Multiple fire engines responded to a second-alarm fire Tuesday evening at an apartment complex a few blocks west of Recreation Park, with video from the scene showing flames and smoke billowing from several units of the multi-story complex.
The first engine arrived on scene at about 6:30 p.m. in the 1100 block of Newport Avenue, said Capt. Jack Crabtree, spokesman for the Long Beach Fire Department. The blaze was extinguished in 13 minutes, officials said.
Two people were assessed at the scene for smoke inhalation and released, the fire department tweeted. No firefighters were injured.
1100 Block of Newport Ave: Units on scene of 2nd Alarm apartment fire. Arriving units reported heavy fire and smoke coming from one unit on 2nd floor. 2 patients have been assessed for smoke inhalation and released. Fire investigators on scene. No firefighter injuries. pic.twitter.com/QpkF6EaSWd
— Long Beach Fire (CA) (@LBFD) March 24, 2021
Brock Bunch, who lives across the street from the building, said he smelled burning plastic and realized the building was on fire. He and another neighbor grabbed a ladder and attempted to help residents evacuate just before fire crews arrived and took over the evacuation effort, he said.
Kistyn Gritney, who lives two units away from the apartment that caught fire, said her neighbor ran out of his apartment saying his dryer had caught fire. She said smoke filled the courtyard as she evacuated.
Madeline Peña, who lives next door to the building with her daughter, said they were worried they’d also have to evacuate.
“We were worried because of the wind and we could see the flames flying out of the building,” she said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.