KEARNS, Utah (ABC4 News) – A man trapped inside a smoke filled basement was helped to safety Friday by a Valley Emergency Communications Center operator.
The fire broke out at a home on 4960 West 5320 South, according to Unified Fire Authorities.
An elderly woman escaped, but her adult son was trapped in the basement. He used a cell phone to dial 911.
“I’m going to die in another few minutes if I don’t get out,” the man told the female operator.
The operator calmly talked to the man and helped him find a window through thick smoke.
The man broke the window and climbed. Rescuers were waiting for him and later transported him to an area hospital.
Authorities said the fire was accidentally set off in the kitchen by cooking oil. About 30 firefighters responded to the blaze.
Damages to the home are estimated to be around $100,000.
