Fire at Sun Valley Business Sends Elderly Owner to the Hospital

SUN VALLEY - On Saturday September 14, 2013,  Los Angeles Firefighters battled a blaze in a commercial building that seriously injured the business owner.

At 11:18 AM, The Los Angeles Fire Department  responded to 10642 West Arminta Street. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and fire coming from a 50' by 150' single story commercial building. Within minutes of the firefight explosives were heard. Fire companies made a coordinated retreat and a defensive fire attack ensued. Nearly 100 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief  Robert Takeshita fully extinguished the flames in just 36 minutes.

The 80 year old business owner sustained burn injuries and was transported to an area hospital in serious condition. The owner of  Hollywood Engineering, had been at this location for over 40 years, where reloading equipment for ammunition was fabricated.

 The blaze was confined to the building of fire origin and deemed unsafe by the Department of Building and Safety. Because of the close proximity, the owners residence was also red tagged. The American Red Cross assisted with temporary placement for 3 adults, and 2 dogs.

Monetary loss from the fire was estimated at $500,000 ($250,000 structure & $250,000 contents). Los Angeles Fire Department Arson Investigators determined the cause to be electrical in nature.

Dispatched Units: E77 E89 T89 E289 RA89 RA889 E60 T60 E260 BC12 BC10 E81 E239 T39 E86 E298 E98 T98 DC3 EM15 BC14 T88 E288 UR88 E27 UR27 BC5 E88 RA88 E227 T27 AR1 AR2

(PHOTOS)

Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Rescues Occupants from North Hollywood Apartment Blaze; 1 Resident Dies

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - Los Angeles Firefighters rescued several residents and halted an intense fire that ripped through a two-story apartment building in North Hollywood late this morning, leaving one man dead and another hospitalized.

Just after 10:00 AM on April 22, 2013, scores of firefighters rushed to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 5158 Riverton Avenue. They arrived on scene to find fire blowing out of a second floor unit of a two-story apartment building over parking. Additional resources were immediately requested.

As firefighters ran in the main entrance and half way up the stairs they were met by intense heat and flames billowing overhead. They relentlessly pushed forward knowing occupants were likely trapped inside.

Truck Companies promptly extended ladders to second story balconies and rescued at least two occupants who were scared for their lives. Quickly following, additional firefighters climbed to the roof to perform strategic vertical ventilation with chainsaws.

The next wave of firefighters performed a rapid and systematic search and rescue utilizing infrared cameras which helped locate an unconscious adult male in the dark, smoked filled upstairs hallway. He was pulled out and rushed to awaiting Firefighter/Paramedics whom provided immediate advanced medical aid and hurried him to a local hospital.

As firefighters emerged with blackened helmets, multiple bystanders on scene praised them for outstanding work, some even shaking their hands.

Due to firefighters swift and aggressive attack, occupant's lives were saved and the intense flames were halted quickly.

Sixty four firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Trevor Richmond, fully extinguished the inferno in just 25 minutes.

There were a total of five patients. The adult male transported in grave condition was sadly later pronounced dead at a local hospital. An additional adult male, assisted outside by caring bystanders prior to fire department arrival, was transported with non-life-threatening injuries. Three others victims on scene were evaluated but did not require transport to the hospital.

Of the 24-units in the building, five suffered significant fire damage and portions of the second and first floors had smoke and water damage.

The cause of the fire is undetermined and under active investigation by the LAFD Arson Section, who tediously combed the entire building.

Approximately 30 residents from 15 units were displaced and offered assistance from the American Red Cross. Occupants of nine units were happy to be rehoused and stay the night in their apartments. Water and power was restored to the building and the gas is expected to be turned on in the morning.

The estimated dollar loss is $350,000 ($300,000 structure & $50,000 contents).

Dispatched Units: E260 E60 T60 RA60 E86 RA86 EM14 BC14 E76 E102 E278 T78 DC3 E289 T89 E27 BC9 RA89 RA78 EM88 T39 E239 RA77 AR2 EA2 EA1 RA60 RA86 E90 E86 E289 T89 E227 T27 T78 E278 RA889

(NEWS VIDEO) (AMATEUR VIDEO) (PHOTOS)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Cat Perishes, Residents Displaced by Valley Village Fire

VALLEY VILLAGE - A blaze that firefighters describe as preventable, took the life of a pet cat and displaced two women from their southeast San Fernando Valley home Saturday morning.

