Apartment Building Fire Injures Teenager; LAFD Offers Two Teachable Lessons

LOS ANGELES - On August 1, 2013, LAFD Firefighters battled a preventable fire in a two-story apartment building that injured a 16 year-old girl. 

Just after 11:00 A.M. firefighters were summoned to a Structure Fire on the 900 block of E Adams Boulevard, where they found fire blowing out of one unit on the second floor of a two-story Center Hallway Apartment. Additional firefighters were immediately requested.

Due to an aggressive attack firefighters were able to quickly get water on the flames before they consumed the building. Approximately 35 firefighters, all under the command of Battalion Chief Surgey Tomlinson, extinguished the fire in just 17 minutes. The flames were confined to one-unit that was well involved in fire on second floor.

Dispatched Units: E10 E210 T10 RA810 E9 T9 RA9 E21 SQ21 EM11 BC1 BC18 E15 RA14 E221 T21 E215 T15 DC1 BC11 AR1 RA814 AR17

One patient, a 16 year-old girl, suffered smoke inhalation and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. LAFD Arson Investigators determined the cause of the fire was a candle accidentally falling from a window ledge and landing on the bed. The occupants attempted to extinguish the fire with water, and thought they had, however the embers continued smoldering and reignited.

Your Los Angeles Firefighters offer two teachable lessons from this fire.

First: Candle fires are preventable! Did you know?...

- On average, 42 home candle fires are reported every day.
- More than half of all candle fires start when something that could burn, such as furniture, mattresses - or bedding, curtains, or decorations is too close to the candle.
- Over one-third (36%) of home candle fires begin in the bedroom.
- One-half of home candle fire deaths occur between Midnight and 6 am.
- Young children and older adults have the highest death risk from candle fires.

Simple Tips:
- If you do use candles, ensure they are in sturdy metal, glass or ceramic holders and placed where they cannot be easily knocked down.
- Avoid using candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.
- And NEVER leave burning candles unattended!

Second: If you have a fire at home call 9-1-1 immediately to summon the local Fire Department who will ensure it is properly extinguished.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Dog Dies in Greater Alarm Fire at Los Angeles Confetti Manufacturer

CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT - A Los Angeles firm that bills itself as the largest manufacturer and seller of confetti in the world, was the site of a greater alarm fire Saturday night, that took the life of a beloved pet dog and left the business in shambles.

Summoned by a passerby at 7:48 PM on July 13, 2013, the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived quickly at 1520 East 15th Street, to discover fire showing from a 40' x 100' two-story commercial building.

Forcing entry into the secured structure, firefighters discovered well-entrenched flames on the second floor of the business which housed manufacturing and dense storage of plastic confetti. Nearly untenable conditions held LAFD crews at a mezzanine - albeit briefly, as teams of firefighters atop the building used chainsaws to open the roof and release thick smoke and oppressive heat, allowing the offensive effort to continue.

Eight-six firefighters under the command of Battalion Chief Greg Gibson held flames within the heavily damaged building and extinguished the fire in just 40 minutes. The remains of a pet dog were later discovered in debris within the non-fire sprinklered structure.

No human injuries were reported.

Fire loss to Z-Barten Productions, operators of Confetti.com, is estimated to be at least $300,000 ($200,000 structure & $100,000 contents). The cause of the blaze remains under active investigation.

Dispatched Units: E17 E85 RA814 T9 RA10 EM13 BC1 E9 E210 T10 DC1 RA209 E10 E15 E221 T21 E203 T3 EM9 BC11 BC13 E3 UR3 RA3 RA803 T27 E227 UR88 BC5 EA1 AR1

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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"Hope For Firefighters" Meet Local Firefighters and Sample Firehouse Cooking

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES- It's time for the annual Hope For Firefighters. It's tasty food, great live music, fun and frolicking in the sun, and a little friendly competition. Now in its 16th year, this occasion attracts thousands. All for a great cause.
It's a one-of-a-kind lunchtime event featuring fire apparatus and demonstrations. Exciting “Firefighter Muster Games” where more than 20 sponsored teams compete for top honors and trophies. It's possibly the largest event of its kind in North America, and you wont want to miss it.

