Fire at a San Pedro Motel

The Hotel Fire (Photo credit: Jordon)

Officials believe something was used to ignite a fast-burning fire that raced through a San Pedro motel. The fire occurred early yesterday. This fire forced one person to jump off the two-story building. This fire seriously burning one person and senta total of 14 people to the hospital.

When the firefighters pulled up to the scene they found one woman in critical condition because she jumped off the building. Other people trapped in the building were also claiming to jump out. A local Los Angeles police officer rushed in to save people trapped inside.  The fire department used ladders to rescue people on the second story.

About 150 firefighters responded and were at the scene. The fire was stopped in about 30 minutes. Detectives and investigators determined arson was likely a part of the incident. According to local neighbors, police and paramedics are routinely called to the location for medical emergencies, fights and drug-related problems.

One man who has lived at the motel for seven years said he wouldn’t be surprised if the fire was started intentionally because there often are fights and problems among management, residents and visitors who come in off the street. The resident, who would not give his name, said he was awake when he heard commotion outside his room at about 3:30 a.m.

The Long Beach chapter of the American Red Cross is currently providing housing and food for the displaced residents. The firefighters were quick to bring them doughnuts while they waited for hours outside the building.  About 20 displaced men, women and teenagers were taken to the Anderson Senior Center.

Monica Zosaya, a local resident said, “My cat was acting weird and I opened the door and smoke just came in. I slammed the door and thought: `Get dressed, get the cat and get out.’ But the doorknob was hot. I went to the window and yelled `help.’ They said to push out the screen, and then they put the ladder up.”

Being a part of a tragic fire can be mentally and physically damaging. It is necessary to seek help after an incident such as this. If you have been in an accident like this it is necessary to reach a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation.