'A Person Is Still Alive Today': Firefighters Commended For Rescue

WALNUT CREEK, CA — Firefighters are credited with saving a life during a recent structure fire in Walnut Creek, according to a battalion chief with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.

The multi-alarm fire rescue was reported at 7:59 p.m. Jan. 12 at 1765 Countrywood Ct., near Bancroft Road and Treat Boulevard in Walnut Creek.

Upon arrival, Engine 10 from Concord declared a working fire with heavy smoke and flames coming from the front of the building. A few seconds later, the captain of the engine declared "rescue mode" with residents trapped.

"Rescue mode is significant in that strategies and tactics change and the level of risk versus gain is increased," Con Fire Battalion Chief Kevin Platt said. "All efforts from incoming firefighters change to rescuing potential victims — immediately."

Engine 7 from Walnut Creek was second on scene and was tasked with VES — vent/enter/search— on the opposite side of Engine 10.

"VES is a high-risk tactic used to enter through a window or door, unprotected by a hose line, isolating the room entered by closing the door, and quickly searching for victims," Platt said. "In this situation, Engine 7 quickly located the victim with no visibility and very smoky conditions. At the same moment, Truck 1 from Walnut Creek was performing rooftop ventilation. This quickly lifted the smoke conditions, changed the visibility, and gave the victim a fresher source of air."

Because of the window height, the firefighters from Engine 7 were not able to lift the victim to the window and out. Smoke and fire conditions inside the unit also prevented them from moving the victim back through the home and out.

"Engine 8 from Concord was on the exterior and, utilizing quick thinking and creativity, cut from the bottom of the window on both sides to essentially turn the window into a door," Platt said.

Two people including the victim were rescued from the home; the victim was put on an awaiting gurney and transported to the hospital.

Fire personnel who rode in with the medic unit said the patient had agonal breathing at the start of transport, but by arrival at the hospital was following commands and squeezing the hand of a firefighter, Platt said.

"Because of the professionalism, commitment to the community, realistic training and aggressiveness of fire officers, a person is still alive today."