Thursday, June 6, 2013: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Hope Street, between 3rd Street and Hope Place
Directions                                                  

Fire Stations from all over the City team-up with local business sponsors to compete for your palette. Each team will present a "Firehouse Favorite", prepared and served by the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Winners will be selected in the categories of best food, best dessert, and best themed booth.

LAFD merchandise sales, raffle drawings, prizes, as well as food sales ($7 a plate) and sponsorships will all benefit the Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association's - Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen's Fund.

It truly is a great atmosphere and might be one of the City's best kept secrets. So, we encourage you to bring the whole family and tell a friend...or two! All are welcome! Admission to the venue is free! It's a great excuse to get out of the office!
We HOPE you'll be there, and show your support for your LAFD and their families.


(PHOTOS)
Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Fire Destroys Fabric Wholesale Firm in Downtown L.A.

LOS ANGELES - More than 130 Los Angeles Firefighters fiercely battled flames early Thursday morning, when a major emergency fire erupted in a textile firm in downtown L.A.'s Warehouse District.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was notified of the blaze at 2:07 AM on April 18, 2013 by Los Angeles Police Officers on patrol, who noted fire within a fabric business at 710 East 7th Street.

Firefighters arrived quickly and forced entry to find heavy fire deep within the building laden with flammable products. An aggressive interior effort to subdue flames was made possible by LAFD crews opening the roof with chainsaws to release intense heat, smoke and flame.

The twenty minute interior offensive under the guidance of Assistant Chief Emile Mack was successful in saving the business office - before a severe structural compromise of the rest of the building forced a transition to defensive tactics, with the exterior use of heavy streams. The strongly held defensive posture of 133 firefighters prevented flames from spreading to nearby businesses.

The fire was controlled in just 92 minutes, as firefighters again entered the heavily damaged building to complete their task. Teams of Los Angeles Firefighters - including some using Fire Department bulldozers, ultimately labored for more than eighteen hours to salvage essential belongings and assure complete ember extinguishment among tons of stacked and rack mounted fabric.

No injuries were reported.

Fire loss to Sharp Fabric is still being tabulated. The cause of the early morning inferno remains undetermined.

Dispatched Units: E9 T9 RA809 RA209 E4 E10 T10 E210 SQ21 EM1 BC1 BC11 E15 E17 E3 T3 E203 DC1 E211 T11 EM11 BC13 T27 E227 E27 UR27 RA27 RA827 UR88 BC5 RA900 E2 E202 T2 EA1 RA10 RA858 RT59 AR1 DT1 TP2 TP3 LD1 LD2 DT2 DT3 EA1 T3 E203 E12 E3 T2 E202

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Illegally Configured Home Cooking System Sparks Boyle Heights Blaze, Displacing 12

BOYLE HEIGHTS - A fast-moving non-injury fire in a two story residential fourplex caused more than a quarter-million dollars in damage, leaving 12 persons homeless early Wednesday morning.

The fire at 156 South Soto Street in Boyle Heights was reported at 3:44 AM on April 10, 2013, bringing the swift response of 34 Los Angeles Firefighters, who arrived to find a fire that had quickly extended from the rear of the structure to take strong hold of the attic.

LAFD crews held the bulk of flames within the attic, fully extinguishing the stubborn fire in just 35 minutes without injury. Twelve residents displaced by the flames were offered charitable and emotional assistance on-site by Disaster Action Team volunteers from the American Red Cross.

Loss from the fire is estimated at $280,000 ($200,000 structure & $80,000 contents). The blaze was reportedly sparked by an illegal cooking configuration involving propane cylinders.

