(July 5, 2008, updated) -- A noon-hour fire today in an 11th floor apartment unit of the Galaxy Towers high rise (2999 E. Ocean Blvd. @ Temple Ave.) was doused quickly by firefighters -- and a woman living in the affected apartment unit was evacuated safely -- after her neighbors said they heard the building's fire alarm, saw smoke coming from under her door, knocked on her door and got her and themselves out while simultaneously calling 911.

The neighbors' 911 call (and perhaps others) brought a massive LBFD response -- including a Third Alarm (basically summoning every available resource) -- to the distinctive blue columned building, scene of a fatal 18th floor fire in March 2007.

LBFD had today's fire knocked down within about ten minutes minutes and without apparent injuries.

Some 11th floor neighbors (watching outside as firefighters worked inside) told LBReport.com they heard the building's fire alarm...and two 11th floor residents said they saw smoke coming from under their neighbor's door, began knocking on her door and called 911.

11th floor resident Elaine Marks told LBReport.com, "A lot of smoke was coming out of her place, and we got her out of there and I called 911 and then we all left."

What did you see when she opened the door? "There was a lot of smoke," Ms. Marks said, reiterating matter-of-factly "my husband helped get her out and I phoned 911."

[updated] LBFD Public Information Officer Josh Johnson says the fire was confined to the kitchen area (precise cause not identified yet) and the apartment resident was apparently in the restroom when the fire started. [end update]

When we commented to Ms. Marks that she seemed quite modest for someone who may have just helped save someone's life, she gave us a surprised look. "All we did was knock on her door; my husband got her out and I called 911, that's all," she replied.

We later asked PIO Johnson about this...and he indicated that pounding on the neighbor's door while simultaneously phoning 911 and getting people and themselves out quickly was very smart...and may have prevented a catastrophe.

LBFD Public Information Officer/Firefighter Josh Johnson told LBReport.com that the call came in shortly before 12:15 p.m. and arriving firefighters went into "high rise mode": shutting down elevators, taking stairs to the unit, arriving in about two or three minutes to find light smoke coming from the unit.

While they rushed up the building's stairs, an ominous sign appeared outside the building: flames were spotted...meaning firefighters didn't have a moment to spare. They hooked up a water line and doused the blaze.

Residents on and above the 11th floor were evacuated; those on floors below were told to stay in place.

Shortly before 1 p.m., a LB firefighter appeared of the unit's balcony (it faces northeastward)...and the situation was stablizing.