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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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Electrical Fire Strikes South Boyle Heights Metalworking Shop

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

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

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

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

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

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

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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

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

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

Side Walk CPR Day

Downtown Los Angeles Farmers' Market

City Hall East, South Plaza

200 N. Main Street

Thursday, June 7, 2012

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Why Learn Hands-Only CPR?

 

 

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

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

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

Submitted by Matt Spence
Spokesman, Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firefighters Quickly Halt Fast Moving Attic Fire

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


Submitted by Matt Spence
Spokesman, Los Angeles Fire Department

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Arson Blaze at Brentwood Townhouse Development - $50,000 Reward Offered

BRENTWOOD - An early morning blaze at a large townhome complex that was under construction, brought nearly 160 Firefighters to the scene and caused 35 local residents to be evacuated.

At 3:37 am on November 10, 2011, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a "Structure Fire" at 12315 West Gorham Avenue in this normally quiet, Brentwood neighborhood. First arriving resources found a large townhome development with "heavy fire showing." The six-unit, wood-framed complex was in its construction phase, where at least two of the units were fully involved in fire. Four of those six structures were severely damaged as a result of their highly combustible state.

Additionally, five adjacent structures were evacuated for precaution. Two of those structures- one, a small apartment complex and the other, a single family dwelling, did sustain significant fire damage. As many as 10 families were displaced from those two occupancies.

As the investigation continued and the totality of the damage assessed, evacuees were to be temporarily housed at the Barrington Recreation Center, with assistance from the Los Angeles City Recreation and Parks Department and the City's General Services Department. Ultimately, the sheltering facility was not required, as the displaced residents were able to obtain assistance from family and friends in the area. The local Red Cross was also available on-scene, to assist these families with any immediate needs.

Largely due to an aggressive fire attack by the LAFD, the footprint of this blaze was kept in-check and fully extinguished in one hour and 39 minutes. Fortunately, there were no injuries to any civilians or Firefighting personnel.

After a thorough investigation, the Los Angeles Fire Department Arson Counter-Terrorism Section has determined the cause to be Arson. The Los Angeles Fire Department is asking anyone with information that may assist with the ongoing investigation to please contact the LAFD's Arson Counter-Terrorism Section at (213) 893-9800. The dollar loss estimates are not yet available.

Update: Arson Counter-Terrorism Commander Battalion Chief Michael Greenup spoke at a news conference with Los Angeles Council member Bill Rosendahl and members of the Arson Counter-Terrorism Section announcing a $50,000 reward for information leading to the identification, apprehension or conviction of the person or persons responsible for the arson fire which occurred on November 10 at 12319 Gorham Avenue. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the LAFD Arson-Counter Terrorism Section at 213-893-9850 or lafdarson@lacity.org.

Dispatched Units: E19 RA19 E237 E37 T37 RA37 EM9 BC9 E59 E261 T61 E26 E292 T92 E71 E269 T69 E62 E263 T63 E43 DC3 SQ21 EM14 BC18 BC10 BC4 BC11 BC14 T88 E288 E88 UR88 RA88 RA827 BC5 E63 H6 RA59 RA92 RA71 EM11 E290 AR2 E94 E226 T26 E93 E210 T10 E15 T66 E266 RT59 EA2 EA1 E229 T29 E203 T3 E233 T33 E68 RA17 RA909 RA867 EM17 AR9 AR17 AR11 AR3 T29 E229 T94 E294 E3 E12

(video)
(photo)

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Fire Rips Through Mid-City Craftsman, Displaces 20

MID-CITY - At 1:17 pm on October 4th, 2011 LAFD resources responded to a reported "Structure Fire" at 1625 West 24th Street in the Mid-City Area of Los Angeles. Task Force 26 was first on-scene and noted heavy smoke coming from the rear of a two story, four-plex.

Based on the size and type of occupancy, additional companies were immediately requested by Battalion Chief Richard Rideout, as Firefighters quickly ensured that the residents of all four occupancies were out of harm's way. It was later determined that the blaze had started in the basement of the approximate 1,800 square-foot structure. The fire quickly ripped through both floors, eventually making its way into the large attic space of this 104 year-old, Craftsman-style residence.

