SAN LORENZO — A neighbor whose efforts kept flames to one room was credited by firefighters with preventing a “worse outcome” at an assisted living facility fire early Sunday that left one resident hospitalized and eight displaced.

The neighbor, who was not identified, “definitely prevented the fire from extending to other parts of the house,”  Alameda County Fire Department spokeswoman Jo Leal said.

The fire was reported about 3:02 a.m. Sunday at the facility in the 200 block of Lewelling Boulevard.

Before firefighters got on scene a neighbor responded and was able to put out about 90 percent of the fire, holding flames’ spread to a single room and preventing a  “worse outcome,” officials said.

It was not known if the neighbor actually went inside the facility or was able to put water on the fire from outside.

Responding firefighters fully extinguished the fire and provided medical assistance to two residents, one of whom required hospitalization.

Eight residents ranging in age from 40 to 60 years old were displaced and were provided space at another nearby facility, officials said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Staff writer George Kelly contributed to this report.

Source: www.mercurynews.com