Train vs Big Rig in Pacoima; LAFD Transports 9

PACOIMA - On Saturday, April 6, 2013, a Metrolink train collided with a Big Rig truck, sending nine to the hospital. Fortunately no one, including the truck driver was seriously injured.


At 2:35 PM, a total of 64 Los Angeles Firefighters under the direction of Assistant Chief Richmond, responded to a Multi-Patient Collision involving a Train vs a Big Rig truck near the 9800 block of San Fernando Road in Pacoima.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find a destroyed crossing guard apparatus and an overturned truck that was subsequently struck by an approaching train. The driver of the truck was ambulatory and was rapidly evaluated then later released on scene.

On board the train there were approximately 130 passengers triaged. Though there were no obvious injuries to the riders or crew members aboard, 12 adult passengers required minor treatment. Out of the dozen passengers only nine stated a desire for further medical evaluation and were taken by LAFD Ambulance to area hospitals in good condition.

An LAFD rehab tender truck was dispatched to the incident to assist with providing train passengers with refreshments due to a long delay in warm temperatures. The train was then moved to the Sylmar station for the travelers to safely disembark and continue to their destinations.

The exact cause of the accident is under investigation.

Dispatched Units: E298 E98 T98 E7 RA7 E77 RA102 HR56 EM17 BC10 UR88 RA77 RA98 EM15 DC3 RA898 RA89 EM14 EM17 BC12 EM17 EM14 E287 T87 E88 RA881 RA860 RP88 RA7 RA898 

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Submitted by Shawn Lenske &  Erik Scott, Spokesmen
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Battles Debris Fire in Sun Valley Junkyard

SUN VALLEY - A stubborn junkyard fire that included used tires, sent a thick plume of smoke above the northeast San Fernando Valley on Sunday afternoon.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was notified of the blaze at 12:49 PM on October 28, 2012 with vague descriptions of the location.

Following the plume of smoke, firefighters quickly arrived at 12242 Branford Street in Sun Valley, to discover the remnants of several vehicles ablaze, with flames spreading to scattered debris that included a large pile of tires and at least two 55-gallon drums of a then-unknown waste.

It took the combined effort of 72 LAFD personnel little more than an hour to fully extinguish the flames. LAFD Hazardous Materials experts subsequently determined the drums contained only used motor oil. Focused effort by responders prevented any off-site contamination.

No injuries were reported, and no monetary loss was tabulated. The cause of the fire was attributed to worker carelessness with a torch.

Dispatched Units: E239 T39 BC12 E7 E89 E91 E88 RA7 FT100 HM75 E100 SQ87 T87 E287 DC3 EM14 BC10 EA1 E289 T89 E275 T75 E81 E87 BC10 EM14

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Los Angeles Firefighters Help Two Injured in Pacoima Plane Crash

PACOIMA - A small airplane crash near Whiteman Airport on Saturday afternoon, injured two persons aboard, one seriously.

In response to several 9-1-1 calls just before noon on August 25, 2012, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to 10725 San Fernando Road in Pacoima, where they discovered a small, fixed wing, single-engine plane with significant front end damage. The two-seater airplane was nestled between two businesses on a block wall and was impaled by a wrought iron fence. The air craft's 65 horsepower engine was completely separated from the fuselage.

Civilians first on scene helped remove one occupant from the plane, and Fire Department personnel quickly aided with removal of the second man, believed to be the pilot.

There was approximately five gallons of fuel in the craft, some of which spilled, however it did not catch fire.

In addition to the fence, two vehicles and an awning of a nearby building were damaged. Fortunately, no one on the ground was injured.

Approximately 25 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Randy Beaty, stopped the fuel leak, stabilized the plane, and provided rapid medical treatment. Two approximate 65 year-old males were injured and transported to a local hospital, one in Serious and one in Fair conditon.

The cause of the crash is undetermined at this time, both the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board were notified for a formal investigation.

Dispatched Units: E298 T98 RA98 E60 E275 T75 RA75 E91 HR56 EM14 BC12 UR88 E7 RA7 E287 T87 FT100 DC3 E88 SQ21 BC15 BC14 UR88 EM14

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Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Rescues Stuck Horse Near Hansen Dam

LAKE VIEW TERRACE - Los Angeles Firefighters safely rescued a horse that was stuck in water and mud near Hansen Dam Aquatic Center.

At 5 p.m. a swift and carefully coordinated rescue ensued near 11798 Foothill Boulevard, where a large horse was in water with half of its body covered, and unable to exit on his own due to three of his legs being stuck in the mud below.

