Showing posts with label Council District 13. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Council District 13. Show all posts

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Tanker Fire in Los Angeles Tunnel Impacts I-5 Freeway

ELYSIAN VALLEY - More than 200 firefighters were joined by allied agencies Saturday morning in responding to a dramatic non-injury tanker truck fire and fuel spill at a freeway interchange in northeast Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 10:31 AM on July 13, 2013 by multiple 9-1-1 callers reporting a vegetation fire alongside the northbound Golden State (I-5) Freeway near Stadium Way. With a large plume of smoke visible from a distance, the LAFD air and ground response was augmented for what was believed to be a large swath of burning grass and brush between the freeway and environmentally sensitive Los Angeles River.

Burning Fuel from Tanker Fire Spreads to Los Angeles RiverWithin moments of their arrival, LAFD crews realized the vegetation had been ignited by a big rig fuel tanker truck and trailer that were fully ablaze in a nearby tunnel that connects the northbound Glendale (SR-2) Freeway and the northbound Golden State (I-5) Freeway.

Heartened by news that the truck driver had escaped the blaze unharmed and that no other persons were in direct peril, firefighters began a multifaceted air and ground attack on an inferno fueled by the truck's 8,500 gallon cargo of gasoline.

With volatile fumes entering freeway and street drains, there were a handful of small explosions that displaced manhole covers in the area, leading officials to warn nearby residents to avoid stormwater drains in the neighborhood. Though some fuel entered and ignited along a half-mile section of the Los Angeles River, it was limited to a side channel contained by an earthen berm and vegetation.

A joint command that included the Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles Police Department, California Highway Patrol and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), worked in close coordination with more than a dozen safety, health and environmental organizations to effectively battle flames, limit collateral harm and speed recovery.

Agencies Offer Coordinated Response to Tanker Fire in Los Angeles Freeway TunnelThe battle against flames in the tunnel and river, with a simultaneous effort to limit fuel-laden runoff and abate hazards, continued over a large area for more than six hours, requiring a constant rotation of LAFD personnel.

A strong outreach via traditional and social media was used to inform residents and travelers in the area, including tens of thousands arriving for a 4:15 PM game at Dodger Stadium - which was not endangered by the incident.

With flames extinguished, Caltrans structural and maintenance engineers inspected the still warm concrete tunnel - and developed a game plan for its extensive repair, as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and other environmental response agencies began a recovery assessment of nearby wetlands. Responders - many in protective gear, working in the summer heat well into the pre-dawn hours Sunday, were aided by Community Emergency Response Team volunteers who oversaw an LAFD approved delivery and distribution of cool beverages.

Caltrans identified and coordinated temporary lane and highway closures near the effected interchange, including a busy section of the Golden State Freeway, reportedly used by as many as 300,000 vehicles per day.

The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the genesis of the tanker fire, specifically whether a collision or some type of mishap in or near the tunnel was responsible for the conflagration.

The Los Angeles Fire Department reported no responder or civilian injuries. Firefighters are encouraging motorists to stay informed regarding local highway closures, and to consider the 5-1-1 telephone number and information system as a timely and effective way to obtain details about traffic, transit and transportation throughout the region.
Dispatched LAFD Units: E201 T1 E44 E4 E250 T50 E56 E12 T12 E212 H0F H0B BC1 BC2 E9 H4 H5 H6 T20 E220 E90 RA820 RA20 E202 T2 T9 E16 E447 E10 E211 T11 DC1 H0E EM1 BC4 WT77 E77 FT17 E3 T3 E203 E2 RA850 FT60 E61 E64 E235 T35 E215 T15 BC5 H3 E27 RA801 EA1 T60 E260 RA60 RA56 EM11 E21 T21 E221 SQ21 RA21 RA821 HL1 CP3 RM2 RA1 RA55 EM14 RT83 RT59 RA801 SQ21 RA56 E42 E11 E13 T29 E229 E14 E94 CV20 CV21 RA56 RA17 E29 E37 E33 E15 E48 JT2
[ photos ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
Article any source

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Suspicious Blaze Injures Two Los Angeles Firefighters

EAST HOLLYWOOD - A suspicious blaze in an abandoned two-story home sent a pair of Los Angeles Firefighters to the hospital Sunday morning with painful but non-life threatening injuries.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 8:30 AM on June 23, 2013 to 714 North Kenmore Avenue, where they discovered fire on the second floor and attic of an unoccupied 1,744 square-foot two story home.


You can click, grab and zoom the pre-fire image above - or view larger

Forty-six LAFD personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Joseph Klein forced entry into the minimally secured building, confining flames within the unfurnished residence in just 19 minutes.

During a tenacious attack on intense flames, two Los Angeles Firefighters sustained painful first- and second-degree burns to their ears and necks. In fair condition, the men were taken by LAFD ambulance to Torrance Memorial Medical Center for specialized burn care, where they were treated and released to remain off-duty.

No other injuries were reported.

Loss to the 99 year-old vacant wood frame home was limited to the structural value of $100,000. The fire is presently categorized as suspicious, and remains the focus of an active LAFD investigation. Those with information about the fire are asked to call the Los Angeles Fire Department's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section directly at (213) 893-9800.
Dispatched Units: E6 RA6 E52 RA52 E220 T20 E235 T35 E13 EM11 BC11 BC5 E29 AR2 E82 EM13 AR9
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
Article any source

Monday, June 10, 2013

Firefighters Rescue Scores of Animals from Hollywood Pet Store Fire

EAST HOLLYWOOD - A fast-moving fire at dawn Monday in a pet store, led to the dramatic rescue by firefighters of more than a hundred animals, before the intense blaze was brought under control.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 6:07 AM on June 10, 2013 to 1183 North Vermont Avenue, where they discovered heavy smoke showing from the roof of a one-story 120' x 110' L-shaped shopping center.
Forcing entry into well-secured businesses - including the heavily smoke charged Kim's Pets and Fish, teams of firefighters began the swift rescue of imperiled animals from pens, cages and aquariums as flames raged overhead.

LAFD personnel swiftly took to the roof of what proved to be two interconnected buildings, to commence a short-lived effort at vertical ventilation, before the roof proved untenable and collapsed into the premises below.

As firefighters made a decisive stand against flames deep within ornamental framework that connected the two buildings, their colleagues continued to push back fire with hose lines inside the burning pet store, supporting the ongoing removal of birds, mice, hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, fish, reptiles and 25 puppies - all of which were rescued unscathed.

The relentless effort of 138 Los Angeles Firefighters under the command of Assistant Chief Andrew Fox, brought the stubborn flames under control in just 55 minutes.

Though no human injuries were reported, smoke and structural collapse led to the demise of several birds, fish and reptiles who proved beyond LAFD help.

During final fire extinguishment, the discovery of several turtles trapped deep within debris buoyed the spirits of firefighters, who soon formed a human chain to crawl beneath tons of unstable and smoldering rubbish to safely rescue the reclusive reptiles prior to the application of firefighting foam, which would have led to their demise.

Monetary loss from the blaze, which heavily damaged the southwest portion of one non-fire sprinklered building, was still being tabulated late Monday. Los Angeles Fire Department Investigators determined the fire, which originated in the attic above the pet store, to be accidental in nature.
Dispatched Units: E235 T35 RA835 RA35 E82 E6 E52 E220 T20 EM11 BC5 BC11 E29 E56 E13 E229 T29 E250 T50 DC3 EM2 BC2 T3 E203 E3 UR3 RA3 RA803 UR88 BC1 E11 BC14 BC18 E227 T27 E211 AR2 E33 E202 T2 E60 E215 T15 EA2 RA892 EA1 AR17 RT59 AR1
[ photos ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
Article any source

Friday, May 31, 2013

Three Firefighters Injured in Arson Hollywood Apartment Blaze

HOLLYWOOD - The Los Angeles Fire Department battled a long and intensive fight in an intentionally set fire that scorched an apartment building in Hollywood, leaving three firefighters injured and 42 residents displaced.

