West Adams Apartment Fire Injures Two and Displaces 14

WEST ADAMS - Quick actions by building staff and rescue efforts by LAFD limits injuries at apartment fire in a senior and disabled living facility.

On August 14, 2013 at 1:15 pm Los Angeles Firefighters were called to 2455 South St Andrews Place in the West Adams district. The LAFD arrived quickly to find black smoke billowing over an eight story apartment structure. Building security informed arriving fire companies of an active fire on the fifth floor.

Firefighters ascended quickly through a stairwell and encountered pressurized heavy black smoke in the fifth floor hallway. Hose lines were pulled from ground level through an adjacent unit to attack the fire. Firefighters made an aggressive attack on the fully involved unit. A swift evacuation of ambulatory residents and rescue of the disabled on the fifth floor was simultaneously performed. During the firefight, flames threatening balconies above the blaze were quickly addressed and the fire confined to the involved unit. Under the command of Battalion Chief Joseph Klein, 123 firefighters extinguished the blaze in just 46 minutes.

Initial concerns for the occupants of the residential apartments initiated the call for eight LAFD rescue ambulances. However, an established and practiced building evacuation plan limited injuries. Facility staff was conducting an orderly evacuation of residents living on the two floors above the fire upon arrival of the LAFD. During the firefight it was established the safest plan for residents living in the floors below the fire, was to shelter in place. Upon extinguishment of the blaze a systematic and coordinated evacuation of all residents was executed. Using the established list of disabled residents, firefighters rescued occupants requiring assistance.

Occupants were evacuated to a courtyard behind the building where staff accounted for all residents. Of the five occupants assessed by the LAFD, four were evaluated and did not require further care. One adult female was transported to an area hospital in serious condition. One firefighter sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported in fair condition. 

The unit consumed by fire and the nine other units with smoke damage were deemed uninhabitable, displacing 14 residents. The American Red Cross was called and assisted in relocation of the displaced residents. The cause of this blaze was determined to be accidental in nature. Dollar loss was estimated at $125,000 ( 100,000 structure and 25,000 contents)

Dispatched units: E26 RA826 E34 E15 T15 E215 SQ21 T29 RA29 EM11 BC11 BC18 E10 T26 E226 E294 T94 E46 DC1 EM13 BC13 T3 E203 E3 UR3 RA3 RA803 UR88 BC1 RA2 RA10 EM5 RA66 T66 E266 E229 E227 T27 BC5 E66 RA837 E94 E211 T11 AR1 EA1 RT59

Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Raging Fire Damages Los Angeles Victorian Home, Displacing 6

WESTLAKE - A fire raced through a 118 year-old Victorian home west of downtown Los Angeles Tuesday afternoon, trapping one man and his pets, and leading more than 125 firefighters to battle fierce flames that caused nearly a half-million dollars damage.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 2:05 PM on July 9, 2013 to 690 South Burlington Avenue. Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy fire on the second floor of a 3,552 square-foot three-story Victorian home, with flames extending to the third floor and attic.

@LAFD knocking down Victorian house fire 7th/Burlington pic.twitter.com/4c8Jk6zYjA
— Ray Ravith Pok (@poKreate) July 9, 2013

A man and his two dogs perilously trapped by smoke and flames at a third story window were dramatically rescued by firefighters, who rapidly deployed an aerial ladder to assist the trio to safety unharmed. A total of 127 Los Angeles Firefighters under the command of Assistant Chief Emile Mack, labored under intense summer heat with high humidity for nearly 48 minutes to fully extinguish the flames.

The compartmentalized interior of the building, combined with balloon-frame construction (typical of the era) allowed flames to quickly spread and led to an extensive post-fire overhaul of building by LAFD personnel, who spent nearly 9 hours salvaging personal property and checking for embers.

No injuries were reported.

Six adults displaced by the greater alarm fire were provided on-site support by American Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers, who offered residents temporary shelter and life needs assistance.

