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San Benito
January 9, 2025

Fire official describes bystander rescue at Prune Street blaze

Two good samaritans rescued a man from his Prune Street home just shortly before a fire there spread.

The man, described as middle-aged, was in critical condition at the hospital after sustaining burns and inhaling smoke. One other resident escaped without injury, and a third was not home at the time of the Wednesday morning fire.

That fire was reported at about 7 a.m. at 938 Prune St. Battalion Chief Charlie Bedolla said it started in the injured man’s bedroom toward the front of the house.

Fire investigators have narrowed possible causes, but are waiting for verification from the insurance company before releasing anything official. They don’t believe there was anything suspicious involved, Bedolla said.

Bedolla said a neighbor arrived home from work with a commuting coworker. Those two heard screaming and then noticed heavy black smoke coming from the house. That’s when they jumped into action to help out.

“It could’ve been really, really bad if it weren’t for the two next door,” Bedolla said. “They actually pulled the gentlemen out of the fire. They were choking down the air. If they wouldn’t have gotten there by that time, it would’ve been a total different outcome.”

Two good samaritans rescued a man from his Prune Street home just shortly before a house fire spread.

The man, described as middle-aged, was in critical condition at the hospital after sustaining burns and inhaling smoke. One other resident escaped without injury, and a third was not home at the time of the Wednesday morning fire.

That fire was reported at about 7 a.m. at 938 Prune St. Battalion Chief Charlie Bedolla said it started in the injured man’s bedroom toward the front of the house.

Fire investigators have narrowed possible causes, but are waiting for verification from the insurance company before releasing anything official. They don’t believe there was anything suspicious involved, Bedolla said.

Bedolla said a neighbor arrived home from work with a commuting coworker. Those two heard screaming and then noticed heavy black smoke coming from the house. That’s when they jumped into action to help out.

“It could’ve been really, really bad if it weren’t for the two next door,” Bedolla said. “They actually pulled the gentleman out of the fire. They were choking down the air. If they wouldn’t have gotten there by that time, it would’ve been a total different outcome.”

The male coworker called 911, and both of them ended up pulling the man onto the porch and then into the front of the home, Bedolla said.

Shortly after, the fire escalated significantly.

“That’s when the fire exploded out,” Bedolla said. “The fire was so intense it blew out the windows.”

The home was a total loss, and the American Red Cross responded to help the family.

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