Boy Burned in Fire Remains Critical

Alexander Lambert, the 2-year-old Ventura boy who was badly burned in a fire at his home Wednesday, remained in critical condition Friday at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center’s intensive care burn unit, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

Alexander was injured after his older brother accidentally lit his bed on fire while playing with matches. His mother, Sherri Johnson, 28, snatched him from his bed, but not before the toddler had sustained second-degree burns over 35% of his body.

Johnson was treated for minor burns to her arms and face at Ventura County Medical Center.

Although there was no structural damage to the two-bedroom apartment, part of a 48-unit complex on Garden Street, the lost contents of the gutted bedroom total an estimated $10,000.

An upstairs neighbor is credited with containing the fire until firefighters arrived. Steven Armstrong, 34, rushed downstairs and entered the burning room three times, emptying the contents of three fire extinguishers before the flames grew too fierce.