Los Angeles Firefighters Battle Massive Koreatown Blaze

KOREATOWN - Over 148 Los Angeles Firefighters battled an unrelenting fire in a large three story, six unit, apartment building, where one firefighter was injured.

On April 15, 2013, just after 2:00 AM, firefighters arrived at 3390 West San Marino Street, to find fire coming from the attic of a three story U-shaped apartment building. An aggressive fire attack was made on this 100’ by 300’, 81 year old structure. Initial concerns of occupants at this early morning blaze were put at ease when it was confirmed to be a vacant building under renovation. A thorough search continued during the fire fight to ensure there were also no transients inside. This massive structure proved challenging with the attic fully involved in fire, compromised stairwells, and debris that spread fire throughout all floors.

Firefighters aggressively fought this blaze from the interior while additional companies provided vertical ventilation on the roof. After nearly an hour of intense flames, the remaining uncut sections of roof began to sag. Firefighters were immediately evacuated from the compromised roof, without incident.

LAFD fire companies, under the command of Assistant Chief Ralph Terrazas, had the bulk of the fire extinguished in 90 minutes. Companies remained on scene for several hours to perform a complete overhaul.

The Department of Building and Safety, "Red Tagged" the structure, deeming it unsafe for entry. The dollar loss is still being tabulated. The cause of this early morning fire remains under active investigation by the LAFD Arson Counter Terrorism Section, who is considering it suspicious in nature. The injured firefighter sustained minor, non life threatening injuries.

Assistant Chief Robert Franco commends firefighters on confining the flames to the building of origin. Noting their aggressive fire attack prevented damage to an adjacent school that was able to conduct classes today. "Firefighters did a good job, it was an intense fire fight", Franco said.

Dispatched Units: E229 RA858 E29 T29 RA829 RA29 E13 E226 E26 T26 EM11 BC11 BC5 E52 E211 E11 T11 E6 E10 T10 E210 E261 T61 DC1 EM1 BC18 T27 E227 E3 UR3 RA3 UR88 BC1 E61 E215 E15 T15 T92 E292 AR1 BC9 BC13 T94 E294 RA13 RA52 AR1 EA1 RT59 E66 E233 T33 E34 RT59 SU2

(PHOTOS)

Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department

Follow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

Article any source