The presence and functional status of smoke alarms inside the vintage structure could not be immediately determined. The home, built in 1895 and never retrofitted with optional residential fire sprinklers, sustained an estimated $450,000 damage ($400,000 structure and $50,000 contents).

Though the specific cause of the blaze remains under investigation, a team of veteran Investigators from the Los Angeles Fire Department Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section confidently stated there was "no evidence of this being an intentionally set fire".

Dispatched Units: E211 E11 T11 RA11 E13 RA950 E10 T10 E210 SQ21 EM11 BC11 BC1 E15 E9 T9 RA9 DC1 RA811 EA1 E226 T26 E229 T29 EM5 BC18 T3 E203 E3 UR3 RA3 RA803 UR88 BC5 AR1 HU59 AR9 E12 T64 E264 T27 E227 E21 T15 E215 E66

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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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

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Los Angeles Firefighters Halt Flames in Wilshire Condominium Complex

GREATER WILSHIRE -  Los Angeles Firefighters quickly extinguished a fire on the roof and in the attic of a large condominium complex, before anyone was injured.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 12:42 AM on January 30, 2013, to 4477 Wilshire Blvd where they found three-story condominium residences over parking with smoke showing.

LAFD crews, arriving in less than four minutes, commenced an aggressive fire attack with hose-lines while their colleagues performed vertical ventilation with chainsaws on the roof. Simultaneously a rapid search of the 33 year-old building ensued, ensuring all occupants were out of harms way.

A total of 90 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief J. Castro, extinguished the flames in 41 minutes.

The fire started in an elevator room on the roof and quickly spread through the attic. Three units on the third occupied floor suffered fire and water damage, and a several units below suffered water damage.  Once the flames were out, firefighters concentrated efforts on carefully removing residual water from affected units and protecting the occupants property.

No injuries were reported.

There did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances causing the Greater Alarm Structure Fire. Monetary loss is still being tabulated.

Dispatched Units: E229 E29 T29 RA29 RA829 E61 T61 E261 E27 EM11 BC5 BC11 E68 E226 T26 E227 T27 DC1 SQ21 BC18 E211 T11 E94 EM1 E3 T5 E205 UR5 UR88 BC1

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Echo Park Blaze Damages Businesses, Injures Firefighter

ECHO PARK - A conflagration in a three-story office building alongside the Hollywood Freeway slowed traffic Tuesday night, as it damaged six businesses and sent one firefighter to the hospital.

The fire was reported on October 9, 2012 at 9:57 PM, bringing the quick response of firefighters to 1625 Palo Alto Street in Echo Park, where they discovered heavy fire to the rear of a tri-level multi-tenant commercial building.
With vegetation and the structure burning intensely on the north side of the building, teams of firefighters made forcible entry from the east and west to search the premises and protect contents while mounting an interior offense on the flames with handlines.

It was a difficult battle.

To assist the firefight and limit the spread of flame, more than a dozen LAFD personnel took to the building's 80' x 100' roof with chainsaws to strategically vent heat and smoke, in an attempt to stem the forward progress of the fire and make the building's interior more tenable for their colleagues below fighting flames and salvaging business records.

Despite oppressive conditions on the third and second floor, a tenacious firefighting offense continued there for nearly one-half hour, until physical compromise of the structure forced a well-coordinated transition to defensive operations with the external application of heavy streams.

Though as many as five firefighters were examined for potential injury, only one LAFD member required hospital care for a pair of painful dime-sized burns to his neck. In good condition, he was taken to the hospital by ambulance for first care, where he was treated and released.

No other injuries were reported.

It took the combined effort of 125 Los Angeles Firefighters less than two hours to fully extinguish the flames. The fire was confined to the structure of origin, with the bulk of fire damage limited to the attic, entire third floor and a portion of the second floor. Thanks to comprehensive salvage efforts by LAFD responders, a great number of business records were spared damage from flames or water, as was a good portion of the building's first floor.

