A fire caused by a burning cigarette in a duplex on the east end of Riverside injured an occupant, who was rescued by fire crews, and caused major damage to a unit in the residence, officials said Sunday.
The blaze was reported at about 6:30 p.m. Saturday in the 2000 block of Marlborough Avenue, just south of Interstate 215, according to the Riverside Fire Department.
Battalion Chief Tony Perna said three engine crews and a truck company were sent to the location and encountered smoke pouring from the rear side of the duplex.
One resident was trapped inside the back unit, screaming for help, while another was outside, trying to pull open the door, according to Perna.
He said firefighters forced it open and safely removed the victim, whose identity was not released. The person was taken to Riverside Community Hospital for smoke exposure injuries and was expected to recover.
Perna said the person trying to rescue the victim, also not identified, suffered minor injuries but declined medical treatment.
Crews got the fire under control 15 minutes later.
Perna said investigators spoke to the resident, who confirmed smoking in bed and falling asleep with a lit cigarette.
The blaze caused about $17,000 in damage to the structure, according to the battalion chief.