Man Rescues Couple, Son From House Fire

Braving flames and smoke, a man rescued an elderly couple and their developmentally disabled son from their burning home Sunday, authorities said.

The couple were unhurt, and their 42-year-old son suffered minor injuries, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey.

The fire burned most of the house’s roof and caused major smoke damage, leading to an estimated $100,000 in damages.

The blaze was sparked at about 7:40 a.m. in the 5900 block of Tujunga Avenue. About 30 firefighters arrived at the scene and quickly extinguished it, Humphrey said.

“We extinguished the fire in an astonishing 15 minutes, but despite our best efforts, the house suffered major damages,” he said.

Humphrey said the one-story, 1,500-square-foot house was covered in flames when the man, who was not identified, kicked down the front door and helped the couple escape. Their son managed to leave on his own, suffering second- and third-degree burns to his forehead and feet, Humphrey said.

He was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, where he remained in fair condition, Humphrey said.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation Sunday.