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Responders free Calif. female from fireplace jam

She was taken to a hospital with moderate injuries after firefighters needed two hours to unlodge her

The Associated Press

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Officials say firefighters needed two hours to free a female who was trapped inside a fireplace chimney at Riverside County home.

A statement posted on the Riverside County Fire Department website says about two dozen firefighters responded about 5 a.m. Saturday to a residence in an unincorporated area near Riverside, where they found a female lodged inside a chimney.

A photograph posted on KNBC-TV’s website shows what appeared to be soot-covered legs dangling inside a fireplace, which had been partially dismantled by firefighters.

The female was not identified, and no age was provided.

Once freed, she was taken to a hospital with moderate injuries.

Authorities did not say why she entered the chimney.

The state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection provides fire services for the county.