Westminster Officers Brave Inferno to Rescue Trapped Woman

A 911 call from a resident trapped by flames led to a heroic rescue by the Westminster Police Department. Read the full story of their bravery.

by Admin

Oct 3, 2025

A quiet Thursday morning in a Westminster neighborhood was shattered just after 9 a.m. The urgent call came into dispatch: a house fire near Springdale Street and Chinook Avenue, with a resident trapped inside. The caller explained she was partially bedridden and her room was quickly filling with smoke. For the officers of the Westminster Police Department, this was a signal that every second would count. This incident would soon become a powerful example of courage under fire and the unwavering commitment of those who wear the badge.

A Split-Second Decision at the Inferno's Edge

When Officer Jason Stouffer arrived, the scene was chaotic. Flames were erupting from the garage and consuming a car parked in the driveway. The heat was so intense it had shattered the home's windows. "By that time, all the windows had already popped," Officer Stouffer recalled. "The car was now on fire, and the tires were starting to pop on that as well. It was just too hot to get through that front door." With the primary entrance blocked by a wall of fire, Stouffer knew he had to find another way in. His training and instincts led him to the bedroom window where the woman was trapped. Without hesitation, he tore through the screen and blinds to create an escape route.

Inside, he found the elderly woman, who was understandably terrified and struggling to breathe. "That's where I encountered the elderly female ... standing there complaining that she couldn't breathe, couldn't get out of the home," he said. In a small but crucial stroke of luck, her bedroom door had been closed, which had slowed the smoke from overwhelming the room. Just as Stouffer made contact, his partner, Officer Bao Toan Vu, arrived on the scene. Unsure of his partner’s location, Officer Vu began circling the house until he heard Stouffer’s calls. He rushed to the window, and together, they carefully pulled the resident through the opening and carried her across the street to safety.

Teamwork and a Successful Outcome

The seamless partnership between the officers was a critical factor in the rescue operation. "Every second is precious; it's a life or death situation," Officer Vu stated. "Luckily, my partner gave me the heads up." Shortly after the rescue, crews from the Orange County Fire Authority arrived and began an aggressive attack on the flames, preventing the blaze from spreading to neighboring homes. Firefighters then entered the home and rescued another adult, along with a cat and a dog. The successful mission was a testament to the power of inter-agency cooperation, where police secure the scene and perform initial rescues while fire crews handle suppression and further search efforts.

The rescued woman was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, and Officer Stouffer later confirmed he had spoken with her. "She's doing well," he said. "Luckily we got there on time." Neither officer was injured. Now hailed as heroes, both officers remain humble, seeing their actions as simply part of their duty. "I don't do it for the recognition," Officer Vu shared, reflecting a sentiment common among those dedicated to serving the community.

A Final Thought

This rescue is more than just a news story; it's a profound reminder of the human side of policing. It’s about officers running towards the fire when every natural instinct says to run away. These moments of bravery and compassion are the bedrock of community policing, building bridges of trust and showing that behind every badge is a person committed to protecting and serving with honor.

For more stories that highlight the bravery and dedication of law enforcement, visit our stories page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the role of a police officer at a house fire?

At a house fire, a police officer's primary duties include assessing the situation for immediate life threats, evacuating residents if possible, and establishing a secure perimeter. They also provide crucial information to incoming fire crews and ensure other emergency services can work safely and efficiently.

2. How do police and fire departments work together during emergencies?

Police and fire departments practice inter-agency cooperation. Typically, police handle scene security, crowd control, and any law enforcement-related matters, while the fire department focuses on fire suppression, rescue, and medical aid. This clear division of roles ensures a coordinated and effective emergency response.

3. What are the biggest dangers in a residential fire besides flames?

One of the most significant dangers is smoke inhalation, which can quickly incapacitate a person. Other major risks include structural collapse as the fire weakens the building, disorientation from thick smoke, and potential explosions from gas lines or flammable materials inside the home.

4. What is the most important fire safety tip for a family?

The single most important fire safety tip is to have working smoke alarms in your home and a well-practiced home escape plan. Every family member should know two ways out of every room and have a designated meeting spot outside to ensure everyone is accounted for.

5. How can the public help first responders at the scene of a fire?

Civilians can best help by staying a safe distance away from the scene to avoid interfering with emergency operations. Keep streets clear for incoming vehicles, never block fire hydrants, and follow all instructions given by police or fire personnel on the scene.