued by firefighters were described as "in good health." One pet bird was found dead inside the residence.
What appeared to be a garage converted into a living space also burned. Aerial video showed several cars and piles of debris on the property.
Live power lines dropped to the ground, posing another challenge for firefighters, who battled the fire amid gusty and hot conditions.
Details regarding a cause of the fire were not immediately available.
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"It was truly impressive to see different people come together -- from firefighters, law enforcement, and even neighbors -- all to help others," said LA Fire spokesman Erik Scott. "They did an outstanding job rescuing trapped occupants, pets, treating and transporting the injured, and battling the blaze through extreme temperatures and wind, all while overcoming multiple hazards."
