Toddler Rescued from Washington Fire

PUYALLUP, Wash. --

A 22-month-old toddler was left alone in a burning apartment fire in Puyallup and his 23-year-old mother is charged with child abandonment, said Puyallup police.

The fire began around 4:20 p.m. Wednesday in the third story apartment of the Chestnut Hills apartment complex at 209 21st Ave SW.

When police and fire units arrived at the fire, witnesses said there was possibly a child trapped inside.

Firefighters said as they went to the third floor, they heard the child screaming from the back bedroom.

The 22-month-old boy was rescued by Puyallup Firefighter Bellervive and taken to the hospital. Police said the boy was conscious and alert at the scene prior to transport.

Chopper 7 over the scene showed flames pouring out of primarily the back of the apartment.

Police said the mother of the toddler was not in the apartment when the fire started. Puyallup police questioned the mother, but did not charge her with anything. The case will be forwarded to Pierce County prosecutors for possible charges.

The toddler has since been returned to her. There was no history with the mother and Child Protective Services, said Puyallup police spokeswoman Lorri Ericson said.

Six units were affected by the fire, including fire damage to the third floor unit and water and smoke damage to the units below that. The Red Cross is assisting 10 displaced residents.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Copyright 2008 by KIROTV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.