UPDATE: An off-duty paramedic has heroically saved a seven-year-old girl from a raging fire outside her home in East Hollywood, Los Angeles, late Thursday night. Richard Recinos was driving home from a family Thanksgiving dinner when he spotted flames rising around 11:30 PM on November 23, 2023.
As he approached the scene, he saw young Savannah standing on her porch, surrounded by flames engulfing two large trees. With debris falling around her, Recinos swiftly zipped up his leather jacket for protection and ran toward her. He scooped Savannah up and carried her to safety just moments before firefighters arrived on the scene.
“Considering the circumstances, I saw my opportunity for a quick grab and go, quick exit, and everything went well,” Recinos stated. Savannah was treated for minor burns to her feet caused by falling ash but was released from the hospital later that night.
The Los Angeles Fire Department received reports of the fire at 11:43 PM, quickly upgrading the incident to a structure fire as the flames threatened a nearby two-story building. Fortunately, damage was primarily limited to the exterior, and no injuries were reported among other family members still inside the home.
Savannah described the terrifying moment she realized the house was on fire, initially mistaking it for her imagination. “I saw this spark and at first I thought it was just my imagination… I remembered my school’s fire safety messages, ‘don’t grab anything, leave the house,’” she recounted.
Recinos, who has always aspired to be a firefighter, expressed that the night’s events have only strengthened his commitment to that dream. “That guy just came out of nowhere and… then he helped me get out of the fire,” Savannah said, praising her rescuer.
The fire’s cause is currently under investigation. A neighbor who alerted Savannah’s family shared his experience, describing the scene as sounding like a snowstorm, but it was actually ash falling from the trees. He promptly contacted 911 and woke the family, ensuring they could escape the flames.
Social media posts from the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed the swift response of their crews and acknowledged the successful rescue, underscoring the teamwork that prevented a potential tragedy. While the family’s car parked next to the trees was destroyed, their home remains intact and habitable.
This urgent rescue story highlights the bravery of everyday heroes and serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety education. As investigations continue, the community is rallying around Savannah and her family, celebrating their miraculous escape from danger.
Stay tuned for updates on the investigation and the ongoing response from local authorities.
