20 Years Ago Today, LAFD Remembers 'Civil Unrest'

Today marks 20 years since the 1992 Los Angeles Civil Unrest, often referred to as the "L.A. Riots", where rampant arson, looting, assault and murder occurred over a six day period in the greater Los Angeles area.

Approximately 3,600 fires were set, destroying over 1,000 structures and flooding 9-1-1 fire calls. Property damage reached roughly $1 billion, over 50 people died, and approximately 2,000 more were injured. Due to violent mobs pelting Firefighters with rocks, bottles and even shooting at them, Fire Crews began to respond with police escorts. A dawn-to-dusk curfew was implemented and eventually the deployment of the National Guard assisted to control the situation.

These two short, but powerful videos attempt to manifest what your Los Angeles Firefighters were battling. Protection of life and property took on new meaning, as they never expected that it would include their own:

This 3:18 clip depicts a Fire Captain's "impossible mission", 48 hours into the epicenter of the riots...






This 8:04 clip provides aerial footage from April 29th, 1992 - May 2nd, 1992 and includes dramatic dispatched radio traffic from firefighters...





The Los Angeles Fire Department offers a proverbial tip of the helmet to allied Fire Department's, Law Enforcement, Military and Citizens that assisted during, and the rebuilding after, this landmark event for our City and Department.


Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Injury, Death and Destruction Follow Shooting, Major Emergency Fire

HOLLYWOOD - Gun-shots fired in a relatively quiet neighborhood today, resulted in multiple victims, a Major Emergency Structure Fire and two deaths. No Fire or Police were injured.

At 12:41 PM on Thursday, February 16, 2012, LAPD Officers accompanied by Los Angeles Firefighters responded to a reported shooting at 517 North Harvard Boulevard. Upon arrival, they were greeting by three adults: one 34 year-old male and two 38 year-old females, all suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. A domestic dispute in the nearly 100 year-old single family dwelling, may have precipitated the gunfire. Acting without hesitation, the Officers and Firefighters rapidly extracted all three individuals from the residence, before discovering a quickly developing fire at the rear of the structure.

Adding to the chaos, were reports that the shooter was still in the residence and may have been holding one additional victim. The potential of this incident brought a swift and heavy response, with 150 Firefighters pouring into the Hollywood neighborhood.

The inherent risks of the incident were carefully considered by the Unified Command. With a reported shooter-at-large and a now, fully-developed structure fire, the safety and security of all personnel became the primary objective. With Firefighters unable make an interior fire-attack and untenable conditions in the structure eliminating the probability of survival, it was determined the best course of action was to let the fire burn itself out.

Hoselines were placed on each side of the approximate 2,600 square-foot home, as were armed LAPD Officers to provide force protection to Firefighters. The strategy was to prevent the fire from extending to the adjacent exposures by simply controlling it.

Full-extinguishment came 2 hours and 30 minutes later. Unfortunately, the discovery of two bodies also came, by way of our LAFD Cadaver Search Dog and its handler. They were aided by two others canines from Ventura County Fire Department. One of the bodies is believed to have been the shooter, of unknown age. Both bodies will be positively identified by the LA County Department of Coroner, as will the exact cause of death.

  

The three injured adults were all transported in critical condition to local hospitals. Both the fire and the crime scene are part of an active, joint investigation by the LAFD's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section and the LAPD. While dollar-loss estimates were not yet available, the structure was a total loss. There were no reported injuries to LAFD or LAPD personnel.

Dispatched Units:
E11 RA6 RA20 T29 E29 E229 EM11 BC5 E61 RA82 RA41 RA56 EM2 EM9 E82 E235 T35 E227 BC11 BC2 BC13 DC2 E27 T27 UR3 RA3 HR56 UR88 BC1 UR27 RA827 E211 T11 E6 E15 E220 T20 SQ21 CM3 RA4 AR7 RA52 RA78 H2 E21 E3 E12 E202 T2 E226 T26 EA1 RT59 E56 AR1 RA867 RA867 E90 AR3 AR10 E91 RM2 SU1 AR36 E2 T12 E212 T3 E203

(PHOTOS)

Submitted by Matt Spence, 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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Arson Strikes Orville Wright Middle School

PLAYA DEL REY - A malicious, intentionally set fire struck a local Middle School today, that significantly damaged school property and injured three.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was called to 6550 West 80th Street for a reported "Rubbish Fire" at Orville Wright Middle School at 11:31 am on Tuesday, November 29, 2011. First on-scene resources found a freestanding structure on school grounds, with heavy fire showing.

School administrators did evacuate the entire campus as a precaution, but not before three individuals (one student, two adults) were treated for smoke inhalation. One patient, an approximate 50 year old female, was transported to a local hospital in "fair" condition with non-life threatening injuries and an unknown, but related illness.

