Los Angeles: On Tuesday, September 25, 2001, at approximately 1:35 A.M., Southwest Area police officers Matthew Kilman, Jonathan Pultz, Joseph Myers, and Carlos Ortega, were on patrol in the area of Western Avenue and Vermont Avenue when they detected a strong burning odor in the air.

The officers followed the scent took the officers to 1722 West 45^th Street, where they saw a single family house engulfed in flames. The officers notified the Los Angeles Fire Department while they investigated if the residence was occupied. When no one answered to the officers’ door knocks, the officers forced their entry into the house and were able to rescue four children and two adults to safety.

Due to the quick actions taken by the officers, the rescued family escaped injury.

Thirty Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters put out the blaze at 1:56 A.M.

For further information contact Los Angeles Police Department, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.

This press release was prepared by Pubic Information Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.