2 people rescued from building blaze in Westlake District
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles firefighters rescued two people from a building fire in the 1500 block of W. Olympic Boulevard Tuesday night.
Ricardo Molina and his wife, Vivian, were stuck inside. Ricardo dialed 911, gasping for breath as black smoke filled the room.
About 170 firefighters from 30 different companies battled the blaze that broke out on the fifth floor of a six-story commercial building in the Westlake District. The Molinas were rescued with the help of a ladder.
PHOTOS: Westlake District high-rise building fire
Witnesses at the scene said it was inspiring to watch the firefighters work and rescue the couple trapped in the building.
The building did not have any sprinklers, and firefighters said that is legal.
"Buildings of this nature, sometimes they are not required to have sprinklers because of their age," LAFD Deputy Chief Phillip Fligiel said.
A helicopter provided light for the firefighters who were fighting the fire on the roof and for others inside the building.
Ricardo was treated for smoke inhalation by firefighters at the scene.
He said he could not be more grateful for the help from the firefighters, who risked their lives to save his.
"I still get to see my grandchildren," he said.
The fire was contained to the southwest corner of the building. One firefighter was taken to the hospital with unknown injuries.
The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation.
