Orland Fire Prevention District responds to home fire in Orland Hills
(Photos below)
(Photos below)
This morning at 3:59 am, the Orland Fire Protection District responded to a fire at 16835 Highview in Orland Hills.
The family in the home was awakened to the fire by smoke detectors and one of the three family members living in the house called 911 to report the fire.
Fire dispatchers instructed the caller to evacuate the building and obtained critical information confirming that all of the residents were safely outside of the building. This information was relayed to responding fire companies prior to their arrival at the fire.
“Knowing that all occupants are out of a burning building is key information enabling responders to change priorities, focusing on fire extinguishment and saving property,” said Acting Orland Fire Chief Raymond Kay.
Initial fire companies arrived within 3 minutes of the 911 call and found heavy smoke conditions particularly in the rear of the building near one of the bedrooms. The fire was extinguished within approximately 10 minutes following arrival of the first fire companies.
There were no injuries at this fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
“This family practiced sound fire prevention principles by keeping their smoke detectors in good working order. There is no doubt that early identification of smoke and early notification of the sleeping residents by smoke detectors allowed self rescue, saving three lives,” Kay said.
“The greatest majority of fire fatalities are the result of smoke inhalation regardless of the size of the fire. Please remember to maintain your smoke detectors and change the batteries twice each year. Smoke detectors save lives.”
Orland Fire Protection District President Jim Hickey praised the fast response to the fire.
“Our job is to save lives and promote safety and I am relieved that no one was injured in this incident,” Hickey said.
Photos courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District.
Photos courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District.
