FORT BRAGG, CA > > On October 19, 2024 at approximately 8:59 P.M., Fort Bragg police officers were dispatched to a report of a possible residential structure fire in the 500 block of Kempee Way.

When the first officer arrived, she saw a large amount of smoke coming from the house, heard the activated fire alarm, and saw the interior sprinkler system was spraying water. The officer was also able to see through the smoke an unconscious male seated in the living room.

The officer entered the structure and pulled the man from the house. He awakened as they were exiting the structure.

Disoriented for a few moments, he was unaware of the danger he was in. The officer stayed with the man until medical personnel arrived, then began to assist in evacuations of nearby residences.

Captain Thomas O'Neal said, "Every day our officers are faced with a multitude of calls to which they react with courage and professionalism. I'm very proud of the heroics of this officer who put herself in harm's way to rescue a community member."

The man pulled from the house was treated for smoke inhalation, but suffered no other injuries. He was released by medical personnel at the scene. The officer also sustained smoke inhalation, but declined medical treatment.

The origin of the fire was determined to be in the kitchen due to food left cooking on the stove. The majority of damage to the structure was due to smoke and water.