Crews from Dunedin Fire Rescue responded to a residential structure fire in the 1500 block of San Mateo Drive at approximately 1:23 p.m. today.
According to officials, Firefighter/Paramedic AJ Gonzales and Firefighter/EMT Makayla Bowers arrived first and encountered heavy smoke, visible flames, and reports of an occupant trapped inside.
Gonzales provided an initial size-up over the radio and announced that the crew would attempt a rescue. With limited equipment, including a halligan, axe, and a three-gallon water can, they entered the home and conducted a directed search toward the reported location of the resident.
The firefighters located the victim in a rear bedroom and removed the individual as conditions worsened. Outside the home, they immediately began advanced medical care, including airway management and treatment for smoke inhalation.
Aeromed transported the patient to the burn center at Tampa General Hospital with critical injuries.
Dunedin Fire Rescue officials credited the quick actions of Gonzales and Bowers for saving the resident’s life.
Gonzales serves as a Field Training Officer overseeing paramedic training and quality assurance. Bowers has been with the department for less than one year.
The Dunedin Fire Rescue was assisted by Sunstar Paramedics, Clearwater Fire & Rescue, Largo Fire Rescue, Safety Harbor Fire Department, Oldsmar Fire Rescue, Palm Harbor Special Fire District, Aeromed, and Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.