A woman and her caretaker were transported to the hospital after firefighters rescued them from a burning home in Concord at 1:30 a.m. Thursday.

Concord police officers notified responding firefighters that people could be heard inside, but officers weren't able to go in due to heavy smoke conditions, according to the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.

Firefighters found the caretaker upon entering the single family home's hallway and the other occupant on a bed - both did not appear to have threatening injuries, but were transported to the hospital.

A majority of the fire, which was determined accidental and initiated in the attic, was under control within 30 minutes after the occupants were rescued, acording to CCCFPD. Damage is estimated to be of $100,000.

Four fire engines, one ladder truck, a breathing support unit, a safety officer and two Battalion Chiefs - a total of 21 personnel - were assigned to the incident at the 3700 block of Bon Homme Way in Concord, according to the district.

From the press release:

 ... smoke alarms were installed in the home and were working at the time of the fire, allowing the occupants to be notified of the smoke in the home and to call 911 early.

In this case, early detection of the fire saved lives.  The home was occupied by an elderly woman who just returned home from the hospital – she was bedridden and a caretaker was temporarily residing with her.

Had the smoke not been detected early and the fire allowed to progress, the outcome of this incident could have been much different.

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District has a program to assist seniors with residential smoke alarm installations in the communities we serve.  Contact us at 925-941-3326 to schedule an installation at no cost.