The blaze was fully extinguished by 57 Firefighters in just 35 minutes. The LAFD's Arson-Counter-Terrorism Section was dispatched to the school, where they quickly determined this fire to have been "intentionally and maliciously set." Arson Investigators remained for several hours, processing the scene. Two juveniles, believed to have been students at the school, were consequently arrested and booked on "Arson" charges. Both were later released into the custody of their respective parents. Investigators say a third arrest of another juvenile, is imminent.

The incident remains under active investigation and all three juveniles will be summoned to court at a later date. Dollar loss estimates were placed at $75,000. There were no Firefighter injuries reported.

Dispatched Units:
E205 T5 RA5 E63 RA867 E295 E95 T95 E62 EM14 BC4 BC5 E59 E51 E263 T63 DC2 SQ21 BC13 E43 RA95 AR2


Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Fire Sweeps Through Attic of Hollywood's Magic Castle

HOLLYWOOD HILLS- The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported "Structure Fire" at the historic Magic Castle today, leaving the 102 year-old mansion no choice but to postpone its planned week of Halloween festivities, which the private club had ironically dubbed "Inferno at the Castle."



At 12:35 pm on Monday, October 31, 2011, 120 Los Angeles Firefighters quickly descended upon the two-story, Victorian-style structure at 7001 West Franklin Avenue, for what was confirmed by first arriving resources as a "fire in the attic." Because of the building's compartmentalized construction and its complexity in design, the fire was able to conceal itself within the walls and attic of the Magic Castle. For a time, the fire seemed, almost, to prevent itself from being discovered and perhaps hoped to extend the theme of the magic club's week-long promotion, on its own.

Great lengths were taken to keep this Los Angeles area landmark and all of its historical content safe from extensive damage. Thanks to an aggressive fire-attack, coupled with strategic work on a very elaborate roof, Firefighters were able to fully-extinguish this pesky fire in just one hour and five minutes. Although its construction dates back to 1909, the mansion is now fully-sprinklered, which aided in the LAFD's ability to confine the fire to its area of origin.

The Magic Castle's management and its workers, preparing for the Halloween Night festivities, were the only occupants in the building at the time. All managed to exit the structure without incident and we are pleased to report, there were no injuries.

While the exact cause remains under active investigation, the fire was determined to be "accidental" in nature. Dollar loss and damage estimates were not yet available.

Click here to find updates from our friends at The Magic Castle, such as when they hope to reopen.

Dispatched Units:
E41 RA41 E27 T27 RA827 E82 E261 T61 EM14 BC18 BC5 E76 E10 E235 T35 T29 E229 E11 DC3 SQ21 EM2 BC11 RA27 E227 T3 E203 RA803 UR88 BC14 UR3 E15 E60 E278 T78 E226 T26 RA52 RA102 EM11 EA1 E3 RM2 RM3 AR2 SU1

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Fire in UCLA Science Lab Garners Significant LAFD Response

WESTWOOD - A laboratory at UCLA's Health and Sciences Center was significantly damaged by a fire this morning and at one point, brought nearly 150 Los Angeles Firefighters to the scene.

At 11:05 am on October 24, 2011, the LAFD responded to a reported "Structure Fire" in a seven-story, science building on the UCLA campus. A complete evacuation was already underway, as first arriving Firefighters made their ascent to the fifth floor of this facility. The Incident Commander noted the presence of hazardous materials clearly marked on exterior of the building, considered its size and type, as well as the time of day, and knew the potential existed for a very significant incident. Immediately, the request was made for additional resources, including the LAFD's Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Squad.

Firefighters quickly gained control and fully extinguish the blaze in 50 minutes, confining it to just one room. The incident then began to de-escalate and many of the on-scene resources were released.

With a full evacuation of the building in place, the HazMat Squad made entry and conducted precautionary testing. The facility was later deemed safe for students, faculty and employees, as they were allowed to re-populate all floors of the building, except the affected fire-floor.

We are pleased to report there were no injuries or illnesses, as a result of this incident. While the exact cause remains under investigation, the fire was determined "accidental" in nature. Dollar loss estimates were not yet available.

Dispatched Units:
E37 RA37 E71 RA71 E19 E288 T88 E269 T69 E81 T39 E239 H0C H0D H0F EM14 BC10 BC5 E60 SQ87 E88 H1 H2 H3 E87 T87 RA87 DC3 E237 T37 E292 T92 E94 E99 E109 E41 E51 E26 E278 T78 AR2 E295 T95 E226 T26 BC1 RA19 RA62 RA43 RA99 RA15 EM2 EM17 E59 BC9 EA1 BC4 EM9 UR88 CM3 RT59 RA63 EM11 RA59 LO1 RA58

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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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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