Video shows rescue of family from Milpitas apartment fire; toddler and dog thrown from balcony

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A family is safe from a second-floor apartment fire after decisive action to throw their three-year-old toddler and the family dog from their balcony, into the waiting arms of Milpitas police officers below.

Milpitas police shared part of the 911 call and body camera footage, when a resident frantically told the dispatcher her family was trapped in their apartment.

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The fire happened Saturday afternoon at an apartment complex on South Park Victoria Drive.

Officers say when they arrived, the fire was quickly spreading throughout the building.

Heavy flames engulfed the caller's door while her family was sheltering on their second-story balcony.

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First responders guided the parents in safely dropping their three-year-old child and the family dog down to waiting officers below.

Firefighters then got the couple off the balcony.

Milpitas police say this is a perfect example of why teamwork is so crucial for community safety.