Firefighters in Los Angeles have rescued a man who was clinging to the side of a high rise building after a large fire broke out this afternoon.
Eight people were rescued from the blaze, with six brought to hospital.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) said most were suffering from smoke exposure and one person is in a grave condition.
A helicopter flies over a residential building on fire in Los Angeles, 29-01-2020. Image: Megan Feldman/AP/Press Association ImagesMeanwhile, several other people were rescued from the building's roof by helicopter – along with at least two dogs.
The LAFD said they believe reports of people jumping from windows and balconies to escape the blaze were inaccurate.
West La Barrington Plaza fire. Lafd saved this guys life !!!!! #lafd #losangeles #losangelesfire #westla #nbcla #foxla #abcla #cbsla 🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👨🏻🚒 pic.twitter.com/V3WGgOj0cb
— Andrew (@SiderisAndrew) January 29, 2020
They said two people had contemplated jumping before they were rescued – and onlookers may have been confused due to the smoke.
Footage from the scene showed a man holding on to the side of the building before firefighters brought him to safety.
