Three injured as firefighters battle two-alarm fire in Pasadena

PASADENA, TX (KTRK) -- A early morning fire at a Pasadena apartment complex forced 3 people to jump from a 2nd floor window to safety, according to the city's fire marshal. Eyewitnesses recalled even more frantic moments as flames trapped a woman and a little boy inside their unit.

The fire started Tuesday morning around 6:00am at the Twin Oaks complex building 14 at 3222 Pasadena Blvd. Valerya Arguelles, 13, woke up to screams. She said the fire turned the sky orange and saw something she'll never forget.

"I heard scream. I got out. The hallway was on fire. The woman was screaming help," said Arguelles. "She opened the door, the hallway full of fire. They couldn't get out. She got her son and threw him out the window so he could get out."

Firefighters explained the blaze destoryed the entire building which contained 8 apartments. Those sleeping inside when the fire started like Alfredo Jasso heard people banging on his door. Jasso said he jumped up, woke up his family, and grabbed his little dog Riley.

"The girls got their purses. I got the dog," said Jasso holding the canine. "I thought oh God, I hope it's not that bad. It got worse and worse."

Pasadena Fire Marshall David Brannon confirmed 3 people jumped to escape the fire including a 41 year old woman, 20 year old woman, and 11 year old boy. They suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital to be checked out.

"The 1st call I have come in was with folks trapped in here," said Brannon. "I'm absolutely pleased to be standing here to say we have minor injuries."

The American Red Cross and Salvation Army arrived Tuesday morning to offer relief to those displaced by the blaze. Crews started to tear down the building, explaining it is a total loss, and posed a safety risk. They did so as those who lost everything looked on in disbelief.