With several areas of the structure compromised, the 76 Firefighters on-scene, had their hands full. In fact, the blaze was so intense that a portion of the roof collapsed only minutes after LAFD resources arrived. Thankfully, there were no injuries and after a firefight that lasted nearly 40 minutes, the Incident Commander declared a "Knockdown."

The four-plex was home to a total of 20 residents (10 adults and 10 children) that will require assistance from local Red Cross, for shelter and other essential needs. Initial dollar-loss estimates were placed at $450,000 for structural damage and $75,000 for its contents. The cause of the blaze is under active investigation by the LAFD's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section.

DISPATCH UNITS:
E226 E26 T26 RA26 E13 RA844 E215 T15 E11 SQ21 EM11 BC18 BC1 E29 RA826 RA15 E211 T11 E10 DC2 EM14 BC5 BC11 MD1 EA1 RT59 AR1 RA868 E210 T10 E66

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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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

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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

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Grass Fire Near Cahuenga Pass

On Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 2:53 PM, 8 Fire Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, all under the direction of Division Chief Michael Little, responded to a Brush Fire in the Cahuenga Pass Area near the 101 freeway.

A small column of smoke ascending from the hillside area alerted passing motorists to a growing grass fire. Firefighters encountered approximately one quarter acre of grass burning uphill with little wind, approximately one half mile south of Barham Boulevard and Cahuenga Boulevard. As additional Firefighters arrived they were deployed to attack the hot flanks of the fire in an attempt to control the perimeter of fire and provide protection for any near by structures.

Over 32 Firefighters were strategically deployed for a quick aggressive attack on the sides of the fire and were able to gain control and extinguish the flames in 23 minutes. Due to favorable weather conditions and an aggressive, well coordinated attack on the fire, no structures were damaged. There were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire was unintentional and undetermined.

Submitted by Diana Igawa & Erik Scott, Spokespersons
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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LA Firefighters Battle Blaze in Downtown Wholesale District

On Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 0:22 AM, 18 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Arson Units, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 6 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Rehab Air Tender, 1 Emergency Air and 137 total firefighters, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 1238 East Olympic Boulevard in the Wholesale District.


 
Firefighters arrived to find a row of one-story commercial buildings covering 8,722 square-feet with heavy fire showing from two units. Worker's outside of the non-occupied business flagged down Firefighters and assisted access, eliminating the need of forcible entry. Additional resources were quickly called and large hose streams were deployed to attain maximum water-flow on this blaze.

The contents of this fire were highly combustible as the occupancy was a party-supplies company dealing largely in pinatas and other paper decorations. Firefighters were quickly forced into a defensive attack due to intense flames compromising the integrity of the structure, resulting in a full collapse of the roof other than the arch-trusses.

Complete extinguishment of the 90 year-old sprinklered building was obtained in one hour and 26 minutes, before anyone was injured. The cause of this early morning blaze was contributed to sparks from workers repairing rolling steel doors. The dollar loss is still being tabulated.

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

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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

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Blaze Injures 1 Firefighter & Damages Structures Downtown

On Sunday, May 29, 2011 at 1:25 AM, 14 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Emergency Air, 1 Emergency Lighting, 1 Rehab Utility, 1 Rehab Air Tender, DWP and LAPD all under the direction of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 1171 East 10th Street in the Wholesale District of downtown Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived to find a large outside fire exposing the rear of two buildings, a tall warehouse connected by a division wall to a one-story building separated into an approximate half dozen, 50' x 100' individual stores containing party supplies.

Firefighters made forcible entry with rotary saws through multiple rolling steel doors into the warehouse to allow fire attack teams inside the unoccupied structure. Simultaneously, their colleagues swiftly took to the conventional bridge truss roof to perform vertical ventilation. Firefighters utilized heavy hose streams and ladder pipe operations to pour large amounts of water in the open lots where additional products were intensely burning, however the fire attack remained offensive. Flames also damaged one section of power lines, pole to pole, causing them to fall.

The first arriving 110 firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze in one hour and eight minutes before any civilians were injured. One Firefighter assigned to a Truck Company suffered back injury and was transported to a local hospital in fair condition.

The total dollar loss is estimated at $195,000 ($120,000 property and $75,000 contents). The cause of the early morning blaze remains under active investigation.

