Man Shimmies Down Balcony to Escape Huntington Harbour Blaze, Home Destroyed

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA - A Huntington Beach man escaped a fire early this morning that destroyed his house.

The fire was reported at 16971 Edgewater Lane at 1:06 a.m., said Huntington Beach Fire Department Capt. Bob Culhane.

"Fire crews found fire coming from openings on the first and second floors, of the single family residence and started an aggressive fire attack from the exterior," Culhane said.

The sole resident of the house was found on the dock of a neighboring home, the captain said. He told fire crews heat from the fire that had begun entering his bedroom woke him up.

The man made it to the balcony at the rear of the house and climbed down wrought iron railings.

The man was evaluated at the scene and taken to UCI Medical Center for follow up, Culhane said.

The flames were out at 2:28 a.m. and the house was determined to be a total loss, he said. The cause was under investigation. Fire crews from Fountain Valley and the Orange County Fire Authority assisted.

"The Huntington Beach Fire Department encourages everyone to ensure that smoke detectors are in place in order to give residents enough time to exit a burning home," Culhane said. "Sleeping with bedroom doors closed will provide extra time in the event that using a second exit, such as a window, is necessary."

City News Service