Good Samaritan Saves WWII Vet from Burning Home

LOS ANGELES, CA - A 90-year-old veteran of World War II was saved from flames that ravished his home thanks to a good Samaritan who beat the fire department to the scene, according to a Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman today.

The fire occurred Sunday at 12:12 p.m at the single-story home at 2557 Cincinnati St. in Boyle Heights, according to the LAFD's Erik Scott.

Firefighters were aware that an elderly man might be trapped in the home when they arrived and saw moderate smoke billowing out of the home.

They found that the resident was safe, thanks to Andres, whose last name was not released.

Minutes before the crews arrived, Andres was driving on the street when he saw the man on the front porch going back inside the burning home. He stopped his car, jumped the fence, and got the man outside just prior to the fire department's arrival.

The 32 firefighters extinguished the flames in 18 minutes. The firefighters then gave him a $100 emergency credit card to help the man recover from the incident.

The fire had damaged a room, a hallway and extended into the attic. Authorities believe The flames were probably caused by candles. The fire caused $100,000 to the structure and $50,000 to the contents.

City News Service; Photo: Los Angeles Fire Department