6 people in critical condition following West Phoenix house fire
PHOENIX - Six people are in critical condition following a fast-moving house fire in West Phoenix on Saturday morning.
What we know:
Phoenix Fire responded to the home near 35th Avenue and McDowell Road around 11 a.m. on June 20, where multiple people were trapped inside, as thick smoke and flames were already spreading to a second house.
"A lot of firefighters… 40 to 50 guys, but a lot of smoke," neighbor DaGoberto Gallo said.
Firefighters rescued five family members from the main fire. Those victims included two women, two men, and one teenage girl. One of the women was taken to a nearby hospital in "extremely critical condition," while the others were taken in critical condition.
At the second home, one man was rescued. He was also taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Local perspective:
Gallo was at work when his nephew called, saying flames from the fire next door were spreading toward his home.
"He was trying to stop and trying save the house or whatever. But look, even the window, the glasses," Gallo said.
Gallo said his nephew was hospitalized with burns after trying to keep the flames away from their home as the fire quickly spread.
No fire crews were injured.
What they're saying:
"Valley hospital, the burn center that we are transported immediately. When they saw this, they started getting all their doctors in already, and it just shows…how awesome they are for being able to accept all five patients and treat them," Captain Todd Keller with Phoenix Fire said.
"Managing the arrival of multiple burn patients requires a high level of coordination between both the fire department and the burn center. Today was an example of this, at the highest level," the fire department said.
Dig deeper:
Gallo said his family will be without gas and power for the next few days, forcing them to stay in a hotel while the damage is repaired. Despite the setbacks, he said he's grateful for one thing above all else — his family made it out safe.
"Thank god. The most important is the life of my nephew was fine. And that's the most important thing," he said.
What's next:
Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.
Map of the area.
The Source: Phoenix Fire Department