Family Escapes “Nightmare” House Fire

Seven family members were awakened by smoke alarms early Monday as a fire burned in the attic of their home.

The fire was contained to the home in the 9200 block of Dorrington Place. No injuries were reported and family members will be provided temporary shelter from the Red Cross.

Family members were sleeping when the smoke alarms sounded at about 3 a.m. Resident said they saw flames on the ceiling and began waking up other family members.

"I wish it was a nightmare," said resident Maria Salvatierra. "It's so sad to see."

Smoke from the attic likely entered the lower floors and triggered the smoke detectors.

Six adults and a child escaped with their dog, Fluffy. The fire was knocked down after about 35 minutes, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

"Fortunately, the smoke detectors did alert the residents," said Los Angeles Battalion Chief Timothy Kelly. "It probably got a good head start, everybody's sleeping at this time of the morning."