URGENT UPDATE: A heroic rescue unfolded in Larchmont, Los Angeles, just before midnight on Thanksgiving, as an off-duty paramedic and a neighbor saved a 7-year-old girl from a devastating fire. Dramatic footage captured the perilous moments when burning embers rained down around them, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The fire ignited near a two-story duplex on West Oakwood Avenue, prompting immediate action from neighbors. Ari Vokydis, who lived nearby, first noticed the chaos. “I heard what sounded like a snowstorm hitting the window,” he recalled. Upon seeing the blazing inferno, he quickly alerted his family and rushed to help his neighbors.
Inside, young Savannah Vasquez was awake, waiting for her mother. Facing the flames, she instinctively recalled her school’s fire safety lessons. “I told my grandma there was fire,” Savannah said, taking decisive action despite her fear.
As the fire raged, Richard, an off-duty paramedic, spotted the flames from his home and rushed to the scene. Video footage shows him sprinting towards Savannah, scooping her into his arms while ash and embers fell all around them. “That guy just came out of nowhere,” Savannah said, expressing gratitude for his quick response.
Firefighters arrived shortly after, managing to extinguish the flames quickly. Although the family’s vehicle was destroyed, authorities confirmed that their home remains structurally sound. In daylight, the aftermath revealed the fire’s destruction, but the family is thankful to be alive. “Grandma’s car is now like a marshmallow,” Savannah remarked, emphasizing the surreal nature of the experience.
Despite the trauma, Savannah sustained only minor burns and blisters on her feet from the hot debris. She reflected on the bravery shown by her neighbor and Richard, stating, “It’s really kind, because that’s what kind people do.”
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire, but the quick actions of the neighbors and first responders averted a potentially tragic outcome.
As investigations continue, the community is left to count their blessings this holiday season, grateful for the heroism that saved lives. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of fire safety and the impact of swift action in emergencies.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as authorities work to uncover the cause of the blaze.