The fire was reported at 8:03 AM on March 30, 2013, bringing the swift response of forty-four Los Angeles Firefighters to 5239 Bellingham Avenue in Valley Village, where they discovered fire in one upstairs room of a two-story residential fourplex.

Informed of a pet feline trapped within the smoke charged unit, LAFD crews doubled an already intense search effort, finding the soot-covered and non-breathing pet not far from the active firefight.


Despite the cat's prompt rescue and a comprehensive resuscitation effort by a trio of Los Angeles Fire Department responders, the animal proved beyond medical help and was declared dead at the scene.

Flames were confined to the well-involved room of fire origin, and extinguished in just 16 minutes. No human injuries were reported. Two women displaced by the blaze were offered timely on-site emergency assistance by Disaster Action Team volunteers from the American Red Cross.

LAFD Battalion Chief Randy Beaty estimated fire damage to the 3,122 square-foot building - which was not equipped with home fire sprinklers, at $200,000 ($100,000 structure & $100,000 contents).

The cause of the fire was determined to be the careless act of leaving a burning candle unattended.

Dispatched Units: E260 E60 T60 RA60 RA860 E102 E289 E89 T89 EM14 BC14 BC10 E76 E278

[ photos ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Pair Rescued, Dozens Displaced by Valley Village Apartment Fire

VALLEY VILLAGE - It took more than 170 Los Angeles Firefighters nearly 90 minutes to tame a Wednesday morning blaze in the San Fernando Valley that directly damaged four apartment units, caused collateral damage to five others and displaced dozens of residents, sending one to the hospital.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 10:03 AM on February 13, 2013, to 5260 Bellingham Avenue in Valley Village, where they discovered smoke from the third floor of a four story apartment building, comprised of three occupied floors over ground level parking.

A maintenance worker in a third floor apartment reported hearing a smoke alarm in an adjacent room, where he found active fire. Given advanced warning by the properly functioning device, he was able to safely exit and alert others. The fire gained a strong foothold prior to the Fire Department's arrival, spreading to the apartment above and threatening all eight adjoining units on the south side of the of the 41,493 square-foot non-fire sprinklered building.

Firefighters used ground ladders to safely rescue two imperiled residents from a smoke-charged third level balcony, as their colleagues extended multiple hoselines through serpentine interior hallways filled with heat and smoke to battle deeply entrenched flame. The well coordinated effort of 171 firefighters under the command of Deputy Fire Chief Mario Rueda, fully extinguished the blaze in just 83 minutes.

With significant structural compromise to a portion of the wood-frame and stucco structure, including collapse of one apartment balcony, the Department of Building and Safety declared the entire building temporarily untenable. To assist as many as 75 displaced residents, the American Red Cross opened a temporary shelter at the North Hollywood Senior Center.

During the course of the fire, seven residents were examined for smoke exposure, though only one woman desired transport to an area hospital for further evaluation. No other injuries were reported.

Preliminary loss from the fire is estimated at $250,000 ($175,000 structure & $75,000 contents). The cause of the mid-morning fire remains under active investigation.

Dispatched Units: E102 RA102 E86 E39 RA97 E278 T78 T88 EM14 BC10 BC12 E76 T89 E289 T60 E260 RA89 E97 E108 DC3 RA88 E27 E99 E298 T98 E227 T27 EM88 EM11 BC5 BC18 UR88 E3 UR3 T85 E285 BC1 E60 E203 T3 RA803 EA1 RA86 RA39 E210 T10 E61 E26 E293 T93 T11 E211 E37 E88 E235 T35 BC11 AR2 RT83 RA903 T64 E264 BC5 E15 T26 E226 E33 T73 E273 E95 E98 BC10 E105

[ photos ] [ photos ] [ photos ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Man Critically Injured in North Hollywood Apartment Fire

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - A man dramatically rescued from a burning apartment by Los Angeles Firefighters late Wednesday evening, was fighting for his life at an area hospital, as investigators sought the cause of the blaze.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 10:44 PM on January 23, 2013 to 6737 Denny Avenue in North Hollywood. Firefighters arrived quickly to find one first-floor unit at the rear of the 18,150 square-foot 2 story garden-style apartment building fully involved with fire.

Thirty-seven firefighters under the command of Battalion Chief Peter Benesch mounted a tenacious fire attack with simultaneous search that led to the dramatic rescue of a 20 year-old pulseless and non-breathing man from the intensely burning apartment.