Dispatched Units: E202 E2 T2 RA2 E25 RA25 EM1 BC1 E9 E4 T9 DC1

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Smoke Alarms Absent in Boyle Heights Fire that Displaces 17

BOYLE HEIGHTS - Seventeen residents of an eastside duplex were displaced by a raging fire Wednesday morning, that sent one man to the hospital.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 6:15 AM on February 13, 2013, to 1901 East Pennsylvania Avenue in Boyle Heights. Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy fire within the kitchen and hallway of a first floor unit in a two-story residential duplex.


Thirty-nine firefighters under the command of Battalion Chief Phillip Fligiel skillfully confined the fire near the area of origin, extinguishing the flames in just 17 minutes. One male resident who suffered smoke exposure was taken to an area hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Firefighters expressed clear amazement that there were no additional injuries or loss of life, as the building was not equipped with smoke alarms as required by law.

Monetary loss from the fire - which rendered the building temporarily untenable, was limited to $30,000 ($25,000 structure & $5,000 contents). Nine residents of the downstairs apartment, and eight living upstairs were offered interim housing assistance by the American Red Cross.

The cause of the predawn fire is considered accidental, and attributed to the improper storage of combustible items near a water heater.

Dispatched Units: E2 T2 E202 RA2 E4 RA804 EM1 BC1 E9 RA4 E25 T10 E210

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Man Found Dead as Firefighters Extinguish Boyle Heights Blaze

BOYLE HEIGHTS - Los Angeles Firefighters battling flames at a business site early Monday morning, discovered the body of a man as they extinguished the blaze, which has been described as suspicious.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 12:09 AM on February 4, 2013 and arrived quickly at 3521 East Whittier Boulevard in Boyle Heights to find fire showing from a combination one- and two-story office type building.


Eighty firefighters under the command of Battalion Chief Greg Gibson forced entry into the building to mount a fierce assault on intense flames, aided greatly by strategic vertical ventilation performed by rooftop colleagues. While advancing hoselines through the burning building, firefighters discovered a lifeless 54-year old man. Proving to be beyond medical assistance, he was declared dead at the scene.

The firefight continued unabated as LAFD crews tackled stubborn flames, which were brought fully under control in just 41 minutes. No other injuries were reported.

A positive identification of the deceased man, as well as the cause, time and manner of his death, will be determined by the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner.

Monetary loss from the fire has been estimated at $60,000 ($45,000 structure & $15,000 contents). The cause and circumstances surrounding the blaze remain the focus of a joint investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department and Investigators from the Los Angeles Fire Department Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section.

Dispatched Units: E25 RA25 E202 E2 T2 RA2 E17 T9 EM1 BC1 BC11 E9 DC1 T10 E210 E11 AR1 EA1 AR11 E21 T26 E226 E25 T2 E202 E25

[ photos ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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L.A. Firefighters Battle Fire In Downtown Party Supply Store

LOS ANGELES – More than ninety Los Angeles Firefighters battled a Greater Alarm Structure Fire in an open air market, in the Produce District of downtown Los Angeles.

On Sunday, February 03, 2013 at 7:09 PM, firefighters were called to 853 South Central Avenue. The LAFD arrived quickly to find a 20’ x 30’ unit in a two story concrete, commercial building with fire through the roof.

Fire companies made a quick and aggressive interior attack with large diameter hose lines, while colleagues preformed vertical ventilation. The rapid and vigorous fire attack limited the blaze to the involved party supply store and prevented the spread of fire to adjacent buildings. A total of 93 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Greg Gibson, fully extinguished the flames in just 18 minutes. Firefighters remained on scene for over 3 hours to perform a thorough overhaul and salvage contents of the building. There were no injuries.
 
Loss from the fire was limited to $50,000 ($35,000 structure & $15,000 contents). Though the blaze was determined to have started outside and spread into the building, the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section.