(slideshow)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
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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Los Angeles Firefighter Injured at Structure Fire

On Friday, May 13, 2011 at 4:34 PM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 52 Firefighters all under the direction of Battalion Chief Manuel Lafarga responded to a Structure Fire with Firefighter Injury at 1148 South Mirasol Street in the Hobart area of South Boyle Heights.
 




Firefighters arrived to find a 761 sqft Single Family Dwelling with heavy fire showing, exposing an approximate 500 sqft structure in the rear. Additional resources were immediately requested. Teams of Los Angles Firefighters made swift forcible entry and extended hand-lines to do battle with the well entrenched flames, as their colleagues scaled the roof of the 88 year-old wood frame home to perform vertical ventilation.

Due to the aggressive attack and well coordinated fire-fight, the blaze was fully extinguished in just 21 minutes before any civilians were injured. The residence was equipped with smoke alarm(s), however their functional status and role at the time of the fire could not be immediately determined.

A Tillerman Firefighter was injured while climbing a ladder to the roof, and the base of the ladder slipped on the concrete. The Firefighter fell approximately five to nine feet on his back and suffered a fractured right wrist, bruised ribs and injured back. He was transported to a local hospital in fair condition, where he has since been released home and is recovering.

Estimated dollar loss totaled $350,000: main house $200,000 ($140,000 structure & $60,000 contents), back house $150,000 ($125,000 structure & $25,000 contents). The cause of the fire is under active investigation.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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L.A. Firefighters Limit Damage to South Boyle Heights Business

On Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 11:02 PM, 16 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 116 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Ralph Terrazas, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 3518 East 15th Street in South Boyle Heights.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to discover fire through the roof of a 60' x 125' metal-clad two-story commercial building housing a metal polishing and refinishing firm.

The half-dozen workers within the business when the fire erupted, were able to escape unharmed prior to the Fire Department's arrival.

Firefighters made swift entry to find intense fire in the easternmost portion of the non-fire sprinklered building. Aided by strategic vertical ventilation performed with chainsaws by their colleagues on the roof above, LAFD crews were able to stand their ground against towering flames, eventually driving back the fire and sparing a full 75% of the business from damage.

No injuries were reported.

Fire loss to LAX Wheel Refinishing is estimated at $130,000 ($100,000 structure & $30,000 contents). The cause of this late night blaze remains under active investigation.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Officials Identify and Release Booking Photo of Hollywood Temple Arson Suspect

On Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 8:43 AM, the Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned by law enforcement officials to commence a post-fire investigation at the Temple Israel of Hollywood at 7300 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood.

In a media statement, the Los Angeles Police Department described a burglary during which a small fire was set in a temple classroom. The fire was reportedly extinguished prior to the Police Officer's arrival. There were no injuries, and damage to the synagogue school was described as minimal.

Pursuant of protocol, the multi-agency House of Worship Arson Task Force was deployed, bringing local specialists from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation to join Investigators from the Los Angeles Police and Fire Departments.

With concurrence of the investigation team, the Los Angeles Fire Department released video and still images of the suspect.




The following statement and booking photo was issued by the Los Angeles Fire Department on April 20, 2011:

The Los Angeles Fire Department’s Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section as the lead agency of the House of Worship Arson Task Force which includes members from the Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives have made an arrest in connection with the Temple Israel of Hollywood, 7300 Hollywood Blvd., arson incident which occurred on Thursday, April 14, 2011.

Arson & Burglary Suspect Dmitriy Sheyko
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The suspect, Dmitriy Sheyko is currently in custody and has been charged with the Temple Israel of Hollywood burglary and arson incident, as well as several additional intentional fires in the Hollywood Hills. The additional fires occurred on the night of April 17, 2011, at a construction site that was in close proximity to where Sheyko had been detained by Los Angeles police officers conducting a burglary investigation.

Today, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office reviewed the facts of the case as presented by LAFD and LAPD Investigators, which resulted in the filing of 19 felony counts against Sheyko. The charges filed include multiple counts of burglary, arson and the use of a destructive device. Bail has been set at $3,000,000.

Anyone who believes that they recognize this individual as being tied to any other crimes or fires are encouraged to contact Arson Investigators at the Los Angeles Fire Department Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section at (213)485-6095.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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