Mission Hills fire victim, 94, saved by Good Samaritans

MISSION HILLS, Calif. (KABC) -- A 94-year-old man is fighting for his life after suffering third-degree burns over more than 90 percent of his body in a garage fire in Mission Hills Wednesday. Two Good Samaritans who rescued the man were also injured.

Peter Moreno suffered severe burns to his face, hands and arms after attempting to save his 94-year-old friend and neighbor Dan Coronado.

"He was on fire, and I was getting him out, at the same time, dragging him, I was trying to get the flames out," Moreno said.

Firefighters say the fire began after Coronado tried to start his car in the garage and it backfired around 9:44 a.m. Moreno and another neighbor rushed to the victim's aid.

The other Good Samaritan was hospitalized in serious condition after suffering respiratory problems. Moreno was treated for exposure to smoke and heat.

Coronado was listed in grave condition.

"Dan, I am praying for you. I hope you recover from this, and we can talk again," Moreno said.

Moreno's twin sister, Dolores Gonzalez, says she is very proud of him, and is also relieved her brother is alive.

Moreno's girlfriend, Nancy Shamrock, says she has never felt more proud of him.

"That's the kind of character he is," Shamrock said.

Firefighters hailed Moreno as a hero. He, however, says he just did what he could.

Sadly, Coronado's family members are not confident he will survive his burns.

Coronado's grandson, Tim Coronado, says the hospital has informed him that his grandfather's chances aren't looking too good due to his age and the severity of his injuries.

Meanwhile, Moreno says he wishes he could have done more to help his neighbor.

CNS contributed to this report.