A relentless resuscitation effort by a trio of LAFD Paramedics ensued and continued during ambulance transport, as the veteran rescuers leveraged decades of experience to restore a heartbeat and respiration to the man, who had sustained second- and third-degree burns to more than 70% of his body.

No other injuries were reported.

Monetary loss from the fire, which was confined to the one heavily damaged apartment, is still being tabulated. The cause of the blaze remains under a joint active investigation by Los Angeles Police officials and Investigators from the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section.

Dispatched Units: E260 E60 T60 RA860 RA60 E89 EM14 BC14 E77 E289 T89 E86 AR2 AR23 AR7 AR9

[ photos ] [ photos ] [ video ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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125 Los Angeles Firefighters Battle Sun Valley Commercial Building Blaze

SUN VALLEY - A hit-and-run driver struck a power pole in Sun Valley, causing a power surge inside a business, creating a fire that heavily damaged a commercial building Saturday morning.

At 3:05 a.m. on December 8th, 2012, Los Angeles Firefighters responded to what was originally reported as a transformer problem at 10817 Sherman Way, across the street from Bob Hope Airport. As firefighters arrived on scene, a security guard assisted them inside a large single-story concrete commercial building which was heavily charged with smoke. Additional firefighters were rapidly requested.

An aggressive attack ensued as firefighters surrounded the unoccupied building. Hoselines were brought inside the 8,400 square-foot structure and firefighters above performed louvered vertical ventilation on the lightweight panelized roof, assisting in preventing fire spread.

Due to well entrenched flames and the threat of heavy air conditioning units falling through the weakening roof on firefighters inside, a defensive attack was ordered. Firefighters got out of the roughly 150' x 100' building and poured on water from the perimeter. However, quick progress was made and an offensive attack was once again made.

A Knockdown of the Major Emergency Structure Fire was obtained by approximately 125 firefighters, under the direction of Battalion Chief Randy Beaty, in one hour and 20 minutes. Due to the hard work of firefighters, the blaze was contained to the building of origin, sparing adjacent businesses from damage. A fire wall assisted in preventing the spread of flames. No one was injured.

"It was a difficult fire in that the mezzanine area was hard to get to, we had to bring ladders into the inside of the structure, and actually put water down on top of the fire," said Assistant Chief Andy Fox with the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The business which occupied one quarter of a long subdivided building was Wet Design, which makes elaborate fountains and attractions. Their famous work can be found in front of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas and The Grove in Los Angeles, among other projects throughout the world.

Intense flames destroyed a 75 'x 100' portion of the roof, along with equipment and company records. The dollar loss is being tabulated, preliminary estimations are over a million dollars.

Dispatched Units: E89 E289 T89 RA89 RA889 E77 E260 E60 T60 EM14 BC14 BC12 E81 E102 E24 E7 E239 E39 T39 E298 T98 E278 T78 E274 T74 DC3 SQ21 EM11 BC5 T88 E288 E88 UR88 RA88 BC10 E86 RA77 EA1 AR2 E98 E87 BC11

(PHOTOS)
Submitted by Erik Scott & David Ortiz, Spokesmen
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Three Perish in Fiery Studio City Collision

STUDIO CITY - Police are investigating the cause of a fiery pre-dawn crash that took three lives Sunday morning in Studio City.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was alerted at 3:35 AM on September 9, 2012 to a traffic collision with fire at 11412 Ventura Boulevard in Studio City. Firefighters arrived quickly to find a car heavily involved with flames, the inferno threatening at least one nearby business.

According to witnesses, the full-size sedan had left the roadway, striking a tree, before shearing a natural gas line as it came to rest against the wall of a nearby restaurant. Almost instantly, the vehicle was consumed by flames, incinerating two persons within, and another who was partially outside the car. Beyond medical help, the trio were declared dead at the scene.

It took the combined effort of 52 firefighters just 23 minutes to fully extinguish the flames, though LAFD crews spent several hours at the scene minimizing damage to Reno's Pizzeria, before assisting Coroner's staff with the discrete and dignified removal of the deceased.

No other injuries were reported.

A positive identification - to include the age and gender - of those who died, as well as the precise cause, time and manner of their deaths, will be determined by the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner.

