Tulare County Fire Crews Rescue Resident in Cardiac Arrest, 3 Firefighters Injured

A debris fire that spread into vegetation and threatened multiple homes in Cutler left three firefighters injured and a resident hospitalized after crews pulled a victim from a burning home during an aggressive search, according to the Tulare County Fire Department.

The incident was reported Friday at 1:45 p.m. in the area of Avenue 400 and Road 140, when Engine 4 from the Cutler-Orosi Fire Station arrived to an unknown type of fire, officials said. Additional resources were requested while crews were en route.

Upon arrival, Engine 4 established command and notified county dispatch that a debris fire had extended into vegetation with three residential structures immediately threatened, the department said.

While crews worked to suppress the fire, a Tulare County Sheriff’s deputy reported that one home east of the main fire area was being impacted.

A second alarm and an ambulance were requested for standby as conditions intensified. During an aggressive primary search of the residence, firefighters located and removed one resident who was in full cardiac arrest.

On-scene fire and EMS personnel began CPR, and the resident was transported to a local hospital for further treatment. At the time of transport, the victim had regained a pulse and was breathing, officials said.

Three firefighters were also treated and transported to a local hospital for heat-related injuries.

A total of 32 personnel responded to the incident, which was complicated by downed power lines, extreme heat and rapidly changing fire conditions.

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The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Tulare County Fire Department Investigations Division at (559) 802-9800.

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