Over 40 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Jack Wise, worked from the ground and air to rescue the animal, approximately 10 of which entered the water, concentrating efforts on  keeping the horse's head above water during the rescue operation. Firefighters utilized 4x4 vehicles, carriers, back boards that float, and two-line rope systems. The Dart Team, a unique group including a veterinarian, responded tremendously fast and tranquilized the horse with a sedative while firefighters used manpower and rope systems to safely bring him to the shoreline. Then in a coordinated effort, a harness was placed around the weakened horse, and a LAFD helicopter lifted the him to dry land at a near by baseball field.

Recent rains beautify many areas of Los Angeles, but firefighters warn people not to ride horses in areas you can't walk. River beds become especially wet, and there are unforeseen hazards lurking under the water. Just six inches of water is enough to knock a person off their feet.

Animal rescues not only save the animal in danger but stops owners and bystanders from endangering themselves in a feudal effort to save the animal.

Chief Wise stated, "Not only did our firefighters do an outstanding job, but we want to thank the  LA City Lifeguards from the Aquatic Center, General Services Police and others that assisted prior to our arrival."

Dispatched Units: E298 T98 RH114 BC12 RA898 UR88 HR56 E91 T75 E275 T90 E290 RA91 BP98 BP74 H2 H1 T88 E288 RA909 TP3 DZ12 DT2

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Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Fire Claims Life of Pacoima 'Senior' on Christmas Morn

PACOIMA - The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a small fire on Christmas Morning that sadly claimed the life of a "senior" resident at an independent-living facility.

At 10:19 am, Firefighters responded to a reported "Structure Fire" at 11060 North Norris Avenue. They quickly ascended the six-story "Pledgerville Senior Citizen Villa" and had to force-entry into a single unit on the third floor, where they found a smoke-filled apartment.

Quick work was made of the small fire that required merely a single fire-extinguisher. Unfortunately, little time was also required for the fire to have tragically claimed the life of the unit's 90 year-old, female resident. She apparently had lived alone.

The fire-fatality required the LAFD's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section to respond, where they spent most of Christmas Day conducting their investigation. The fire was deemed "accidental" in nature and Investigators stated "the most probable cause as candles...that appeared to have somehow ignited the victim's clothing." The manner in which that took place is unclear, as the fire remains under active investigation. The victim's official cause of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner. Dollar-loss estimates were not yet available.

The LAFD extends their condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, for this tragic loss. Your LAFD is saddened by such incidents and finds them extremely difficult to report, especially on Christmas Day. We do so only to highlight safety and underscore the importance of exercising extreme caution anytime you are around or in use of an open flame, regardless of the source. This holds true not only through the Holiday Season, but at all times.

Friends, there are numerous articles that can be found in our archives, here, on www.fergco.co, some of which are "linked" in this article. Please take the time to review them with your loved ones. Simple steps and observance of key safety tips can help prevent tragedy from occurring.

Please allow yourselves to spend your Holiday Season with family and friends...SAFELY! And from all of us at the Los Angeles Fire Department...today, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!

Dispatched Units:
E98 T98 E298 RA898 E7 RA7 E275 T75 E91 EM15 BC10 BC12 E77 RA98 BC12 AR2 DC3 AR11 AR36


Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Senior Citizen Apartment Fire Injures Female in Pacoima

PACOIMA - In the afternoon of November 8th, 2011 firefighters quickly extinguished a fire that broke out in one unit of a large senior living apartment building, one occupant was injured.

Truck 98 arrived at 11060 North Norris Avenue, and saw heavy black smoke billowing out of two windows on the fourth floor of a modern five-story building with an attached six-story wing.

Residents of Pledgerville Senior Citizen Villa were self evacuating as firefighters ran into the building and up the stairway to the fire floor. They made their way through the smoke filled hallway and were able to rapidly put water on the fire. Fortunately, the 27 year-old building was equipped with fire sprinklers and smoke alarms, assisting in minimizing the spread of fire and alerting occupants. Firefighters then horizontally ventilated the residual smoke on the fourth floor with large blowers.

No stone was left unturned, as firefighters entered every unit in the nearly 80,000 square-foot building to ensure all residents were safely out. A group of approximately 40 elderly occupants were carefully gathered together outside and rapidly assessed to confirm that no one required medical attention. Once all residents were accounted for, they were strategically rehoused. However, residents of approximately five units were displaced due to damaged apartments. Only one individual was injured, the 75 year-old female occupant of the unit on fire suffered smoke inhalation and was transported to a local hospital in fair condition.

