SLO man recognized for saving neighbors in fire | San Luis Obispo Tribune

A 27-year-old San Luis Obispo man credited with saving his neighbors lives when he woke them during an early morning fire May 7 was given a certificate for exemplary public service by the city this week.

Josh Kelly lived on Cypress Street in San Luis Obispo and was dressing for work at 5:50 a.m. that day when he noticed a fire in the small backyard unit next door. He raced to the house, kicked in windows, asked the tenant where a hose was located, and played a key role in putting the fire out before firefighters arrived.

Fire Chief John Callahan praised Kelly’s bravery at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting. Chris Burd, the resident of the house, and his girlfriend survived the fire and were also at the meeting.

Callahan’s department later determined the residence did not have a working smoke alarm.

--Sally Connell