The collision remains under active investigation by Los Angeles Police officials. No damage estimate for the structure was immediately available.

Dispatched Units: E86 T60 E260 RA86 E278 RA78 T78 E60 E76 RA97 HR56 EM14 BC14 UR88 E97 E289 T89 DC3 SQ21

[ PHOTOS ] [ PHOTOS ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Two Die Trying to Assist Victims of Valley Village Traffic Collision

VALLEY VILLAGE - Two women who tried to help victims of an auto accident in Valley Village were electrocuted, and six others were injured, after a vehicle struck a fire hydrant and a light standard on August 23, 2012.

An adult male, the single occupant and driver of a white SUV, sheared off a fire hydrant and light standard just before 8:30 p.m. in the 12000 block of Magnolia Boulevard, near Ben Avenue.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived to find the SUV stopped on the lawn of a residence. A fire hydrant approximately 10 feet behind it, was shooting water into the sky. The water quickly began to pool. Underneath the vehicle was an old fashioned concrete light standard, leaving behind electrical wires sticking out of the ground. The wires were disguised by darkness, running water, and the commotion of a growing crowd.

Neighbors were startled after hearing the crash and came running out their homes to help. They were met by other concerned citizens whom stopped their cars. Sadly, two of these well intentioned people, stepped into water that was unknowingly energized and were killed. Others followed suit, and were injured.

Fortunately, as firefighters rushed to help the motionless victims on the ground, their keen sense of safety along with warning of bystanders, stopped them stepping into the energized water, and becoming victims themselves. Rather, they quickly utilized rubber gauntlet gloves and a long pike pole to safely remove the victims, then rendered aggressive medical aid. Additional firefighters were immediately requested, and a total of 55 firefighters, all under the command of Battalion Chief Daniel McCarty, assisted in securing the area, shutting down the water flow, and treating the remaining patients.

Also, the Department of Water and Power helped shutting down the electrical and water problems, and LAPD's Valley Traffic Division investigated the crash.

A total of eight individuals, ranging from 19 to 57 years-old were injured. Sadly, and despite assiduous treatment by Firefighter/Paramedic's, two were later pronounced dead at an area hospital. Six others suffered minor injuries, one of which declined transport to a hospital. All but the driver were electrically shocked.

This tragic accident touched all our hearts, and in some ways can serve as a warning. Many people, with nothing but the best intentions, were injured and killed while trying to save others. This reminds all who want to help at the scene of an emergency to stay aware of their surroundings and if there is any question as to safety, please wait for trained rescuers to arrive.

Dispatched Units: E260 E60 T60 RA60 E102 RA78 RA86 EM14 BC14 RA102 RA86 E278 T78 RA89 E86 E289 T89 RA97 RA39 RA88 EM11 EM17 DC3 BC10

[photos] [video]

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firefighters Battle Heat, Tough Attic Fire in North Hollywood

NORTH HOLLYWOOD- Firefighters endured triple-digit temperatures this afternoon and a tough attic-fire, that tore through a six-unit apartment complex. Thirteen residents were displaced. No injuries were reported.



At 1:47 PM on Thursday, August 9, 2012, when scorching temperatures were at their peak, the Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned to 10519 Edison Way for a reported "Structure Fire." First on-scene resources were greeted by a fire that had consumed at least one unit on the ground floor of a two-story apartment complex.

The blaze proved to be quite stubborn, as it found its way to the second floor and ultimately into the attic. As the extended firefight began on a large and extremely hot roof, additional companies were called to assist. The fire ripped through a large section of the attic and at least one of the units, resulting in a partial roof collapse, while 119 Firefighters engaged the intense heat andflames. This heavy response enabled the Incident Commander to rotate companies through emergency operations, providing them some respite from the heat.

Full-extinguishment of the blaze was achieved in 43 minutes, but the damage was severe, as all six units of the apartment complex were affected. Unfortunately, 13 individuals that called the apartments "home," were displaced and required assistance from the local Red Cross.

Dollar-loss estimates were not yet available and the exact cause of the fire remains under active investigation. No injuries were reported from the scene.

