Firefighters, neighbors hurt when Tacoma apartments erupt in flames

TACOMA, Wash. — Four people, including two firefighters, were hospitalized after a fire at an apartment complex in Tacoma Monday night.

The Tacoma Fire Department has ruled the fire was caused by someone lighting a cigarette while using oxygen.

Both firefighters, along with a neighbor, have been released from the hospital and are expected to be OK. KIRO 7 talked with the family of that neighbor who says he was quick to act and help others.

“I just remember my mom banging on my door yelling for my brother and my boyfriend to come out because my other brother had just run in,” said Nageli Rosas.

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Tacoma apartment fire Four people, including two firefighters, were hospitalized after a fire at an apartment complex in Tacoma Monday night.

Rosas says her brother was worried people were inside the apartments as the fire quickly spread.

When firefighters arrived at the Pacific Manor Apartments just after 9 p.m., five units were engulfed in flames.

“Flames were just coming out from the top of the building, and we were just looking at things cave in. It was scary knowing that we were like, right there,” said Rosas.

Tacoma Fire says at one point, the ceiling collapsed and five firefighters were injured. Three were evaluated and remained at the scene, and two were transported to the hospital along with Rosas’ brother and another resident.

Rosas says his brother is back home resting, but as she looks at all the damage, she can’t help but feel for all nine neighbors who no longer have a home.

“I feel terrible. I mean, those are people’s homes, these are our neighbors,” said Rosas.

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