Rafu Staff Report
An elderly Japanese American couple was rescued by Torrance firefighters on Thursday morning after a fire broke out in the attic of their north Torrance home.
Firefighters were sent to 2043 169th Pl. at about 6 a.m. and extinguished the flames in the two-story house within about 90 minutes, said Torrance fire Capt. Steve Deuel.
Ronald and Leah Shiozaki, both in their 90s, were sleeping when neighbors heard the smoke alarm and smelled smoke.
“They know my parents are older and hard of hearing, they heard a smoke alarm beeping and called 911, then the fire department came,” said son Cory Shiozaki. The fire department broke the door down and put the fire out. They’re all safe.”
Shiozaki, who is the producer/director of the “Manzanar Fishing Club,” said his parents were dazed after the frightening incident.
“Neighbors took care of them, until me and my brother arrived at 6:30 a.m.,” he said.
The cause of the fire was under investigation. The Daily Breeze reported that 35 firefighters responded, and one of them suffered a back injury.
The fire caused extensive damage to roof and attic of the home. Authorities estimated at least $80,000 in damage.