The varied damage from fire to the businesses, including a button manufacturer, house of worship, janitorial service, auto loan firm and two printing businesses, is still being tabulated. The cause of this late night blaze remains under active investigation.

Dispatched Units: E220 T20 RA20 E6 RA6 E11 EM11 BC11 E52 T11 E211 E12 E9 T9 E3 T3 E203 RA3 RA803 EM1 E233 T33 E15 DC1 E27 E235 T35 SQ21 BC1 T10 E210 BC5 BC2 RA29 RA46 UR88 E226 T26 E2 AR1 E21 EA1 T94 E294 T64 E264 T29 E229 E17 AR7 AR17 T26 E226 BC11 AR17

[ photos ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Four Injured in Los Angeles Koreatown Apartment Blaze

KOREATOWN - Four persons were injured - one critically, when an apartment fire erupted Monday evening in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles.

A series of frantic 9-1-1 calls beginning at 8:14PM on September 17, 2012 brought the Los Angeles Fire Department to 504 South Normandie Avenue in Koreatown, where they discovered smoke and soon intense flames, visible from the lowest floor of three apartment levels over parking.

Photo by @EMAMD on Twitter

With reports of one or more residents trapped on the fire floor, and deadly smoke and heat filling the center hallway style building, the first of 72 LAFD responders braved oppressive conditions to push back the flames, as their colleagues swiftly forced entry into six apartments near the fire in a methodical search under zero-visibility conditions for those reported missing.

Firefighters found and rescued an approximately 28 year-old man from an interior hallway near the well involved apartment. With full thickness burns to nearly 85% of his body, he was transported by LAFD Paramedics in critical condition to an area hospital.

Other Firefighters found and rescued an approximately 58 year-old woman from within the smoke-charged building. With significant smoke exposure, she was transported in serious condition to a nearby hospital by LAFD Paramedics.

The fire was confined to the apartment of fire origin and an adjacent interior hallway, with flames brought fully under control in just 21 minutes.

Fire Department ambulances were later used to transport an approximately 45 year-old man with a foot injury, and a fourteen year-old girl with minor respiratory distress, both in good condition, to area hospitals.

No other injuries were reported.

Monetary loss to the 24-unit building is still being tabulated. The cause of the blaze remains under active investigation.

Dispatched Units: E29 T29 E229 RA29 RA829 E6 E52 E211 T11 EM11 BC11 BC705 E61 BC5 RA6 RA52 EM1 E226 T26 E13 E11 E261 T61 DC1 SQ21 EM13 BC18 T3 E203 RA3 RA803 T27 E227 UR27 UR88 BC1 UR3 RA13 RA811 AR1 AR11 AR10 AR23

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Koreatown Blaze Destroys Vacant Apartment Building

KOREATOWN - An intense fire Monday afternoon that destroyed a vacant Koreatown apartment building, damaged four cars and threatened as many as six buildings, was extinguished in just 38 minutes, but not before forcing as many as ten neighbors from their nearby home.
The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 5:28 PM on July 16, 2012 to the vicinity of Olympic Boulevard and New Hampshire Avenue for a possible structure fire. Quickly following visible smoke to the neighborhood, firefighters arrived promptly to do swift battle with extreme flames at a location they initially declared as being on "Serrano Avenue".

The temporarily misstated location was later corrected by responders to 1017 South Berendo Avenue, and confirmed to be a vacant 3,700 square-foot, two-story center hallway apartment building that was undergoing a major renovation.

A one-story "L-shaped" electronics firm immediately to the north, as well as a two-story residence directly to the south were impacted by towering flames, as were to a lesser degree, four other residential buildings in the vicinity. A bold and relentless assault on the flames by 98 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel limited the most serious fire extension to one upstairs room of the neighboring home and surface fire to roof of the electronics firm.

Additionally, four private vehicles sustained significant damage.

