(New York-WABC, August 24, 2004) -- A woman from Upper Manhattan is in serious condition after a fire in her apartment, and a dramatic rescue by firefighters. The woman's apartment, in the Fort George section, was filled with old newspapers, cardboard boxes, and trash -- all highly flammable.
Here's Anthony Johnson.
The victim's sixth-floor apartment contained stacks and stacks of flammable material; newspapers, cardboard boxes, and magazines. Just about everything that could feed a fire, and cause it to rage out of control. But the woman who lived here somehow made it to her terrace, began screaming for help, and preparing to jump.
David Corporan, Witness: "It was two or three guys there tell her not to jump. But she really want to jump, and the flame was at her back."
Firefighters quickly got into action. One group raced to control the blaze, while the other used Engine 45's bucket truck to rescue the victim.
Scott Atlas, Rescuing Fireman: "She was in a bad spot -- the fire rolled behind her. She's been burnt from her ankles to the back of the head, the whole back side."
The woman was described as being heavy-set, and could not be carried down on the ladder.
Meanwhile, residents were forced from their apartments into the streets, wearing their night clothes and pajamas, and grabbing a few other important items. Fortunately, everyone got out alive, including a nine-month-old girl.
Mother: "I took my baby, and I just walked out."
The only real fear for the residents was that the fire would grow.
Mark Winer, Resident: "Lot of flames coming out ... from the window up top by the roof. It started spreading, you know, so I got a little concerned. Then they started evacuating the building."
The burn victim was rushed to the burn unit at Cornell Medical Center with injuries to 30 to 40 percent of her body.