Dispatched Units: E9 T9 RA9 E17 RA17 E210 E10 T10 SQ21 EM1 BC1 BC11 E15 E14 E4 E203 T3 DC1 E211 T11 EM11 BC13 T27 E227 E27 UR27 RA27 UR88 BC5 RA209 AR1

[ photos ]

Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Elderly Couple Struggle to Survive Boyle Heights House Fire

BOYLE HEIGHTS - Despite a valiant rescue effort by Good Samaritans, and the quick response of Los Angeles Firefighters, an elderly man and woman were hospitalized in grave condition Thursday morning, after an accidental fire swept through their home.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 9:00 AM on January 10, 2013 to 3136 East Malabar Street, where they found a 1,400 square foot one-story home fully involved with fire.


A pair of men, who had just taken their children to adjacent Malabar Elementary School, ran to the scene and forced entry to the rear of the home, kicking a door to begin rescue of a non-breathing 70 year-old woman. The LAFD arrived to complete the effort and provide advanced medical care for the lifeless resident.

Despite oppressive fire conditions fed by variable wind, firefighters relentlessly searched the burning building to find and rescue the woman's non-breathing 90 year old spouse. He was swiftly provided care by a separate team of LAFD Paramedics, and the two were soon transported in 'grave' condition to nearby hospitals.

Sixty Los Angeles Firefighters under the command of Battalion Chief Phillip Fligiel, prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent homes or the nearby school. They fully extinguished the flames in just 21 minutes. Two firefighters suffered smoke exposure due to suddenly shifting winds. They were medically evaluated at the scene before being returned to duty. No other injuries were reported.

A post-fire investigation found no evidence of functional smoke alarms within the home, and further determined that window security bars were not equipped with mandated emergency escape quick-release systems. A front door security screen was found to be secured inappropriately with a padlock, and myriad electrical hazards, including overloaded circuits, improperly used extension cords and portable space heaters were found throughout the 107 year-old wood frame home, which was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

Monetary loss from the fire - which destroyed the home, is still being tabulated. Following a detailed examination of the scene, LAFD Investigators resolutely determined there were no suspicious circumstances. The specific cause of the fire remains undetermined.

Dispatched Units: E2 E25 RA25 RA1 T3 E203 EM1 BC1 E9 E16 T9 T2 E202 RA17 RA9 EM13 AR1 DC1 EM3 AR23 AR39 AR12 AR17 E203 T3

[ video (embed above) ] [ video ] [ video ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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L.A. Chinatown Apartment Fire Claims One Life, Critically Injures Two Others

CHINATOWN - Despite a swift response and dramatic rescue by Los Angeles Firefighters, one woman has died and two men have been critically injured in a fast moving apartment fire Wednesday evening.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 6:04 PM on December 26, 2012 to 756 North Cleveland Street in the Chinatown district. Firefighters arrived quickly to find one second floor apartment at the rear of the U-shaped two story building well involved with flame.


LAFD crews commenced a simultaneous fire attack and rescue effort for an elderly mobility-impaired woman trapped in the burning apartment, as they crawled through blinding smoke that had repulsed neighbors' attempts to assist her. Quickly finding and carrying the burnt, pulseless and non-breathing 80 year-old from her apartment, firefighters discovered two injured men nearby, and began on scene care for the trio.

The lifeless woman, who had sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns to nearly 80% of her body, was provided prompt advanced life support measures by LAFD Paramedics who rushed her in grave condition to the Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center, where she died shortly after arrival.

The injured men, described as her husband and son, suffered varying degrees of burns and smoke inhalation. In critical condition, they were also taken by LAFD ambulance to the Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center.

Forty-eight LAFD personnel under the command Assistant Chief Ronnie Villanueva confined the fire to the apartment of origin, extinguishing the blaze in just 13 minutes. Monetary loss was limited to $31,500 ($25,000 structure & $6,500 contents) and no other injuries were reported.

Though the two bedroom apartment contained three smoke alarms, their functional status and role in alerting residents could not be immediately determined. The 46 year-old building was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

The identity of the deceased woman, as well as the precise cause, time and manner of her death, will be determined by the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner. Though the cause of the blaze remains the focus of an active investigation, LAFD Investigators do not consider the fire to be an intentional act or suspicious in nature.

