San Andreas, CA…Anyone who’s ever been involved with emergency services knows there’s no such thing as “routine calls for service”. Traffic enforcement stops, neighbor disputes, and as one deputy found out recently, general alarms are never routine.

On March 29th, 2021 at about 8:50 AM, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s 911 dispatch center began receiving calls regarding an alarm sounding near Lewis Avenue, San Andreas. Citizens stated they could hear an alarm sounding, however they were unable to give an exact location. As dispatchers were questioning the reporting parties, they were able to determine the alarm was sounding from the 300 block of Roberts Avenue. Approximately four and half minutes later a deputy arrived at the residence. Upon arrival, the deputy noted they could see a heavy amount of smoke coming from inside the residence and requested fire personnel respond.

The deputy began checking doors and windows to ascertain if anyone was inside. Eventually, the deputy forced the front door open. Once the door was open the deputy called out inside. A woman’s voice replied for help. The deputy went into the residence to assist the female however, heavy smoke forced him back outside for fresh air. As the deputy was entering the residence again, a passerby (citizen) went in to assist with the rescue of the female. The female was located in the back bedroom of the residence. The deputy was able to remove the female from the structure with the assistance of the citizen.

The San Andreas Fire Department quickly arrived and extinguished the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation however, initial indications point to a space heater. The female received emergency medical treatment from paramedics on scene and was eventually transported to a hospital for treatment.

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the citizen for assisting with rescuing the female. This is not the first time in recent history that a citizen has stepped up to assist law enforcement or first responders with emergency situations in Calaveras County. The men and women of the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office are extremely proud to serve such a supportive community.