Fire Rips Through Mid-City Craftsman, Displaces 20

MID-CITY - At 1:17 pm on October 4th, 2011 LAFD resources responded to a reported "Structure Fire" at 1625 West 24th Street in the Mid-City Area of Los Angeles. Task Force 26 was first on-scene and noted heavy smoke coming from the rear of a two story, four-plex.

Based on the size and type of occupancy, additional companies were immediately requested by Battalion Chief Richard Rideout, as Firefighters quickly ensured that the residents of all four occupancies were out of harm's way. It was later determined that the blaze had started in the basement of the approximate 1,800 square-foot structure. The fire quickly ripped through both floors, eventually making its way into the large attic space of this 104 year-old, Craftsman-style residence.

With several areas of the structure compromised, the 76 Firefighters on-scene, had their hands full. In fact, the blaze was so intense that a portion of the roof collapsed only minutes after LAFD resources arrived. Thankfully, there were no injuries and after a firefight that lasted nearly 40 minutes, the Incident Commander declared a "Knockdown."

The four-plex was home to a total of 20 residents (10 adults and 10 children) that will require assistance from local Red Cross, for shelter and other essential needs. Initial dollar-loss estimates were placed at $450,000 for structural damage and $75,000 for its contents. The cause of the blaze is under active investigation by the LAFD's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section.

DISPATCH UNITS:
E226 E26 T26 RA26 E13 RA844 E215 T15 E11 SQ21 EM11 BC18 BC1 E29 RA826 RA15 E211 T11 E10 DC2 EM14 BC5 BC11 MD1 EA1 RT59 AR1 RA868 E210 T10 E66

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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