Date/Time: 1/16/23, 5:26 PM
Location: 113000 Block of Athol St, Trona
Incident: Commercial Fire

Summary:

Last night San Bernardino County Fire crews were dispatched to a reported Commercial Structure Fire in the 13000 block of Athol St, in the community of Trona. 911 callers stated black smoke from an apartment unit.

Firefighters from Station 57 arrived in less than five minutes to find smoke showing from one unit of a four-unit apartment complex. While setting up for a fire attack, they found two small children who had been pulled from the smoke-filled apartment prior to their arrival. Both were not breathing, and CPR was initiated. Firefighters simultaneously worked on a fire attack, patient care & search of any additional victims inside the apartment unit.

Within 15 minutes of arriving the fire was knocked down & searches of the apartment were clear for any additional victims.

Both patients, two small children were transported by medic ambulance to Ridgecrest Regional Hospital in critical condition. The fire remains under investigation by fire investigators.

San Bernardino County Fire responded with an Engine Company, a Brush Patrol, a Battalion Chief and two Fire Investigators. China Lake Fire and Searles Valley Mineral Fire Department assisted with the fire. Liberty Ambulances responded with two paramedic ambulance units. San Bernardino County Sheriff staff also responded as part of the investigation.

San Bernardino County Fire’s Crisis, Accountability/Assessment, Response, and Education. (CARE) team also was requested for on-scene support.