Dispatched Units: E203 T3 RA803 E4 E220 T20 RA20 EM1 BC1 E9 E3 T9 E11 BC11 RA209 RA9 AR1 AR11 DC716 E3

[ video ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Crash Between Los Angeles Transit Vehicles Sends 32 to Hospital

WASHINGTON BOULEVARD CORRIDOR - A collision between a Metro Blue Line train and a Metro Local transit bus south of downtown Los Angeles, sent thirty-two persons to the hospital Monday morning. None of the injuries was believed to be life threatening.


The crash between the passenger-laden mass transit vehicles was reported to the Los Angeles Fire Department at 6:58AM on August 27, 2012, bringing a swift and structured response of 119 LAFD personnel to 1900 South San Pedro Street in the Washington Boulevard Corridor.

According to witnesses and transit officials, the Long Beach bound light-rail train was traveling east at-grade in the roadway median, when it collided with a southbound Line 51 bus. The train remained upright and on the tracks, while the bus continued to strike and topple a traffic signal on the southwest corner of San Pedro Street and Washington Boulevard.

No one was trapped in the bus, and there were no reports of injury to pedestrians or nearby motorists. Within moments, Fire Department responders had assembled a triage system that identified 48 persons as in need or desirous of medical evaluation.

Following triage and on-site treatment, a total of thirty-two persons from the bus and train were taken to nine area hospitals by LAFD ambulance. They included 31 men and women who sustained minor injuries and were described as being in good condition, as well as one man who took ill, being described as in fair condition.

The collision is being investigated by Los Angeles Police Department, with assistance of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which provides contract policing services to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), a countywide transit agency.

Dispatched Units: E10 RA10 E9 T9 HR56 EM11 BC1 E15 T10 E210 RA9 RA209 RA14 EM3 RA17 EM13 RA4 RA810 RA809 RA814 RA821 RA803 E14 E17 E215 T15 E221 T21 SQ21 DC1 BC11 EM5 EM9 RA13 RA21 RA3 RA25 RA2 RM3 HR56 RA811 RA846 RA826 RA829 RA20 RA804 RA834 RA844 RA850 RA27 MT3 E3

[ video ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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We Need Blood! Donate and Be 'Taken Out to a Ballgame''

Baseball fans may already be aware: the booster clubs of both the Dodgers and Angels are getting their players into position to help the American Red Cross cope with its first, serious blood-shortage in more than five years.

Well, we want the rest of our Southern California community to know too: our blood supply has dropped to critically low levels!

Both booster clubs are now urging all baseball fans to help save lives by casting votes for their favorite team at the "14th Annual, Angels vs. Dodgers Booster Clubs' Blood Drive." This is an opportunity for the entire community to don their "rally caps", bring their "rally monkies" and join together to help stabilize our blood supply... a great team-win!

Fans, firefighters, friends and families may donate at any of these locations on Saturday, June 30, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Donors will receive a very special, commemorative t-shirt and a voucher for 2 tickets to an Angels or Dodgers home game. Quantities are limited.

To reserve your time on June 30 or to schedule an appointment on another day, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) or visit www.redcrossblood.org. Be sure to enter "homerun" in the sponsor code space provided. You will also find answers to many frequently asked questions.

Unless generous blood donors step forward soon, blood products will not be available for patients in an emergency or medical crisis. Blood shortages this severe, are rare. The critically-low blood levels we face in hospitals across the country, present a challenge to each of us. Some hospitals have been forced to make terrible choices. In fact, some have begun to postpone surgeries. There are other hospitals where doctors have had to triage patients, to determine those with the greatest blood needs.

Your choice to help replenish the blood supply, may help make their choices easier.

Please join us.


Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Electrical Fire Strikes South Boyle Heights Metalworking Shop

SOUTH BOYLE HEIGHTS - A tenacious effort by one hundred firefighters spared the bulk of a South Boyle Heights metalworking shop on Tuesday night.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 8:23 PM on June 19, 2012, to find fire through the roof of a 75' x 40' one-story industrial building at 1465 South Lorena Street in South Boyle heights, which housed multiple metalcrafting businesses under a single metal roof supported by wood-frame and stucco walls.

Despite intense flames reaching skyward and threatening adjacent firms, Los Angeles and City of Vernon firefighters worked side-by-side to skilfully confine the greater alarm blaze to the structure of fire origin, preventing it from consuming any more than one-third of the building.

The fire was extinguished in just 45 minutes, and no injuries were reported.

Fire loss has been estimated at $100,000 ($75,000 structure & $25,000 contents). The cause of the blaze was determined to be an electrical issue near an interior power panel.

Dispatched Units: E2 T2 E202 RA2 E9 T9 RA9 E14 EM1 BC1 BC11 E10 E25 E17 E4 E210 T10 DC1 SQ21 E201 T1 EM13 BC2 UR3 T27 E227 E27 RA27 UR88 BC5 RA3 RA803 T3 E203

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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'Side Walk CPR' at City Hall Farmer's Market

As we recognize "National CPR Week" (remember, CPR stands for "Cardio-Pulmonary-Resuscitation"), your Los Angeles Fire Department kicked-it-off by presenting some very helpful information, of which you and everyone you know, should take an interest. If you missed it, we urge you to revisit "'Hands-only CPR' and the 'AED': What are they?" It may truly make a difference in someone's life. And if you believe in statistics, that person may be one of your loved ones! A staggering 88% of cardiac arrests occur in the home.

So we've told you about CPR... now we want to show you! This week, Thursday, June 7, 2012; your LAFD will be at the Downtown Los Angeles Farmers' Market. We have nothing to sell, but we do have something to offer: a hands-on, interactive demonstration of "Hands-only CPR." If you can't make it Downtown to see us, there are several other locations throughout Los Angeles County that will offer similar demonstrations on what is being billed as "Side Walk CPR Day." 

Side Walk CPR Day

Downtown Los Angeles Farmers' Market

City Hall East, South Plaza

200 N. Main Street

Thursday, June 7, 2012

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Why Learn Hands-Only CPR?

 

 

• "Sudden Cardiac Arrest" is an electrical problem with the heart, where it stops beating and pumping blood. That causes the brain to shut down and the patient to suddenly collapse. It renders the patient unconscious.
• Paramedics can often restart the heart using advanced methods– but it may take a few minutes for them to arrive on-scene. That time is critical!
• "Hands-only CPR" can keep the heart and brain alive until Paramedics takes over, by keeping the blood circulating. Oxygen remains in that blood.
• Mouth-to-mouth breathing is not necessary.

Please plan to stop by and learn more. Be sure to visit the LAFD Firefighter/Paramedics who will be on-hand to demonstrate and answer any questions.

While you are Downtown, make a day of it and plan to join the LAFD at our 15th Annual "HOPE for Firefighters" event taking place only a few blocks away!

Submitted by Matt Spence
Spokesman, Los Angeles Fire Department

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Los Angeles Firefighters Attack Downtown Blaze

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - A large fire broke out today in a one-story commercial building in downtown L.A. Over 100 Firefighters extinguished the blaze before anyone was hurt.

Image courtesy KTLA-TV. Used with permission.

Just after 1:30 p.m. Firefighters arrived at 1221 Hope Street to find heavy smoke pouring out of a 150' x 75' pre-1933 structure.

Firefighters rapidly forced entry and made their way through dark, smoky conditions, bringing hose-lines to the seat of the fire. Truck Companies simultaneously performed strategic vertical ventilation with chainsaws on the roof.

Due to the aggressive attack of Los Angeles Firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Gutierrez, the flames were extinguished in just 34 minutes.

The front portion of this 7,000 square-foot building was filled with artwork by Terrell Moore, the rear portion had a plant growing operation.