 
Just before 11:00 AM on May 31, 2013 Los Angeles Firefighters responded to a Structure Fire at 5957 Barton Avenue, near Santa Monica Boulevard and Gower Street. They arrived on scene to find a two-story apartment building on a raised foundation with smoke billowing from small basement windows. Additional firefighters were quickly requested.

LAFD Battles Stubborn Hollywood Apartment BlazeAn aggressive attack ensued that was concentrated on the basement area near a laundry room and a simultaneous search was performed to ensure all residents and pets were safely out. Firefighters had a long and exhaustive battle ahead...

LAFD Battles Stubborn Hollywood Apartment Blaze    Flames continued to creep inside the walls and climb up pipe alleys, around 3" gaps in fire blocking in some places, and quietly across the attic of the structure. Firefighters thoroughly went through all 16 smoke charged apartment units using thermal imaging cameras to sense heat and flames hidden behind the walls, and remained on scene for hours suppressing stubborn hot-spots and flare-ups. In approximately two and a half hours 155 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Charles Butler, were confident of a complete knock down of the blaze and performed a thorough overhaul and salvage of property. Then a list was created of resident's important belongings inside and firefighters searched through the debris to find them and bring them to the owners.

Several arson investigators remained on scene for hours carefully combing through debris, examining fire patterns, using highly trained K9's, and talking with bystanders. The cause of the fire was determined to be arson and it remains under active investigation.

LAFD Battles Stubborn Hollywood Apartment BlazeThe total estimated dollar loss was $1.2 million ($1,100,000 structure & $100,000 contents). The Department of Building and Safety, "Red Tagged" the structure, deeming it unsafe for entry. The Red Cross arranged temporary housing for the renters in a nearby shelter.

It is important to note that hard wired smoke alarms with battery backup, appropriate to city building code, provided the occupants early detection and allowed for safe self evacuation.

Three firefighters were injured: One suffered burns to his hands, another a laceration to his hand, both were transported to local hospitals. A third firefighter suffered heat exhaustion from the battle and was treated but did not require transport. No civilians were injured.

We strongly encourage anyone with information that may assist the investigative efforts to please contact the Arson Counter-Terrorism Section at (213) 893-9800.
Dispatched Units: E227 T27 RA827 E52 E82 RA26 EM18 BC5 E76 T61 E261 E27 E235 T35 AR2 EA1 E202 T2 E3 E27 E10 E229 T29 E294 T94 RA61 DC3 EM5 BC18 BC14 T3 E203 UR3 E89 UR88 BC1 RA803 RA27 RA41 EM18 E12 E82 E235 T35 RM2 SQ21 RA892 RT59 AR1 AR23 AR9 AR17 E94 T33 E233 E37 T88 E288 RA27 T11 E211
(Raw Video Clip)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
Article any source

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

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.

LAFD Battles Major Emergency Blaze near Echo Park. © Photo by Mike Meadows. Click to view more...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
Article any source

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Special Effect at Hollywood Nightclub Sends 6 to Hospital

HOLLYWOOD - More than 400 patrons at a Hollywood nightclub were sent scrambling for the exits, and six were taken to the hospital, after a large volume of carbon dioxide used as a theatrical fogging effect filled the venue on Saturday evening.


The initial call at 6:04 PM on July 21, 2012 sought the Los Angeles Fire Department to assist one or more persons having difficulty breathing at the Avalon Hollywood, located at 1735 Vine Street.

Firefighters and Paramedics arrived quickly to find scores of mostly young people who had escaped the auditorium after an unknown vapor suddenly filled the room. With some patrons clearly ill and displaying superficial burns, LAFD responders escalated the incident to a multi-patient hazardous materials investigation, bringing 70 LAFD personnel and allied agencies to the scene.

