By Lookout Staff

April 3, 2023 -- Three residents and a dog escaped an apartment fire in Santa Monica Sunday morning by jumping into the complex's pool, Fire Department officials said.

SMFD crews -- assisted by the Los Angeles Fire Department -- responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls at 10:39 a.m. reporting a structure fire at 1011 4th Street in the Wilmont Neighborhood, officials said.

"Upon arrival, firefighters were met with a well-developed fire within one unit on the first floor of a three-story apartment complex,” said Captain Patrick Nulty, the Fire Department spokesman.

"Firefighters aggressively attacked the fire while simultaneously searching adjacent units to ensure no occupants were trapped."

Before the firefighters' arrival, three residents and one dog "were forced to jump into the swimming pool to escape the fire," Nulty said.

It took firefighters less than 20 minutes to extinguish and contain the blaze to the first-floor unit before it could spread, officials said.

There were no injuries to residents or first responders, and no residents were displaced, officials said.

"Due to the size and complexity of the apartment complex and the potential for fire spread and trapped occupants, SMFD requested resources from LAFD to assist," Nulty said.

Santa Monica Public Safety Communications, Santa Monica Police, Building & Safety and McCormick Ambulance also assisted.

SMFD investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire, Nulty said.