Chaska Police Department
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, October 17, 2003 10:00 AM
Contact Person: Scott M. Knight, Chief of Police
Two City Hall Plaza
, Chaska MN 55318
952.448.4200
FIRE DESTROYS TWO TOWN HOMES IN CHASKA
NEIGHBOR CALLED A HERO BY POLICE
At 6:17 AM this morning fire broke out in a town home located at 750 Ravoux
Road in Chaska. Ultimately that home and another at 752 Ravoux Road were destroyed. Both of the destroyed homes
had been occupied by a total of 10 people, when the fire broke out. Other units may have suffered smoke damage;
however, a total damage assessment has yet to be determined.
The fire started (at 750 Ravoux Rd), when a candle, which had been lit by a child, fell to the floor and onto
paper, which ignited a living room couch. In the home at the time were children ages 8, 5, and 3, their screams
awoke their mother, who had been sleeping.
The screams of the children also got the attention of Juan Gonzalez a neighbor, who was about to leave for
work. Mr. Gonzalez entered the home, and attempted to put out the fire on the couch, but could not. He then tried
to drag the couch outside; however, it would not fit through the door. He then evacuated the mother and children,
and called 911.
Prior to the arrival of Chaska Police and Fire personnel, Mr. Gonzalez learned that a 17-year-old female was
still inside the home, asleep in an upstairs bedroom. He re-entered the home, and went to the bedroom, only to
find the door locked. Mr. Gonzalez broke down the door, and woke the female. As he tried leading her outside, he
found that their exit to the front was now
block by the fire. He then led her to safety via a rear door. After getting the first family safely out, Mr.
Gonzalez then pounded on the doors of all the other units to be certain no one else was home and remained in
danger.
"Before police on the scene were able to completely determine the extent of all of Mr. Gonzalez’s
actions, and self sacrificing deeds, he left for work. The courage, fast action, and clear thinking demonstrated
by Juan Gonzalez saved lives today in Chaska. He is a hero", said Chief of Police Scott Knight.
"The American Red Cross has been called in to help and assist families who were displaced by the fire.
Anyone wishing to offer aid could call the Red Cross, at 952.470.1803, or the Chaska Police Department, at
952.448.4200.
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