DISPATCHED UNITS: E260 E60 T60 RA860 E86 RA39 EM14 BC14 E102 DC3 E289 T89 E77 RA60 E76 E278 T78 E39 E288 T88 SQ21 EM88 BC12 E27 E227 T27 UR88 RA88 BC10 T39 E239 BC11 BC5 E81 E98 E475 E88 E278 T78 AR2 E235 T35 T26 E226 EA1 RT83 E2 T87 E287 E105

[ photos ]

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Dead Body Found While Extinguishing La Tuna Canyon Brush Fire

LA TUNA CANYON - Los Angeles Fire and Police Investigators are seeking the cause of a fire in La Tuna Canyon early Thursday morning, in which a man was found dead.

Just before 3:00 AM scores of firefighters responded to 8300 West La Tuna Canyon Road to find a 20' x 30' area of thick tall brush burning on a steep hillside in La Tuna Canyon Park, an open space preserve overseen by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

Due to the aggressive attack of first arriving firefighters, under the direction of Battalion Chief Randy Beaty, the flames were quickly extinguished before spreading.

However, during fire attack, firefighters discovered the remains of an adult male burned in the base of a steep ravine near the entrance of the West trail. Beyond medical help, he was declared deceased at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

This incident is under active investigation by LAFD Arson Counter Terrorism Section and LAPD Foothill Division. A positive identification of the deceased man to include his age, as well as the cause, time and manner of his death, will be determined by the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner.

Dispatched Units: E274 T74 E24 E89 T89 E289 E98 T98 E298 E7 DC3 H0C H0D BC12 BC14 BC10 E60 E77 H1 H3 H6 E90 RA74 WT77 RA77 RA77 RA74 AR2 AR12 AR17

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Fire on Armenian 'Little Christmas' Displaces Family, Injures Firefighter

SHERMAN OAKS - An "Armenian Christmas" gathering resulted in tragedy for one family in the San Fernando Valley, as they witnessed their Christmas Tree and almost their entire home, go up in flames. One Firefighter was injured.

January 6, 2012 marked Christmas Day for millions of Orthodox Christians the world-over, including our Armenian neighbors - some of which still follow the ancient Julian Calendar and widely consider that date (also referred to as "Little Christmas"), the original Christmas Day.

Tonight, while in the midst of a their familial, religious celebration, one member of an Armenian Family ran into their living room, frightened by the sound of smoke alarms. In that instant, it was already too late. Their massive 20 foot, fully-decorated Christmas Tree was now fully-engulfed in flames. An attempt was made by the homeowner to extinguish the fire with a quickly-drawn garden hose, but that proved to be ineffective. Each family-member then witnessed this horror as they rushed from the home to safety.

At 7:09 pm, the Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned to a reported "Structure Fire" at 5049 North Matilija Avenue to this normally peaceful neighborhood on what should have been a "silent night." First arriving resources encountered "smoke showing" from a 5,500 square-foot, two-story residence. Upon entry into the home, Firefighters made their way to the second floor with hoselines, as the tree had burned completely and already extended up the foyer. The fire on the second floor was quickly extinguished, but not before it found its way up into the large attic space.

The "compartmentalized attic" proved to be challenging, as Firefighters had to chase this pesky fire into small areas of the attic by cutting through several plywood walls. Full-extinguishment was ultimately achieved in one hour and two minutes but not before one Firefighter was treated and transported to a local hospital, having sustained minor injuries during firefighting operations.

Battalion Chief Pete Benesch ran a very well-orchestrated fire and the tireless efforts by all 60 on-scene personnel, helped prevent further damage to this beautiful home, built just three years ago. Despite the mighty efforts by your LAFD, this family had to spend their Christmas Night elsewhere, as a result of the fire-related damage.

Dollar-loss estimates were not yet available and the exact cause of the blaze that ignited the tree, will be a subject of the investigation.

Please let the very unfortunate losses of this family on their Christmas Night, serve as a reminder to all... if you have not yet removed your Christmas Tree from your home, please do so quickly and safely.

And if you do celebrate Christmas today, the LAFD wishes you and your family a very Blessed Christmas Day.

Dispatched Units:
E102 E39 T39 E239 RA39 RA78 EM14 BC14 E60 E88 DC3 E278 T78 SQ21
BC10 RA88 RA102 E89 E227 T27 SQ21 BC12 RA73 EM15 RA102 T60 E260


Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Tujunga Man Found Dead Among Towering Debris After Fire

TUJUNGA - The remains of an elderly man who lived alone among a massive collection of debris, were found Thursday; following a days-long search by Los Angeles Fire Department crews who had extinguished a fire there early Christmas Day.