Vine Street was temporarily closed between Hollywood Boulevard and Franklin Avenue as dozens of emergency vehicles, including nine Fire Department ambulances lined the roadway.

The Fire Department swiftly assembled triage and treatment areas and prepared for the possible decontamination of the crowd, as LAFD HazMat experts combed the theater and conferred with club staff.

It was soon determined that a larger than desired amount of cryogenic liquid carbon dioxide intended for a theatrical fog effect, had been suddenly released into the well attended "teen awards show pre-party", causing zero visibility conditions. The frostbite-like burns experienced by some were attributed to contact with some of the freezing liquid that had failed to fully vaporize.

With respiratory ailments appearing to lessen in the fresh air, just 22 attendees expressed a desire for medical evaluation. Sixteen persons, including minors accompanied by their parents, ultimately declined treatment and transportation.

A total of six party-goers, including some minors, were taken to area hospitals by ambulance. They were described as being in good to fair condition. No performers were among the ill or injured.

Once determined that no hazard remained within the venue, the facility was allowed to resume business for the evening, though the original party had been disbanded.
Dispatched Units: RA27 RA827 E27 BC5 E27 E82 E76 RA35 RA61 RA86 EM11 EM13 EM1 T27 E227 E21 E221 T21 SQ21 RA821 RA21 DC3 RA68 EM13 EM1 RA26 BC18 BC11 BC13 JT2
[ photos | video ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
Article any source

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Smoke Alarms Help Save Family From Burning Apartment

EAST HOLLYWOOD - A family of five abruptly awoke to the sound of their smoke alarms echoing through their apartment, alerting them of a fire. This life saving sound provided them the necessary time to call 9-1-1 and escape through a second-story window.

Kitchen Fire Endangers & Displaces Hollywood Family. Click to learn more about this Creative Commons licensed image...Just before 6:30 AM on January 19, 2012, Los Angeles Firefighters quickly arrived in a little over three minutes to find smoke showing from the second story of a two-story apartment building located at 811 North Mariposa Avenue. Firefighters performed a rapid Search and Rescue operation to find anyone inside the smoke filled residence, but they were already out...

Upon detection of the fire, the family immediately called 9-1-1, then got out and stayed out! They were unable to exit the front door due to smoke & flames, therefore they broke out a window from their second-story apartment and threw a mattress outside to the ground, in anticipation of having to jump. Neighbors assisted by placing aluminum "painters ladders" to the window allowing the mother, father and three daughters to safely exit the 46 year-old building.

A total of 39 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief A. Ward, worked hard and fast to extinguish the flames in just 13 minutes. The fire was confined to the unit of origin, before it had a chance to spread to any of the dozen attached units. The cause of the fire was electrical and appears to be accidental in nature. The dollar loss is still being tabulated, and the American Red Cross assisted with the displaced family.

Every year in the United States, about 3,500 people die in home fires. Most of these deaths occurred in homes that didn’t have a working smoke alarm.

Install. Inspect. Protect. Smoke Alarms Save Lives. Click to learn more...Fortunately, due to early detection from functional smoke alarms, no one was seriously injured or killed in this morning's incident.

Your Los Angeles Fire Department asks, "If a fire breaks out in your home while you are asleep, how will you know?"

Smoke and heat rapidly build, making every second count. A smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke 24/7. Remember, Smoke Alarms not only protect your family but can help save the lives of firefighters who would otherwise have to risk their lives by searching a burning home for residents.

Lastly, don't forget to prepare and practice your fire escape plan twice a year with everyone in your household, including children and people with disabilities.
Dispatched Units: E52 RA52 E6 RA6 E235 T35 E82 E227 T27 EM11 BC11 BC18 E29
(photos)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
Article any source

Thursday, October 13, 2011

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.
Large House Fire in Echo Park
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!"

Large House Fire in Echo ParkThis "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
Article any source

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Man Found Dead in Hollywood House Fire

HOLLYWOOD - Sadly a man was found deceased tonight inside a residence that was on fire.