Within minutes of the Fire Department's arrival, the fully engulfed upper floor of the 111 year-old wood frame and stucco apartment building began to fail, collapsing upon the first. No residents or firefighters were in harm's way as the flaming remnant of the building crashed to the ground.

Los Angeles Police Officers summoned LAFD Paramedics to a nearby address at the height of the fire to evaluate a man reportedly injured by the blaze, but it was soon determined his minor injuries were not related to the conflagration.

The fire was fully extinguished in just 38 minutes, and no other injuries were reported.

As a result of the fire, as many as ten unrelated adults living separately in the damaged home to the south were directed to seek temporary accommodation - though only one desired placement assistance from the American Red Cross.

Overall loss from the blaze has been estimated at $525,000, while the cause of the fire remains under active investigation.

Dispatched Units: E211 E11 T11 RA811 RA11 E226 E26 T26 E61 SQ21 EM11 BC11 BC1 E10 E13 E6 E229 E29 T29 E261 T61 DC1 EM1 BC18 BC2 T3 E203 RA3 T27 E227 RA827 UR88 BC5 RA27 AR1 AR7

[ PHOTOS ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Ruptured Gas Line at USC Campus Injures Worker

SOUTH LOS ANGELES - On Friday, May 4th, 2012, an independent construction firm employee suffered minor burns after a one-inch gas line broke and ignited outside the track stadium at USC.

Image courtesy KTLA-TV. Used with permission.

Just before 8 a.m. Firefighters arrived to 3470 South McClintock Avenue, to find a continuous flame erupting from the ground, over 10 feet in the air between Katherine B. Loker Stadium and Cromwell Field on the North end of USC campus.

A total of 27 firefighters, including LAFD's Hazardous material team, quickly surrounded the area, evacuated nearby individuals as a precaution, and strategically sprayed hose-lines, creating a “water curtain” around the perpetual flame to protect the nearby brick stadium wall.

Battalion Chief Mathis instituted a Unified Command, and worked in concert with Southern California Gas repair crews, and USC Public Safety teams. Gas to the broken line, which feeds the track stadium, was successfully shut off around 9:30 a.m.

One adult male, a construction worker who reportedly broke the line, was treated at the scene for minor burns but was not transported to a hospital.

The LAFD along with the Southern California Gas Company remind you that whether you’re planning to build a major development or just landscaping your yard, protect your safety and the safety of those around you by calling Underground Service Alert at 8-1-1, at least two business days prior to excavating.

Dispatched Units: E215 E15 T15 BC11 SQ21 RA15 RA13 DC1 E13

(VIDEO)


Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman

Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firefighters Spared Injury When Floor Collapses During Hancock Park Blaze

HANCOCK PARK - A stubborn fire raced through a massive Hancock Park home on Wednesday evening, causing a floor to collapse - but sparing injury, before being tamed by the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The fire was reported at 7:36 PM on Wednesday, March 28, 2012, bringing the swift response of 58 Los Angeles Firefighters to 644 South Muirfield Road, where they discovered smoke showing from an 8,829 square-foot two story home.

LAFD crews worked aggressively to protect personal property as their colleagues tackled stubborn flames within the 88 year-old residence, that was undergoing some manner of renovation. It was during the well orchestrated assault against elusive fire, that a sizeable portion of the second floor collapsed into the room below.

Despite the challenge, firefighters confined the flames to one room on the first floor, the space immediately above as well as a portion of the attic, attaining full extinguishment of the fire in just 75 minutes.

Assistant Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas stated that no firefighters were trapped and that there were no injuries.

Monetary loss from the flames is still being tabulated. The cause of the blaze has been declared accidental in nature, and remains under active investigation.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Multi-Story Residential Blaze in Echo Park

ECHO PARK - A relentless fire in a multi-story residence, required more than 150 Los Angeles Firefighters and  two water dropping helicopters to extinguish. The October 12, 2011 incident was reported by multiple 9-1-1 callers at 5:41 PM, bringing a rapid response from Firefighters as they ascended narrow roads en route to 1357 North Elysian Park Drive, just west of Dodger Stadium.

