LA County deputy douses apartment fire with hose before firefighters arrive, bodycam video shows

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Dramatic new video shows Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies running into a burning building to save people.

Deputies from the L.A. County Sheriff's Department Lomita Station raced to the apartment complex in response to multiple 911 calls on Monday night.

When they arrived, a third-floor apartment was fully engulfed in flames.

"This is the sheriff's department, anyone in this complex needs to evacuate now!" a deputy was heard yelling on bodycam video released by the department.

With flames raging, the deputy took immediate action to grab an emergency fire hose in the hallway and proceeded to act as a firefighter, dousing the flames before firefighters arrived. He eventually handed the hose over to firefighters when they got there.

Simultaneously, additional deputies knocked on doors and even broke into apartments, searching each smoky room to make sure everyone was out.

The sheriff's department pointed out that their deputies do not have protective gear or a breathing apparatus, but as the video shows, there was no hesitation to help.

Five deputies were transported to a local hospital to be treated for minor smoke inhalation. All are expected to make a full recovery.

"I am proud of our deputy personnel and their heroic actions," said Captain Kimberly Guerrero. "Their quick thinking and selflessness significantly reduced property loss and prevented residents from being displaced. Their actions are truly commendable."

As for the residents, everyone got out safely. No one else was injured.

According to the sheriff's department, a preliminary investigation determined the fire originated from a malfunctioning electrical stove, with estimated property damage totaling approximately $700,000.