The Los Angeles Fire Department was called at 8:29 PM on Thursday, July 21, 2011 to
739 North Mariposa Avenue in Hollywood, where they found heavy smoke showing from the second story of a single family dwelling.

The first of 44 firefighters initially dispatched to the scene quickly extended hoselines inside the 3,269 square-foot residence, extinguishing the flames in just 16 minutes – only to discover a 69 year-old male. Beyond medical help, he was determined dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

The bulk of the flames were in one room on the second story, which was described as "packrat” like conditions. There were no smoke alarms present within the residence. Monetary loss from the blaze in the 98-year old non-fire sprinklered home is estimated at $45,000 ($25,000 structure & $20,000 contents).

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

The cause of the fire remains the focus of a joint investigation by Los Angeles Fire and Police Department Investigators.

Dispatched Units: E52 RA52 E6 RA6 E235 T35 E227 E27 T27 T20 E220 EM14 BC5 BC11 E29 AR2 DC2 AR23 AR17

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
Article any source

Friday, June 24, 2011

Chemical Investigation at Science Annex

On Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 2:35 PM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team and 49 Firefighters, all under the direction of Battalion Chief Manuel Lafarga, responded to a Chemical Investigation at 2250 East Alcazar Street in Lincoln Heights.

First arriving units were quick to gather as much information as was available at the USC Clinical Science Annex. It was discovered that the unidentified substance was isolated to one, single laboratory on the second floor of the two-story facility. The decision was then made by the Incident Commander to safely and quickly evacuate the entire building. However, there were 10 lab workers close enough in proximity to the spill, that warranted brief isolation from the lab. This task was carried-out by Firefighters who all made entry dressed in their appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE's). Subsequently, each of the 10 lab workers and another 14 building occupants (also on the floor at the time of the spill) received body scans with the Hazardous Material Squad's radiological detectors.

As an extra safety measure, a Decontamination Team was also put in place. Thankfully, there were no direct exposures to the spill, all detector readings were within normal limits and no occupants exhibited any signs or symptoms of illness or discomfort. Decontamination, therefore, was not required and all were eventually cleared and released at the scene.

The substance was deemed to be unharmful and of very small quantity (less than 2 ounces). After a meticulous sweep of the entire building and the processing of its occupants, the lab was sealed, the incident declared static and after three hours, was turned over to the Los Angeles County Health and Hazardous Materials Department as well as USC officials.

Adjacent occupancies, while alarmed because of the nature of the incident, were sheltered-in-place briefly, but were not affected due to the strategic management of the incident.

The incident is under investigation.


Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department
Article any source

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Fire Rips Through Furniture Store Near Atwater Village


On Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 9:05 PM, 21 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 10 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Emergency Air Tender, a total of 148 Los Angeles Firefighters assisted by Glendale Fire Department, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 3053 North Fierro Street in Glassel Park near Atwater Village.


Firefighters arrived to find a one-story, commercial building approximately 200' x 75' with heavy fire showing and immediately called for additional resources. Fire crews aggressively advanced hose-lines to preserve the property and contents of this high-end, furniture manufacturing and sales company (doing business as "Haute House").

The additional challenge of protecting adjacent structures was immediately met by firefighters. Due to the large amount of combustible materials inside the structure, flames rapidly spread and intensely burned, resulting in a full roof collapse. Large hose streams and ladder pipe operations, capable of pouring copious amounts of water on the blaze were utilized.

Due to the determined effort and seamless teamwork of all on scene, the blaze was fully extinguished in one hour and 20 minutes before anyone was injured. Flames were predominately confined to the building of origin. Fire loss to the non-occupied structure is estimated at $1,750,000 ($1,500,000 structure & $250,000 content). The cause of the blaze is under active investigation.

Submitted by Erik Scott & Matt Spence, Spokesmen
Los Angeles Fire Department
Article any source