When fire broke out at an El Cerrito apartment complex early Wednesday, a landscaper jumped into action, saving one women from the smoke and flames.
The call came in at 7:20 a.m. to the apartments at 5745 Andros Place.
Antonio Lopes was on his way into work and he believes God put him in the right place at the right time to save the lives of people inside the apartments.
“As I’m coming to work I see flames and I hear screaming,” Lopes said.
He said he went to call for help but quickly realized there were people inside the apartments.
“I kicked down the door, the bottom door, where the fire was and got the lady out,” he said adding that he went upstairs to get others out.
“I did my best,” he said. “The smoke was so heavy, I couldn’t breathe at all.”
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When fire crews arrived, they found heavy smoke from the first and second floors. Crews were able to extinguish in 20 minutes.
Officials are working to investigate a cause.
Four apartments were affected.
Lopes said he’s just thankful he got everyone out of the building before they got hurt.
“I hope anybody else would do it for my family,” he said.
The community is located north of State Route 94 and south of El Cajon Boulevard.
No other information was immediately available.
Check back for updates on this breaking news story.
