Richmond firefighters rescued the occupant of an RV that was on fire in the city on Saturday.
Fire crews responded to the area of Cutting Boulevard and Spring Street on a report of an RV fire and were told by people at the scene that a person was trapped inside the vehicle, according to Richmond Firefighters Local 188, the union representing city firefighters.
After extinguishing flames coming from the rear window of the RV, one of the firefighters “without hesitation” climbed into the smoke-filled vehicle through the rear window to search for the victim.
“Within seconds the victim was located unresponsive inside just as the other crew members forced open the side door of the RV,” according to Local 188. “The victim was carried outside to receive medical care from the crew and AMR Paramedics. Upon transport to the hospital the victim was awake and breathing.”
Investigators later determined arson as a cause of the fire. No arrests have been announced.
In a separate incident during the early hours of Sunday morning, firefighters responded to the area of Richmond Parkway and I-80 after an alert AC Transit bus driver spotted a vehicle off the roadway hidden down an embankment.
“A single patient was located already outside the vehicle with major injuries,” Local 188 stated. “The crew quickly rendered medical care and stabilized the vehicle.”
The victim, who was transported to a local trauma center, said the accident occurred about 1.5 hours before firefighters came to the rescue.
“Had it not been for alert and caring members of our community and the amazing teamwork of our members, both these incidents most likely would have less fortunate outcomes,” according to Local 188.
