Victim hospitalized with major burns after Citrus Heights duplex fire

By Sara Beth Williams–
Authorities said one person was rescued from a burning half-plex building early Thursday morning, along with a dog.

Fire crews responded to a home on Sperry Drive just before 8 a.m. on Aug. 15 to heavy fire, according to Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. Multiple fire trucks and Citrus Heights police vehicles could be seen on Sperry Drive in front of the Summer Hills Apartments. Police blocked off Sperry Drive at San Juan Avenue during the incident.

A video obtained by The Sentinel shows a dark plume of smoke rising as flames engulfed the front entrance of one side of the duplex.

After hearing reports of an occupant still inside, fire crews were able to locate the victim and successfully pull her out.  Officials said the victim was immediately transported to the hospital with critical injuries. Another occupant was able to escape independently and was treated on scene for burn injuries. Fire officials also rescued a dog from the house.

The fire was contained to the home, officials said, and no other structures were threatened. Within an hour of the incident, fire officials were alerted that the critical patient was awake and able to speak.