Newhall Man, 68, Listed as Critical After House Fire

NEWHALL — A 68-year-old Newhall man remained in critical condition late Sunday after being burned over 30% of his body in a house fire, authorities said.

Albert Williams suffered second- and third-degree burns and severe smoke inhalation after a fire broke out about 10 p.m. Saturday inside a residence in the 23900 block of Fambrough Street in Newhall.

Lt. Daniel Castillo of the Santa Clarita sheriff’s station said Deputy Dan Peacock was the first to arrive at the house Saturday and found it engulfed in flames.

“The front door was locked and he saw someone laying on the floor in the front room,” Castillo said.

Peacock kicked open the front door, asked a neighbor to spray water from a garden hose on the flames and went inside the house to rescue Williams, Castillo said.

“Deputy Peacock’s efforts were heroic in saving Mr. Williams’ life,” Castillo said.

Williams was taken to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Saturday and then transferred Sunday to the burn unit at County-USC Medical Center, where he remained.

Peacock was treated and released at Henry Mayo hospital for smoke inhalation.

The inside of the house was nearly gutted, suffering an estimated $35,000 to $50,000 in structural damage, said Los Angeles County Fire Department Capt. Stephen Reed. There was no estimate Sunday on the value of the contents lost in the blaze.

Reed said the investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing, although authorities believe the fire was ignited by a burning cigarette.

Reed also said firefighters reported smelling alcohol on Williams and that he appeared to have been drunk.