Arriving at a three-story Craftsman-style residence with a basement, Firefighters made access and quickly extinguished the flames on the first floor, however they still had fire roaring on the floors above, through the attic and in the basement.

Truck Companies assigned to the roof, aggressively performed vertical ventilation with chainsaws, as fire blew from each hole that was cut. The environment then became unsafe and required a quick exit from the roof, before it collapsed.

As scores of additional Firefighters were dispatched, the strategic decision was made to request water dropping helicopters. They were able to survey downwind for burning embers, while having the capability to swiftly halt advancing flames if they spread to the hillside. Ultimately, one precise water drop on the burning structure itself, was all that was required.

Through the exhausting assault, Firefighters, for a time, went into "defensive mode," exiting the untenable structure to do battle from the exterior. Then, once additional headway was made, they re-entered the wood-sided, century-old house to attack the flames head-on.

Firefighters continually overcame heavy fire on multiple floors of this balloon construction house, protecting adjacent residences and ensuring flames did not spread to nearby, volatile vegetation. As if that wasn't enough, live ammunition that had been stored on the second floor, discharged in the midst of the firefight.

Battalion Chief Fred Mathis stated, "...another challenge we faced was access to the hilltop house. There was one way in and out. After the first apparatus arrived, all those following had to stack one behind the other, downhill. This required some Firefighters to carry gear up a 1/4 mile, then back again to exchange air bottles. It was a tough location. They did a great job!"

This "Major Emergency Structure Fire" was fully extinguished in one hour and 16 minutes by 165 Firefighters. Fortunately, due to an aggressive attack and sound command, no one was injured.

One owner of the residence, a senior, was compassionately evaluated by Firefighter/Paramedics on-scene. She did not require transport to a hospital.

There was extensive damage to one side of the residence, however it was not a total loss. The estimated dollar loss was $300,000 ($250,000 structure and $50,000 contents).

The cause of the fire is under active investigation.

Dispatched Units:
E11 E3 BC11 E9 E220 T20 RA3 RA803 EM6 E29 E203 T3 E6 SQ21 DC2 BC1 E15 E211 T11 EM2 BC2 UR3 T27 E227 RA827 T5 E205 UR88 BC5 RA20 RA27 E27 H0E H0B E205 T5 H2 H4 E90 E215 T15 EA2 RT59 RA1 E226 T26 E21 RA56 RA11 EM11 T90 E290 AR1 T61 E261 E5 E89 SU1 T12 E212 E63 T39 E239 RA6

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Mourns the Passing of a Fellow Firefighter

As you may have recently heard, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department are mourning the off-duty passing of fellow Firefighter Eric Shepherd.

The LAFD would like to share some additional information about this very special man...

Eric Shepherd was born on July 12th, 1978 at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. Raised in Carson, California, Eric graduated from Long Beach Jordan High School in 1996. Later that year, Eric joined the United States Air Force and served as a firefighter in Kuwait and at home at Edwards Air Force Base. After four years of dedicated service to his country, Eric was honorably discharged as a Senior Airman.

In July of 2003, Eric joined the Los Angeles Fire Department. Following the drill tower and probationary assignments, Eric transferred to Fire Station 29 in Battalion 11, serving the Wilshire Center and Mid-City areas of Los Angeles. Widely recognized as a conscientious and talented firefighter, as well as a generous and genuine friend, Eric quickly earned the respect and admiration of his peers and the public he proudly served. He successfully tested for the rank of engineer and was looking forward to the added challenges and responsibilities of the promotion.

Eric died suddenly while off-duty on July 18th, 2011. He is survived by his father, Ronald and his stepmother Cindy, his mother Loretta, sister Rene, and the love of his life Cacherel Smaith, with whom he brought into this world and raised as the apple of his eye, his daughter Sarai.