One unit on the fourth floor was heavily damaged, but due to the hard work of 83 firefighters, all under the command of Assistant Chief Patrick Butler, the flames were extinguished in just 17 minutes.
 
The cause of this fire is under active investigation and the dollar loss is still being tabulated.

Dispatched Units: E298 T98 RA98 RA898 E7 E275 T75 E91 E81 EM15 BC12 BC10 E70 RA75 RA91 E77 E287 T87 RA70 EM14 EM2 DC3 E89 RA889 T88 E288 UR88 BC14 RA81 RA77 RA74

VIDEO

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Brush Fire in Lake View Terrace is Hit Hard and Fast

LAKE VIEW TERRACE - At 2:25 on October 22, 2011, a "Brush Fire" ignited on the fringe of a quiet neighborhood in the north end of the San Fernando Valley at 11880 Terra Vista Way.

Originally reported as a 3-4 acre fire in light-to-medium brush, first on-scene resources found fire moving rapidly, up very steep terrain, towards the front-end of the Angeles National Forest. This brought a swift and heavy response, as 75 Los Angeles Firefighters worked aggressively in the 90 degree heat, to prevent the fire from further spread.

Assisting the LAFD's efforts, were our partners from neighboring jurisdictions, as Los Angeles County Fire (LACo) and the Angeles National Forest (ANF) both sent fire resources. Additionally, two Quebec Bombardier "Super Scoopers" and the Erickson "Air-Crane" (all on-lease through the Brush Season), as well as four LAFD water-dropping helicopters, delivered very strategic water drops. Together, with the fire crews on the ground, this brush fire was brought under control in just 54 minutes and held to approximately eight acres.

Ground and air crews stayed on-scene for three and half hours, as the burn area was cooled and surveyed to ensure that no embers remained. Careful management of brush incidents in this manner, will prove to be of the utmost importance, as we move deeper into the Brush Season and as we make preparations for our first "wind event," with the "Santa Anas" expected sometime next week.

No structures were damaged during the firefight; however, there was an incident-related injury reported shortly after the fire was fully extinguished. One ANF Firefighter was transported to a local hospital, via air-ambulance, for heat-related complications.

The cause of the fire is under active investigation.

Dispatched Units:
E98 T98 E298 BC12 E77 E24 E91 E7 E275 T75 E274 T74 H0D H0F BC10 E70 E89 H2 H4 H5 WT77 RP88 DC3 T90 E290 H733 AR2 RH114 H0E H0A H1 E90

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman

Los Angeles Fire Department

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Fire and Hazardous Materials Clear Industrial Area in Sylmar

SYLMAR- A small fire at a manufacturing plant, just before daybreak on Wednesday morning, resulted in a protracted Hazardous Materials Incident, requiring the evacuation of 220 people.

At 6:16 am, on October 19, 2011, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported "Structure Fire" at 12500 North Gladstone Avenue, in a mostly industrial section of Sylmar in the north San Fernando Valley. Having prior knowledge of the type of business, the facility's size (nearly 350,000 total square feet) and its contents, additional resources were requested, based on the "potential" the incident presented.

The fire erupted during a routine cleaning at "Spectrolab", a solar-cell, manufacturing plant for spacecraft power systems. Thanks to the quick thinking of the on-site, specialized cleaning personnel, the fire was swiftly extinguished and confined to one room of the facility. Despite that, there were extended operations by two LAFD Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Squads, as they worked to stabilize the extremely hazardous chemicals involved and ensure there was no danger to the building's occupants or the surrounding area.

The on-scene hazards triggered a significant response, with 122 Firefighters converging to the scene, as well as the LAPD and the Los Angeles County Health Hazardous Materials Division (LACo HHMD).

The Spectrolab workers that were present at the fire's point of origin, escaped without incident, as 15 other company employees were evacuated for precaution. All citizens in the surrounding industrial area were also evacuated. A total of 220 people were escorted to an offsite location for safety, while LAFD personnel prepared for entry.

Both HazMat Squads made entry, exercising every precaution. Special attention was given to the product containers, making certain they had not been compromised and that there was no danger of a product release. Additionally, all readings taken by the Squads came back negative and were determined to be within normal limits. The incident was then declared "static" and turned over to the building owner and the LACo HHMD.

There were no reported injuries or illnesses; however, one company employee was transported to a local hospital for precaution, in "good" condition.

The dollar loss has not yet been determined and the incident remains under active investigation.

