According
to a release by the City of Alamogordo, at about 7:30 a.m. the
Alamogordo Fire Department was dispatched to 211 Sunrise Avenue for a
structure fire with one occupant trapped inside. Judith Thompson, 77,
activated her life alert and identified heavy fire conditions in the
room where she was seated. Within minutes, firefighters and medical
personnel from AFD and American Medical Response (AMR) were on scene.
Initial
entry crews found heavy fire conditions in the living room of the
residence. A rapid search of the room conducted by firefighters located
Thompson, who was unconscious and seated in a chair directly adjacent
to the fire. Firefighters rapidly removed Thompson from the residence
and initiated lifesaving efforts. AFD and AMR personnel continued
treatment and transported Thompson to the hospital where she is in
stable condition and has resumed consciousness.
Firefighters conducted a search of the rest of the
home and quickly extinguished the fire. Firefighters were able to
contain the damage to the areas initially involved. The residence has
sustained significant damage and the family has been referred to the Red
Cross for support.
The investigation into the origin and cause of the
fire is being conducted by AFD and the State Fire Marshal’s office. “Our
firefighters performed exemplary and as a result of their rapid
response and actions, saved Ms. Thompson’s life," said Fire Chief Mikel
Ward. "Alamogordo truly has the best men and women serving in the fire
department. It’s days like today we are reminded how valuable their
service is.”
Ward also extended his appreciation
to AMR, the Alamogordo Police Department and Otero County Office of
Emergency Services for their assistance and support.
