In an unusual confluence of occurrence, Contra Costa Fire Protection District personnel responded to two, 2-alarm fires within a two hour period Wednesday morning.
The first blaze was reported at 3:41 a.m. at 657 La Casa Via in Walnut Creek when flames were spotted at a home there and spread quickly throughout the structure. A second alarm was quickly called due to the size of the structure and the fire was extinguished quickly.
A short time later, at 5:43 a.m., fire was reported at an apartment complex at 3600 Pine Street in Martinez. Martinez Police Officer Dustin Mayberry was going off duty at the time responded to the scene and extricated residents as fire spread from the ground floor of the building to upper floors.
FROM MARTINEZ POLICE: After forcing open one of the apartment doors, Officer Mayberry saw the inside of the apartment was fully engulfed and heard individuals screaming from the back of the unit. This was an upstairs unit and the occupants were preparing to jump to safety. However, Officer Mayberry was able to make his way through the smoke and flames and contact the subjects (a mother and her 14 year old son). Officer Mayberry then led the two through the smoke filled apartment outside to safety.
Corporal Mike Estanol and Corporal Patrick Salamid also responded to assist Officer Mayberry with the evacuation process. During that time, Corporal Estanol forced entry into a unit and located an elderly female lying in bed. She was unable to move on her own, so Corporal Estanol carried her from her bed to the front door. She was then able to walk under her own power to the triage area.
Corporal Salamid forced entry into a separate unit and located a disoriented couple lying in bed with a seven your old child sleeping inside. He was able to alert them to the fire and get them safely outside.
In all, Officer Mayberry, Corporal Estanol and Corporal Salamid safely assisted in the evacuation of 8 individuals and 3 dogs. Officer Mayberry was treated on scene for smoke inhalation and released.