A veteran fire investigator called it one of the worst - and most saddening cases of hoarding he had seen in his twenty-plus years on the job.

The fire was reported at 2:55 AM on Sunday, December 25, 2011, bringing 51 Los Angeles Firefighters to 7053 Sunnycrest Trail in Tujunga, to battle what was initially believed to be burning vegetation.

Firefighters fought their way through thick trees, piles of discards and seven abandoned autos filled floor-to-headliner with possessions, to assault intense flames that had entered the densely packed premises.

With nearly every bit of the 4,349 square-foot lot - and all but a few cubic feet of the one-story house and detached garage filled with combustible clutter, firefighters relentlessly assaulted the flames for 67 minutes before extinguishing the fire.

With a sole resident still unaccounted for, Los Angeles Firefighters began what would become a five-day ordeal, as they sifted through tons-upon-tons of smoldering debris in an attempt to find the missing man.

Dogs trained to search for cadavers were brought to the scene on two occasions, but offered little clue in the LAFD's relentless yet dignified search for the homeowner both near and within the house, which had been fashioned with makeshift tunnels to allow short and difficult passage.

Guided by clues from a friend detailing the man's daily behavior, Investigators from the LAFD's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section were able to narrow the search, and on Thursday afternoon, discovered his remains just outside the home under nearly four feet of densely packed post-fire debris.

The precise cause, time and manner of the man's death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner.

No firefighter injuries were reported during the firefight, investigation or extended search for the man's remains. A monetary loss from the fire was not tabulated, and the cause of blaze - with origin outside the home, was not believed to be an intentional act, according to LAFD investigators.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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North Hollywood Collision Involving Metro Bus Sends Three to Hospital

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - A three car collision involving a Metro transit bus sent three persons to the hospital, two with critical injury.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 9:12 AM on Friday, November 25, 2011 to the 12600 block of Sherman Way in North Hollywood for a collision between a sedan and a bus operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, after which the full-size black sedan - already wedged beneath the bus, was struck forcefully by a red compact hatchback.

LAFD Battalion Chief Peter Benesch commanded sixty-four Los Angeles Firefighters, including those assigned to eight LAFD ambulances, in a swift and skilfull effort to simultaneously rescue the two critically injured car drivers, one of whom was badly trapped in the black sedan.

Concurrently, LAFD Paramedics evaluated every transit bus occupant, including the uninjured driver. Four bus passengers declared subjective injury or illness, but only one, with a complaint of chest discomfort, was taken to the hospital.

The critically injured man driving the red hatchback was quickly transported to the Trauma Center at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, where he was soon joined by the ill bus passenger, who was in good condition.

Los Angeles Fire Department crews swarmed over the black sedan for nearly a half-hour, briskly deconstructing the vehicle with power tools to free the male driver, whose legs were badly trapped in the wreckage. After being freed, he was rushed by ambulance to the same Trauma Center in critical condition.

Sherman Way was temporarily closed to traffic in both directions between Bellaire Avenue and Whitsett Avenue as the Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Traffic Division completed their on-site investigation.

Dispatched Units: T89 E289 RA81 E102 E81 T39 E239 RA7 HR56 EM14 BC14 UR88 E77 RA89 RA102 RA881 EM17 RA7 EM15 RA60 E98 E39 RA100 DC3

(photos) (video) (photos and video)

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firework Sparked Blaze Scorches Ten Acres in Sun Valley

SUN VALLEY - Los Angeles area firefighters responded by ground and air to protect homes from damage, as a fast moving wildfire scorched nearly ten acres of a Sun Valley hillside on Labor Day.

On Monday, September 5, 2011 at 2:22 PM, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a brush fire near 8576 Vine Valley Drive in Sun Valley.

With smoke visible more than six miles distant, allied agencies, including the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Burbank Fire Department and firefighters from the Angeles National Forest, soon joined the battle in an area considered a mutual threat zone.

Two water-dropping LAFD helicopters and an Erickson Air-Crane helitanker on seasonal deployment to the City of Los Angeles, were able to flank the flames with great precision, as ground crews - including 147 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel, worked to stretch hoselines and battle flames across the rolling terrain.

Despite the fire being confined within two hours to less ten acres, the tinder-dry brush could not be declared fully extinguished for nearly eight hours, as hand crews worked the entire edge of the fire with hand tools to assure the fire was out.

