CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Eight Marines from Company B, Infantry Training Battalion alerted sleeping guests after a fire broke out at an America’s Best Value Inn in Lake Forest, Nov. 9.
The Marines were on leave before starting ITB at Camp Pendleton.
At 8 a.m., most of the Marines were still sleeping, when one from their group rushed into the room after discovering a fire that had recently ignited.
“I was checking out of the hotel when I saw a big fire behind the vending machine,” said Pfc. Thomas J. O’Brien from Irvine, Texas. “Then I ran upstairs and told (the other Marines) what was happening. Everyone just kind of jumped up and went outside,” added O’Brien. “All the Marines then ran around, knocking on doors to alert everyone in the building.”
We were able to think clearly because of our guard-duty training, said Pfc. Jedediah J. Stock, from Ramona, who along with the other Marines stood guard duty for about a month after graduating from basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
"We were all on guard and have done several react drills," said Pvt. Colton Z. Oliver.
Oliver explained that during guard duty, part of a Marine’s job is making sure all doors and windows are secured. He added that Marines often timed themselves and competed with each other to complete the drills faster every time.
Since the fire alarms did not sound, we had to make sure to knock on every door, said Oliver.
It was early in the morning when O'Brien discovered the fire, so most of the Marines ran out of their rooms either barefoot or in shower shoes.
“We had to run through the catwalk to cross over to the other side while the flames were burning,” said Pfc. Jessie A. McLaughlin from Medford, Ore., who said he burned the soles of his feet while running around to wake those in the building.
The Marines continued to alert everyone in the building and even helped one guest, who was temporarily living in the inn, carry out some belongings, said McLaughlin.
Pvt. Joshua D. Hernandez suffered from smoke inhalation as a result of helping a guest escape the fires.
"One of the rooms I went to was completely on fire and there was an old man huddled on the bed," said Hernandez, from Lake Forest.
"I had to get him out of the fire but he said he wasn't going to get up - he was panicked and didn't want to get up.” Hernandez explained the man didn't resist when he carried him out, saying “God bless you," instead.
When the fire fighters arrived, the Marines stopped running from room to room and moved to the parking lot with the rest of the guests, said McLaughlin.
The fires completely destroyed one building and damaged three others.
The Marines saved several civilians, said Lt. Col. Stephen P. Armes, battalion commander, ITB.
“Watching Marines in combat inspires everyone,” said Armes. “Not everyone gets to see that valor every day. It’s inspirational for civilians to see it here at home. I am extremely proud of what the Marines did.”