The dollar loss is estimated at $300,000 ($200,000 structure and $100,000 contents). The cause of this Greater Alarm fire is under active investigation.

Dispatched Units: E210 E10 T10 E9 T9 RA209 E3 RA803 SQ21 EM18 BC13 BC1 E15 RA810 DC1 E13 E215 T15 E4 E226 T26 EM1 BC11 T27 E227 E27 RA27 UR88 BC5 E11 T11 E211 BC18 BC2 MD1 EA1 RA13 RA15 RA4 EM11 RT40 AR7 AR2 SU1

(VIDEO)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firefighters Quickly Halt Fast Moving Attic Fire

INCIDENT:  Greater Alarm Structure Fire
DATE:  Friday, March 23, 2012
TIME OF ALARM:  4:16 pm
ADDRESS:  800 Block of North Bunker Hill Avenue
OCCUPANCY TYPE:  Residential Apartments
NEIGHBORHOOD:  Chinatown
FIRST-IN DISTRICT:  Fire Station 3
INCIDENT COMMANDER:  Battalion 1 - Battalion Chief Greg Gibson
COUNCIL DISTRICT:  1
DISPATCHED UNITS: T3 E3 E203 RA803 E4 E201 T1 E220 T20 RA20 SQ21 EM11 BC1 BC5 E9 E29 DC2 RA209 BC2 E210 T10 E15 EM6 UR3 T27 E227 RA27 E27 UR88 BC14 EM2 EA1 
SIZE UP: "Three story apartment building with one unit on the third floor"
INCIDENT SUMMARY: Initially found surface fire on the roof. Fire spread and fully-engulfed the attic. The building was completely evacuated. Fire confined to roof, attic and part of third floor.
KNOCKDOWN: 80 Firefighters in 30 minutes
CAUSE: Under investigation.
DAMAGE: Not yet determined.
INJURIES: Not confirmed.


Submitted by Matt Spence
Spokesman, Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Limits Damage to $70K at South Boyle Heights Textile Firm

SOUTH BOYLE HEIGHTS - It took the combined skill of 94 Los Angeles Firefighters less than thirty minutes to extinguish an accidental fire in a South Boyle Heights textile firm on Thursday.

The fire was reported at 12:36 PM on December 22, 2011 at 3603 East Olympic Boulevard, where firefighters discovered well-entrenched flames within a 40' x 80' two-story textile storage facility.

Forcing entry into the closed business - nestled among a row of similar buildings, firefighters utilized strategic vertical ventilation and sheer tenacity to hold the flames to the second floor and prevent fire spread beyond the premises.

The blaze was extinguished in just 29 minutes, and no injuries were reported.

Loss to Green Castle Textile was limited to $70,000 ($50,000 structure & $20,000 contents). The fire is categorized as accidental, and attributed to an energized lamp falling onto combustible carpeting within a centrally located photo booth on the firm's second floor.

Dispatched Units: E25 RA25 E17 E2 T9 RA809 E201 T1 EM9 BC1 BC11 E9 E26 E202 T2 E4 E221 T21 SQ21 DC2 EM2 BC2 T3 E203 UR3 RA3 RA803 E3 UR88 BC5 EA1 AR1 AR2

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Early Morning Fire Rips Commercial Property in El Sereno

EL SERENO - A large fire erupted at a commercial property in the early morning hours today and brought 180 Firefighters to the scene.

At 1:30 am on Friday, December 2, 2011, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a large "Outside Fire" at 5339 East Valley Boulevard near El Sereno. The property spanned nearly three blocks in length and hosted several businesses, all of which were in jeopardy of being exposed to the blaze. Among those structures, was an approximate 200' x 400' commercial building with a very significant fire load. First arriving Firefighters encountered downed power lines and a large volume of fire, then immediately requested additional resources for assistance.


At the center of this property was an open yard, where several tractor-trailers, most of which were holding highly combustible materials, were parked along with other heavy equipment. Together, these vehicles provided most of the fuel for this "Major Emergency" Incident. Firefighters did an outstanding job of preventing the blaze from spreading into any of the adjacent businesses on the property. One structure did sustain some fire damage, while the others were impacted only by the large quantities of water required to fully extinguish the blaze, which came in 1 hour and 58 minutes.