Dispatched Units:
T98 E298 E98 RA898 RA98 E91 E275 T75 E24 EM15 BC12 BC15 E77 E77 E275 T75 E87 T87 E287 SQ87 E21 T21 E221 SQ21 BC10 BC15 E70 EM15 EM17 RA91 DC3 RA87 E289 T89 E91 DU98 T78 E278 HM75 RA75 RT83 CM3 HM17 E17 RA17 CM2 CP3 BC738 HS1 RA98 EM15


Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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'Thunderous Explosion' in Sylmar Sends Three Men to Hospital

SYLMAR - A "thunderous explosion" that ripped the roof from a Sylmar business and sent three men to the hospital, remains under investigation by local and State authorities.

A flurry of 9-1-1 calls reporting the explosion commenced at 4:20PM on Tuesday, August 9, 2011, bringing dozens of Los Angeles Fire Department personnel to a normally quiet foothill industrial park at 12349 Gladstone Avenue in the northeast San Fernando Valley.

Arriving quickly, firefighters found missing doors, buckled masonry walls, widely scattered debris and large portions of the roof blown over the parapets of a 50' x 150' section of a 7,400 square-foot one-and-two story building. There was however, no evidence of fire. With paper debris still floating in the air, LAFD crews developed a perimeter for bystander exclusion as they established a command post uphill and upwind of the incident.


Swiftly surveying the scene, firefighters quickly came to the aid of two critically injured men who had apparently been blown from the cinder-block building by the force of the explosion. With early reports of additional victims, an unknown cause - and others who may have been missing, neighborhood firefighters were soon joined by more than one hundred colleagues, including LAFD Hazardous Material and Urban Search & Rescue experts, in a detailed search for the cause and effect of the blast, which was heard and felt over a one-mile area.

The two badly injured men were rushed to trauma centers by LAFD Paramedics, as a methodical examination of the premises found no trapped or missing persons. More than 15 minutes after the search concluded, a man walked up to the command post seeking medical care for unspecified injury from the blast. He was taken in good condition by LAFD ambulance to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.

An estimate of monetary loss to the heavily damaged business, described only as an "alternative fuel and green energy firm", was still being tabulated early Wednesday.

Though the enterprise reportedly used pressure vessels and was involved in the "extraction of hydrogen from water", the specific cause of the explosion remains under active investigation by the Los Angeles Fire Department Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section and Cal/OSHA officials.


Dispatched Units: E98 RA898 RA98 E91 E275 T75 E24 E287 T87 BC12 E77 T98 E298 RA91 RA7 RA77 RA87 EM15 EM14 EM17 BC15 BC10 UR89 E89 T89 E289 UR88 E88 T88 E288 RA889 DC3 E87 SQ87 AR2 AR23 RA75 E39 EL83 AR3 AR10 BC10 EM15

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Woman Found Dead, Man Injured in Pacoima House Fire

PACOIMA - A woman was found dead in a quickly extinguished house fire in Pacoima, but not before a passerby who attempted to fight the flames sustained injury.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was called at 3:58 PM on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 to 11666 Bromont Avenue in Pacoima, where they found smoke showing from the front window of one story home that neighbors describe as being recently vacated.

The first of thirty-four firefighters dispatched to the scene extended a hoseline into a front room of the 1,158 square-foot building, extinguishing the fire in moments - only to discover a severely burned adult female. Beyond medical help, she was declared dead at the scene.

 
LAFD Paramedics then turned their attention to the on-site treatment of an adult male, believed to have been a passerby, who sustained a cut to his hand when he broke a window in an unsuccessful attempt to use a garden hose in battling the flames. No other injuries were reported.

The presence or functional status of smoke alarms within the residence could not be immediately ascertained. Monetary loss from the blaze, which caused minimal damage to the 47-year old non-fire sprinklered home, is still being tabulated.

A positive identification of the dead woman, as well as the precise cause, time and manner of her 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: E298 E98 T98 RA898 RA98 E91 E7 EM15 BC12 E77 AR2 AR9 AR11

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Douses Fast-Moving Pacoima Junk Yard Fire

On Friday, March 20, 2011 at 4:11 PM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 36 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief John Duca, responded to a Fire in an Automotive Recycling Facility at 12301 Branford Street in Pacoima.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy fire among five partially dismantled vehicles stacked in a salvage yard. Multiple handlines were extended to do quick battle with the flames, which had consumed more than twenty of of the densely packed passenger cars by the time flames were brought under control just 29 minutes later.



There were no structures threatened and no injuries reported. Fire loss to the vehicle remnants was not tabulated. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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