Two Injured after Escaping Sacramento Apartment Fire

Two People Hurt after Jumping from Burning Apartment

Two people are recovering from their injuries after escaping an early morning fire at an apartment complex in Sacramento. Fire officials say the two unidentified adults suffered life-threatening injuries after jumping from a second-story balcony.

What Happened?

The fire broke out just after 4:00 a.m. on February 24th at the Park Hills Place Apartment Complex on South Land Park Drive near 43rd Avenue. When Sacramento firefighters arrived at the scene, they saw the heavy fire on the backside of the apartment building and discovered two people on the ground with severe injuries. One of the two people was confirmed to be a disabled veteran. They were both taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
South Land Park Drive was blocked off briefly so firefighters could use water from a nearby fire hydrant to put out the flames. Firefighters were able to quickly put out the fire.

Neighbors Coming to the Rescue

There was a lot of smoke on one other side of the building, and residents said it smelled awful. One person said he heard people screaming for help, so he used a crowbar and fire extinguisher to evacuate everyone. Another resident, who was displaced by the fire, said he hopes and prays the two injured people are doing fine.

The fire displaced about 15 residents who lived in eight other units in the same apartment complex. They are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Death from Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are an unfortunate part of life and occur more often than most people realize. According to statistics, death from burn injuries occurs every three hours in the United States, amounting to about 2.1 percent of all fatal injuries. Most burn injury deaths are due to home fires, with an increased risk in those living in poverty, rural homes, and young children.

Common Types of Burn Injuries

A burn is a type of injury caused by damage to the skin from excessive heat, radiation, chemicals, electricity, or sunlight. First and most second-degree burns can be treated at home. However, third-degree burns are life-threatening and require essential medical treatments.

The different types of burns include the following:

  • Thermal burns are due to external heat sources that raise the skin’s temperature. Some examples include scalding liquids, hot metals, flames, and steam.

  • Radiation burns are caused by extended exposure to the sun or other radiation sources like therapeutic cancer treatments.

  • Chemical burns are caused by detergents, strong acids, solvents, or alkalis that come into contact with the skin.

  • Electrical burns are caused by electrical current, either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC).

  • Friction burns are caused by the heat generated by direct friction. Some examples include rope burn or touching a treadmill in motion.

Signs and Symptoms of Burns

Symptoms of burns vary depending on the severity of the injury. Symptoms often worsen in the first few hours or days after the injury. Signs and symptoms of a burn include:

Who Are More Prone to Burn Injuries?

Accidental burns can happen to anyone. About half a million people in the United States are injured from unintentional burns every year. However, children, teens, and older people are at a higher risk for burns. These age groups are more prone to burn injuries from sunburns or cooking, like spilling a boiling pot of water onto their skin. Children and teenagers are also more likely to play with matches, lighters, and fireworks.

How to Prevent Burn Injuries

Burns can occur in many ways. Below are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of burns:

  • Always test the water in a bath or shower before getting in.
  • Cover electrical outlets.
  • Don’t hold a child near a hot stove.
  • Install and test smoke detectors in your home regularly.
  • Lock up matches, lighters, and chemicals.
  • Place safeguards around a fireplace.
  • Set your home’s hot water heater below 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Stock your home with fire extinguishers and know how to use them.
  • Use the stove’s back burners when cooking, turn handles of pots and pans inward so they won’t be bumped, and don’t leave the stove unattended.
  • Wear sunscreen daily.

Watch the YouTube Video: V2020 Preventing Burn Injuries. The following video provides some essential tips that can help keep your family safe from injury caused by burns.

Burn Injury Lawyers in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Burn Injury Attorney. A severe burn injury is a catastrophe. If you or a loved one has suffered devastating burn injuries in an accident, call our experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyers today for free, friendly, and compassionate advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

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Photo by Chris Karidis on Unsplash

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