There were no injuries reported from the scene and despite the "High Wind Warnings" that were in effect at the time of the fire, the wind did not play a factor.

Damage estimates were not yet available and the cause of the fire is under active investigation.

Dispatched Units: E16 RA47 E201 T1 RA1 E202 E2 T2 EM2 BC2 E44 BC1 E12 T12 E212 E25 T9 SQ21 DC2 EM11 BC11 E203 T3 E3 UR27 RA27 RA827 UR88 BC5 DC1 T27 E227 E47 E210 T10 E4 E17 AR1 E9 E55 T50 E250 E211 T11 E42 E215 T15 E235 T35 E229 T29 BC13 BC18 BC14 EM9 EA1 E27 RT59 RA867 RA2 RA12 RA4 RA803 RA804 RA844 CM3 EM11 FC1 DT1

(photos / slideshow)

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Nine Injured when Blue Line Train and Car Tangle South of Downtown L.A.

LOS ANGELES - A Long Beach bound Metro Blue Line light rail train collided with a car just south of Downtown Los Angeles today, injuring four persons in the automobile and causing five Blue Line passengers to later seek hospital care.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was called to the collision near Flower Street and 18th Street just north of the Washington Boulevard Corridor at 2:52 PM on Friday, November 25, 2011. Arriving promptly, LAFD crews soon determined the four vehicle occupants had suffered only minor injury.

While preparing to transport the four to a nearby hospital for further evaluation, Paramedics were approached by five riders from aboard the train seeking attention for subjective and sundry medical complaints.

After a further assessment of those persons and others aboard the train, a total of nine injured - all in good condition, were taken by Fire Department ambulance to a trio of area hospitals.

Though personnel from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Transit Services Bureau were summoned to the scene, the collision investigation is being handled by the Los Angeles Police Department and Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials.

Dispatched Units: E15 E215 T15 E9 RA9 HR56 EM11 BC1 E29 RA10 RA803 RA9 RA809 EM11 EM2 BC1 RA15 RA810 RA814

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Woman Succumbs to Burn Injuries from House Fire in South LA

SOUTH LOS ANGELES - An elderly female occupant succumbed to burn injuries from an unintentional house fire on Tuesday, November 15, 2011.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived on-scene within just three minutes to find heavy smoke showing from a single-story residence at 526 Jefferson Boulevard. 

Forcing entry into the residence, firefighters encountered intense flames among "pack rat" storage of personal belongings, yet pushed on relentlessly to search all parts of the fire and smoke-charged home for a physically handicapped woman reportedly trapped in the blaze. It was during this initial assault on the flames that firefighters quickly and skillfully discovered an 81 year-old female occupant located inside the 1,948 square-foot home. She was immediately extricated and provided with medical care for significant burn injuries on-scene and while being rushed to LA County USC Medical Center.

The flames were extinguished by 45 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Carlos Calvillo, in just 12 minutes.

Along with the excessive storage that potentially hampered occupant escape, the home was fitted with window security bars and both front and back metal security doors which were locked, and required forcible entry with rotary saws. There was also no evidence of smoke alarms within the home as required by law. The century-old wood frame building was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

Sadly, the next day the woman succumbed to her injuries at the USC Burn Unit.
  

A positive identification of the deceased woman, as well as exact cause, time and manner of her death, will be determined by the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner.

LAFD's Arson Counter-Terrorism Chief Michael Greenup stated, "The floor furnace was the area of origin of the fire, where numerous combustibles were located. The cause of the fire was unintentional."

Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated.

Dispatched Units:

E14 RA814 RA14 E215 E15 T15 E21 T21 E221 SQ21 EM11 BC11 BC1 E9 BC13 RA15 AR1 AR7 AR3 AR12 AR9

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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