Just after 10:00 AM on April 22, 2013, scores of firefighters rushed to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 5158 Riverton Avenue. They arrived on scene to find fire blowing out of a second floor unit of a two-story apartment building over parking. Additional resources were immediately requested.
As firefighters ran in the main entrance and half way up the stairs they were met by intense heat and flames billowing overhead. They relentlessly pushed forward knowing occupants were likely trapped inside.Truck Companies promptly extended ladders to second story balconies and rescued at least two occupants who were scared for their lives. Quickly following, additional firefighters climbed to the roof to perform strategic vertical ventilation with chainsaws.
The next wave of firefighters performed a rapid and systematic search and rescue utilizing infrared cameras which helped locate an unconscious adult male in the dark, smoked filled upstairs hallway. He was pulled out and rushed to awaiting Firefighter/Paramedics whom provided immediate advanced medical aid and hurried him to a local hospital.
As firefighters emerged with blackened helmets, multiple bystanders on scene praised them for outstanding work, some even shaking their hands.
Due to firefighters swift and aggressive attack, occupant's lives were saved and the intense flames were halted quickly.
Sixty four firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Trevor Richmond, fully extinguished the inferno in just 25 minutes.
There were a total of five patients. The adult male transported in grave condition was sadly later pronounced dead at a local hospital. An additional adult male, assisted outside by caring bystanders prior to fire department arrival, was transported with non-life-threatening injuries. Three others victims on scene were evaluated but did not require transport to the hospital.
Of the 24-units in the building, five suffered significant fire damage and portions of the second and first floors had smoke and water damage.
The cause of the fire is undetermined and under active investigation by the LAFD Arson Section, who tediously combed the entire building.Approximately 30 residents from 15 units were displaced and offered assistance from the American Red Cross. Occupants of nine units were happy to be rehoused and stay the night in their apartments. Water and power was restored to the building and the gas is expected to be turned on in the morning.
The estimated dollar loss is $350,000 ($300,000 structure & $50,000 contents).
Dispatched Units: E260 E60 T60 RA60 E86 RA86 EM14 BC14 E76 E102 E278 T78 DC3 E289 T89 E27 BC9 RA89 RA78 EM88 T39 E239 RA77 AR2 EA2 EA1 RA60 RA86 E90 E86 E289 T89 E227 T27 T78 E278 RA889(NEWS VIDEO) (AMATEUR VIDEO) (PHOTOS)
Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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