Contra Costa Building Fire Injures Girl, 5

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA -- A young girl was sent to the hospital with minor smoke inhalation injuries after a fire at a Concord apartment complex damaged eight units on the afternoon of Dec. 19, Contra Costa fire officials say.

Firefighters responded to the fire in the 1600 block of Laguna Street just before 2 p.m. and arrived at the complex to find a heavy fire in several downstairs units, according to Contra Costa County Fire Protection
District Fire Marshal Robert Marshal.

Two people had to be rescued from an upstairs balcony because the fire had cut off their only avenue of escape. They were treated for minor injuries at the scene and released, Marshal said.

The five-year-old girl who was taken to the hospital with minor smoke inhalation injuries is expected to recover.

Crews brought the two-alarm fire under control by 2:40 p.m. and investigators are looking into the cause, Marshal said.

The fire damaged units in just one of the complex's 13 buildings and resulted in the closure of Laguna Street between Adelaide Street and Detroit Avenue.

Drivers are being asked to avoid the area, Marshal said.

Bay City News contributed to this report/Image via Shutterstock