Firefighters in San Fernando responded to an unusual emergency involving a woman trapped inside a chimney of a municipal building. They found her about three feet deep in a small chimney at the City of San Fernando Recreation Center. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) led the rescue.
The rescue team arrived quickly and evaluated the situation. Using a rope system, they carefully pulled the woman out. Local news shared video footage showing the rescue process. The LAFD said she stayed conscious and alert throughout the event. They stabilized her condition immediately after the rescue.
City officials identified the woman as Ashley Alba, 31, from Sun Valley. She acted erratically on the roof of the recreation center before getting trapped. Alba did not have permission to be on the roof. While there, she fell into the chimney and became stuck.
Witnesses described what they saw during the incident. One person said Alba appeared to dance on the roof before she fell. He recalled seeing her hands waving out of the chimney and hearing her call out for help. Another witness said the situation seemed funny at first, but it became serious when she could not get out.
Firefighters confirmed the chimney and the building did not suffer damage during the rescue. After rescuing her, authorities arrested Alba. They then released her to a local mental health facility for evaluation. The city later reported that she returned to the roof of a park building and was detained again.
City officials said Alba is now under a 72-hour mental health evaluation, as state law requires. This unusual event shows how firefighters face unexpected challenges. The woman trapped in chimney incident has caught the attention of local residents. Firefighters and city leaders continue working to keep the community safe and provide care when needed.
This case highlights the important work first responders do every day. Their quick actions saved a woman stuck in a dangerous spot. Firefighters remain ready to handle whatever challenges come next.
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