Los Angeles Fire Department investigators suspect the non-injury blaze in the Verdugo Mountains was sparked by children playing illegally with fireworks.


Dispatched LAFD Units: E89 T89 E24 T60 E60 E260 E298 E98 T98 H0D H0E BC14 BC12 E76 H3 H4 RA90 E7 E90 E77 E81 E86 E102 E39 DC3 EM15 BC10 E239 T39 E275 T75 E91 E41 E278 T78 H733 BP109 WT77 BP44 AR2 RA70 RT59 E10 E11 E63 E39 E88 DC2 BC14

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firefighters Avert Natural Gas Disaster in North Hollywood

On Monday, June 6, 2011 at 10:04 AM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, a total of 63 Firefighters all under the direction of Assistant Chief Jeffery S. Mottram, responded to a LEAKING NATURAL GAS incident at 6800 North Coldwater Canyon Avenue in North Hollywood.


First arriving resources quickly confirmed that an approximte three-inch gas line had been broken during a street re-paving project at the intersection of North Coldwater Canyon Avenue and Vanowen Street. Additional resources were immediately ordered to assist with the precautionary evacuation of local businesses. Upon further evaluation, it was determined that the gas flow posed no immediate threat to residents in the area. The leak was located, capped and every precaution was taken to ensure citizen safety.

Following the investigation of the surrounding area, it was determined the best course of action would be to advise all in the vicinity to seek shelter indoors. Officials at two local schools, Coldwater Canyon Elementary and James Madison Middle School, were aided by Firefighters in clearing the playgrounds and getting all students into class rooms until the gas had dissipated. By noon, both schools were back to normal operations.

This incident was under Unified Command between the LAFD and LAPD until the hazard had been mitigated at approximately 3:00pm, before anyone was injured. At that point, most Fire resources were made available for other emergency responses and the incident was turned over to the Gas Company.

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Sunland Trio Burned Battling House Fire with Garden Hose

On Friday, May 27, 2011 at 1:59 AM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 32 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Dennis Waters, responded to a Structure Fire with Civilian Injury at 10263 Kalua Drive in Sunland.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find smoke showing from a 2,130 square-foot one-story single family home. As firefighters extended hoselines to extinguish with fire, they encountered three adults exiting the residence with serious burns following a senseless effort to battle flames with a garden hose from within the burning living room.


Firefighters promptly rendered care to the injured trio as their colleagues did quick battle with the fire, extinguishing flames in just 14 minutes.

The injured; a man and woman in their early 60's as well as a woman in her early 80's, each sustained painful first- and second-degree burns to their hands, arms and faces with possible respiratory injury from heat and smoke. All three were transported in fair condition to area hospitals by LAFD ambulance.

No other injuries were reported.

Fire loss to the 44 year-old non-fire sprinklered home is estimated at $100,000 ($75,000 structure & $25,000 contents). The cause of this early morning blaze remains under investigation.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Fuel Spill From Tanker Collision Closes Golden State Freeway in Sun Valley

On Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 10:41 PM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 LAFD Foam Tenders, 1 LAFD Water Tender, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 74 Los Angeles Firefighters under the direction of Battalion Chief John Drake, responded to a Traffic Collision with Large Fuel Spill on the northbound Golden State (I-5) Freeway near Glenoaks Boulevard in Sun Valley.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find a semi-truck tanker with twin tank trailer, both laden with gasoline, parked on the right shoulder of the freeway. The trailer was observed leaking large amounts of the volatile motor fuel onto the roadway and across northbound lanes of travel.

According to witnesses, the tandem tanker truck was involved in a collision with another vehicle, causing damage to valves beneath the truck's fully-laden 4,800 gallon capacity trailer.

First arriving LAFD personnel staged their apparatus upwind and uphill from the parked gasoline transporter. With hundreds of gallons of flammable liquid already spilled, firefighters immediately curtailed traffic along the north- and south-bound lanes of the busy interstate highway to prevent ignition and diminish environmental harm.

As law enforcement agencies managed traffic along the miles-long closure that included many on- and off-ramps, transportation officials assisted firefighters who had labored intensely and successfully for nearly an hour, to dike the tide of gasoline before it could enter the storm drain system.

Patrons of a freeway adjacent motel behind a tall sound wall were sheltered in place, as teams of Los Angeles Firefighters stemmed the leaking trailer while applying an absorbent and firefighting foam to ease the cleanup and limit the potential for ignition.