He was a credit to his family and friends, his country, the fire service and his department. His warmth, laughter, and easy going demeanor will always be cherished. Eric will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Firefighter Eric Shepherd was assigned to Fire Station 29 "C" Platoon.

All members of the community are welcome to join us in celebrating the life of Firefighter Eric Shepherd.

Public Memorial Services for LAFD Firefighter Eric Shepherd:

• Date: Friday, July 29, 2011
• Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Location: Crenshaw Christian Center - "Faith Dome", 7901 South Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA.
• Interment: Forest Lawn, Cypress, 4471 Lincoln Avenue, Cypress, CA (immediately following Memorial Service)

 

*The Memorial Service will be streamed "live" on the "Faith Dome" (click this link) website on

Friday, July 29th from 9:30 am -12:30 pm.

*Members of the Fire Service and allied agencies that wish to have a formal presence, are asked to contact LAFD's Planning Section at (213) 978-3845.

*All flowers being delivered to the Crenshaw Christian Center "Faith Dome" for FF Shepherd's Memorial Service, must be delivered no later than 9:30 am on Friday, July 29, 2011.

*If you would like to make a donation, FF Eric Shepherd's Family respectfully asks that any donations be made to a fund that has been established for his young daughter, in her name:

        "Sarai Shepherd Educational Fund" (Account # 10000758996)
        Los Angeles Fireman's Credit Union
        815 Colorado Boulevard
        Los Angeles, CA 90041

We thank you for the outpouring of support in this time of sadness.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LA Firefighters Battle Apartment Blaze in Pico-Union

On Monday, June 6, 2011 at 3:45 AM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team,  2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Emergency Air Unit, a total of 95 Firefighters all under the direction of Assistant Chief David Yamahata responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 1400 South Kenmore Avenue in Pico-Union area of Downtown Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived to find a two-story center-hallway apartment with heavy smoke pouring out from a penthouse door. The 24 unit, 84 year-old building was unoccupied due to being tented for termite control. Firefighters swiftly extended ground ladders to the roof of the 10,000 square foot building to perform strategic vertical ventilation with chainsaws, as their colleagues deployed hose-lines into units to halt the spread of flame. The majority of the fire originated in a bathroom, however flames rapidly ran up walls and into the attic. The blaze was fully extinguished in just 34 minutes before anyone was injured. The cause appeared to be electrical components in the ceiling of one unit. Approximately four units sustained the bulk of the damage. The dollar loss is still being tabulated.

Submitted by Erik Scott & Cecil Manresa, Spokesmen
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firefighters Rapidly Extinguish Flames At Dodger Stadium

On Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 8:47 PM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Emergency Air Unit all under the direction of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott responded to a Structure Fire at 1000 Elysian Park Avenue in Echo Park.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived to find a moderate amount of lazy smoke drifting across the Top Deck of Dodger Stadium. Firefighters swiftly made their way through crowds of baseball fans while additional colleagues entered the Stadium from an aerial ladder truck.

A small fire comprised predominately of paper goods was located inside an approximate 20' x 20' storage room, made of cinder block construction.

Some fans seated in the Top Deck were calmly moved to another area due to residual smoke, but there was no need for a formal evacuation of the stadium, and play was not stopped. Dodger's staff addressed the public stating "Attention Please: There was a small fire in a confined area that is under control and contained. The Los Angeles Fire Department is onscene and there is no need to evacuate."

Due to the prompt response of 42 Los Angeles Firefighters the flames were confined to the area of origin and fully extinguish in just 20 minutes before anyone was injured. Careful preservation was given to protecting Dodger property and gas powered blowers were strategically utilized to direct remaining smoke away from fans.

The estimated dollar loss is $20,000 ($5,000 property and $15,000 contents). The cause of the fire is under active investigation.

(Home Video)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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