LAKEPORT >> One person died when fire erupted at a Lakeport senior living facility on Sunday evening. Four other residents of the complex were transported to the hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.
Flames gushed from a first floor apartment of Lakeview Housing, 525 Bevins St., shortly after 5:30 p.m., forcing some residents of the 36-unit facility on to scramble from windows. A crew from the Lakeport Fire Protection District arrived within minutes and quickly doused the fire as law enforcement officers and firefighters rushed to aid those trying to leave the building.
“We got a good knock down on it right away,” said Lakeport Fire Chief Doug Hutchison.
While the fire was held to the apartment where it originated, heavy smoke filled the two-story building. One of the victims transported to Sutter Lakeside Hospital was later airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center.
Firefighters conducting a search of the building after stopping the fire discovered the body of a woman inside an elevator. Investigators believe she had reentered at some point during the blaze.
Authorities had not released the woman’s name as of Monday afternoon, pending notification of family and completion of the investigation.
“We have a pretty good idea of cause and origin, but we’re letting the investigators finish their work,” Hutchison reported.
Although the fire itself was isolated, firefighters and law enforcement officers were pressed to help some residents of the senior living center from the building. Fire crews used ladders to reach some who had thrown open upstairs windows.
Hutchison did not know how many residents were home at the time. A few arrived shortly after the fire started and were seen heading to the facility after parking on Bevins Street. Lakeport police and Sheriff’s deputies blocked through traffic.
Kelseyville Fire Protection District and Northshore Fire Protection District sent crews to assist. Lake County Fire Protection District directed medical units to the scene and Cal Fire filled at Lakeport’s fire station to ensure coverage.
“We got a ton of help,” Hutchison said.
Lakeport firefighters later jointed the effort to contain a late night blaze near Lucerne that eventually charred 10 acres.