No injuries were reported. There were no formal evacuations.

Following the Los Angeles Fire Department's successful mitigation of the primary hazard, control of the scene was returned to California Highway Patrol, State Department of Transportation and County Health Hazardous Materials officials.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firefighters Confine Brush Fire Near Sun Valley to Just 3 Acres

On Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 1:06 PM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 Helicopters, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Water Tender, and additional agencies including: LA County Fire Department, Angeles National Forest, Department of Transportation & Department of Water & Powera total of 60 LAFD Firefighters all under the direction of Battalion Chief John Duca responded to a Greater Alarm Brush Fire at 10718 Stallion Ranch Road in the Shadow Hills area of Sun Valley.

Firefighters arrived to find one-half acre of brush burning up hill and quickly requested additional assistance. Ground crews rapidly began to make their way up steep terrain on both sides of the fire to surround and attack the flames. Three water dropping helicopters provided precise water drops, helping Firefighters on the ground in warm and breezy conditions. As the afternoon battle progressed the fire consumed an additional two acres.

This area nestled between Hansen Dam Recreation Center and Sunland Boulevard consists of moderate brush, hilly terrain, and is surrounded by large ranch style homes. Due to the decisive measures implemented, the afternoon blaze was swiftly confined to just under three acres.

A knockdown was declared in 53 minutes before any homes were damaged and without any one being injured. The cause of the fire was accidental reported to have been started by a welding operation at a perimeter fence.

Submitted by Cecil Manresa & Erik Scott, Spokesmen

Los Angeles Fire Department

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Despite Extreme Firefighter Effort, Two Canines Perish in North Hollywood Fire

On Monday, May 9, 2011 at 4:26 PM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 27 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief John Drake, responded to a Structure Fire at 6014 Farmdale Avenue in North Hollywood.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy smoke showing from a one-story single family home. Forcing entry, they encountered intense fire within the dining area and kitchen.

Simultaneous to their assault on the flames, firefighters performed a rapid yet thorough search of the 1,116 square-foot building - in zero visibility conditions, to discover and rescue a pair of lifeless pet dogs from the smoke-charged home.

While a relentless fire attack continued - and with no human patients found, teams of Los Angeles Firefighters, including Firefighter/Paramedics, began vigorous attempts at resuscitating the canines using every tool at their disposal, including specialized animal care supplies.

Within a few minutes, one of the pets was sadly determined to be beyond medical help, while the other was seen as clinging to life. The latter animal was provided unyielding care for nearly one-half hour by LAFD personnel, who transported the dog in a Fire Department vehicle to a nearby veterinary office.

Despite the combined effort of firefighters and a veterinarian, the dog succumbed soon after arrival at the animal hospital. It is believed that both pets died due to smoke exposure.

The fire was confined within the two rooms of origin and extinguished in just 17 minutes. No human injuries were reported. The 59 year-old home was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

Monetary loss from the fire has been estimated at $85,000 ($75,000 structure & $10,000 contents). The cause of this late afternoon blaze is categorized as electrical.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firefighters Quickly Halt Brush Fire in Tujunga

On Monday, May 2nd, 2011 at 2:02 PM, 9 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Helicopters, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Water Tender, 1 Rehab Air Tender, 1 Glendale Fire Engine & 2 LA County FD Camp Crews, a total of 69 Firefighters all under the direction of Battalion Chief John Drake responded to a Brush Fire at 11111 North Tujunga Canyon Boulevard in Tujunga.

With warming temperatures, drying brush, and recent winds, Firefighters readied themselves for a Brush Fire. They arrived to find a half acre of brush burning slowly but steadily uphill towards a half-dozen homes near Airlie Drive. Additional fire personnel were rapidly requested.


The Fire was predominately driven by topography and a light six-mph wind from the South. The swift arrival of precise water-dropping aircraft, along with Firefighters who labored on the ground by extending hose lays up steep terrain, were able to anchor and halt the four-foot flames just before 3PM.

The blaze was fully extinguished in just under a hour and confined to one acre, before it could destroy nearby homes. Resident's compliance with strict brush clearance regulations contributed to no homes being damaged.


One LA County Camp Crew Firefighter suffered a non-life-threatening injury to his right knee from a rock falling downhill. The cause of the fire remains under an active investigation.

Want to learn more about the Brush Clearance process, click HERE.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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