Six Severely Burned in Mesa Apartment Fire, Including Four Children
On January 24, 2023, a tragic apartment fire in Mesa, Arizona, resulted in serious injuries to six individuals, including four children. The incident occurred at the Dobson Glen Condos shortly before 2 a.m. and quickly escalated to a third-alarm fire.
Details of the Incident
The Mesa Fire Department responded promptly, deploying numerous firefighting units to the scene. The victims, consisting of two adults and four children aged between six months and 13 years, sustained severe burns and were transported to the Valleywise Health Burn Center for specialized treatment. Notably, one child required airlifting from Banner Desert Medical Center to ensure they received immediate care.
- Victims: 2 adults and 4 children
- Ages of Children: 6 months to 13 years
- Condition: 2 adults and 3 children in critical condition; 1 child in serious condition
Community Response
Approximately 30 residents were evacuated from the building due to the intense fire, with many seeking refuge in a nearby junior high school. By the afternoon of the same day, most residents returned to their homes, though reports indicated that at least eight apartment units might be completely destroyed.
Local residents expressed their concern and sorrow. Susan Paschall, a neighbor, stated, “I just pray for those people,” as she witnessed the extensive response of first responders. Another neighbor, Jesse Flores, described the fire’s intensity, noting that despite water being applied, the flames appeared to grow larger.
Challenges in Treatment
Dr. Frank LoVecchio, an emergency physician, remarked on the complexity of treating burn injuries, particularly emphasizing the risks of inhalation injuries. He highlighted that recovery is often a challenging and prolonged process, with some patients remaining in burn units for weeks or even months.
Support for Affected Families
The American Red Cross responded to the disaster, offering immediate assistance to those impacted. Volunteers helped address urgent needs and provided support as families began their recovery process.
While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, local fire crews indicated that determining the origin may take several days due to the fire’s extensive damage.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to financially support the affected families during this difficult time.
