The Tragedy on Burlington Avenue

Eight people died as a fire raced through the second floor of a crowded apartment building, then choked the third floor with smoke. Officials and witnesses say this is what happened:

FIRST FLOOR:

* Water damage and minimal smoke damage.

SECOND FLOOR:

* Fire starts on Burlington Avenue side, in interior hall or an apartment.

* Flames blast out windows facing interior courtyard; smoke begins to spread upward.

* At least three people die; their bodies are found in hall.

* To escape, some residents jump from balconies or windows, climb down tied-together bedsheets. Others are rescued by firefighters. At least one toddler is tossed out window to safety.

THIRD FLOOR:

* No flames reach third floor, but thick smoke quickly permeates most of upstairs, sucked in through courtyard windows and stairwells.

* People try to escape down stairwells but are overcome by smoke.

* At least five people die on this floor; their bodies are found in hall.

BUILDING:

* Second and third floors are equipped with smoke alarms and have fire doors every 75 feet. Fire officials says alarms were working but some residents maintain they did not hear them. Officials added that most of the fire doors were illegally propped open.

* Total damage is estimated at $300,000.

SOURCES: Fire officials, Times staff and wire reports, helicopter pilot Bob Tur