Florida Crews Rescue Disabled Woman at Apartment Fire

Jan. 20, 2008
On the second floor, firefighters found a disabled woman who had been unable to get down the stairs to safety.

LAUDERHILL, Fla. --

Firefighters rescued a disabled woman from an apartment fire that left a pregnant woman and a child injured and displaced 11 people.

Fire broke out in the Inverrary Club apartments on Northwest 56th Avenue. about 9:30 p.m. Friday. By the time fire trucks arrived, the five-story building was filled with smoke.

Firefighters went through the building room-by-room searching for victims. On the second floor, they found a disabled woman who had been unable to get down the stairs to safety.

A pregnant woman and a 5-year-old child were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. Lt. Roberto Torres of Engine 57 carried her to safety, fire officials said.

Investigators said the fire was contained to one apartment, but there was extensive smoke and water damage to other parts of the building.

The Red Cross is helping five families with temporary shelter.

Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the fire.

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