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

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Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Over 100 LAFD Firefighters Battle a Motel Blaze in Van Nuys; 4 Occupants Injured

VAN NUYS - Over 100 Los Angeles Firefighters battled a blaze in a Van Nuys motel where four were injured on August 24, 2013.

At 11:14 am the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) arrived at 6500 Sepulveda Boulevard in four minutes to find smoke billowing out of the second story of a two-story "O" shaped motel, named the Voyager Motor Inn. Additional companies were immediately requested.  

Firefighters rushed inside with hose-lines and laddered the second story windows helping trapped victims to safely escape. Additional firefighters performed vertical ventilation on the roof with chainsaws while others kicked in doors of units to perform rapid Search and Rescue operations.

Fire attack was difficult due to the building lay out and the volume of fire throughout the second floor. The motel had 120 units, 60 were occupied.

The fire appeared to have originated in unit 246. The occupant rushed out leaving the door open and the flames rapidly spread, additional occupants did the same, causing the fire to blow down the hallways like a horizontal chimney, fueled by a light wind.

The bulk of the damage occurred on the second floor. Flames and smoke damaged approximately 50 units, and multiple units on the first floor suffered water damage. The motel was equipped with smoke alarms, not with fire sprinklers.

The flames were confined to the motel and no nearby structures were damaged. A total of  147 firefighters (including those initially dispatched and additional firefighters assisting with overhaul), all under the command of Battalion Chief Don Reyes, extinguished the flames in one hour and 16 minutes. Firefighters remained in an offensive attack.

The LAFD worked closely with various departments and organizations including CERT. The Emergency Management Department played a key role in collaborating the with the American Red Cross and with Recreation and Parks to open up the Delano Recreation Center for the approximately 50 displaced residents. Additionally, Metropolitan Transportation Authority was utilized to transport these residents from the fire scene to the shelter location. LAPD assisted with scene security and authentication of proper occupants during the collection of personal property.

A total of four persons were treated on scene. Three patients ranging from a five month-old female to a 32 year-old female, all with non-life-threatening injuries were transported to local hospitals. No one was burned.

The cause of the fire is Undetermined, and remains under active investigation by the LAFD Arson Section. The estimated dollar loss is still being tabulated.

Dispatched Units:  E39 E288 T88 E90 RA881 E100 RA100 E289 T89 EM14 BC5 BC10 E102 E81 BC14 E489 E7 E273 T73 E293 T93 DC1 EM17 BC12 UR88 T27 E227 E27 UR27 BC5 AR2 RA27 RA39 EA1 E290 T90 E261 T61 E105 E83 RA88 RA90 EM9 T60 E260 E5 E26 T12 E212 E27 DC1 BC14 T39 E239

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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West Adams Apartment Fire Injures Two and Displaces 14

WEST ADAMS - Quick actions by building staff and rescue efforts by LAFD limits injuries at apartment fire in a senior and disabled living facility.

On August 14, 2013 at 1:15 pm Los Angeles Firefighters were called to 2455 South St Andrews Place in the West Adams district. The LAFD arrived quickly to find black smoke billowing over an eight story apartment structure. Building security informed arriving fire companies of an active fire on the fifth floor.

Firefighters ascended quickly through a stairwell and encountered pressurized heavy black smoke in the fifth floor hallway. Hose lines were pulled from ground level through an adjacent unit to attack the fire. Firefighters made an aggressive attack on the fully involved unit. A swift evacuation of ambulatory residents and rescue of the disabled on the fifth floor was simultaneously performed. During the firefight, flames threatening balconies above the blaze were quickly addressed and the fire confined to the involved unit. Under the command of Battalion Chief Joseph Klein, 123 firefighters extinguished the blaze in just 46 minutes.

Initial concerns for the occupants of the residential apartments initiated the call for eight LAFD rescue ambulances. However, an established and practiced building evacuation plan limited injuries. Facility staff was conducting an orderly evacuation of residents living on the two floors above the fire upon arrival of the LAFD. During the firefight it was established the safest plan for residents living in the floors below the fire, was to shelter in place. Upon extinguishment of the blaze a systematic and coordinated evacuation of all residents was executed. Using the established list of disabled residents, firefighters rescued occupants requiring assistance.

Occupants were evacuated to a courtyard behind the building where staff accounted for all residents. Of the five occupants assessed by the LAFD, four were evaluated and did not require further care. One adult female was transported to an area hospital in serious condition. One firefighter sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported in fair condition. 

The unit consumed by fire and the nine other units with smoke damage were deemed uninhabitable, displacing 14 residents. The American Red Cross was called and assisted in relocation of the displaced residents. The cause of this blaze was determined to be accidental in nature. Dollar loss was estimated at $125,000 ( 100,000 structure and 25,000 contents)

Dispatched units: E26 RA826 E34 E15 T15 E215 SQ21 T29 RA29 EM11 BC11 BC18 E10 T26 E226 E294 T94 E46 DC1 EM13 BC13 T3 E203 E3 UR3 RA3 RA803 UR88 BC1 RA2 RA10 EM5 RA66 T66 E266 E229 E227 T27 BC5 E66 RA837 E94 E211 T11 AR1 EA1 RT59

Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Battles North Hills Structure Fire that Claims Man's Life

NORTH HILLS WEST - Los Angeles Firefighters battled a fully involved house fire that claimed the life of one occupant and a pet dog on August 8, 2013.

Just after 9:00 pm the Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned to a Structure Fire at 16336 Plummer Street, and while en-route they could see a large plume of smoke rising. They arrived on scene to find a one-story Single Family Dwelling fully involved in fire with flames blowing out of the front windows. Additional companies were immediately requested.

Fire attack teams entered the inferno through the front door and performed fire suppression and rescue efforts through the 1,344 square-foot home. Additional firefighters cut ventilation holes in the roof to release super heated gases. Much of the ceiling, which was tongue and groove without attic space above, burned through. A trailer and motor home in the backyard were damaged by the flames and a neighboring house to the west was exposed to flame and heat. Firefighters faced additional concerns of downed live power lines that could be seen arcing in the rear of the structure. DWP was requested to assist.

During the conclusion of fire attack, firefighters discovered the remains of an adult male significantly burned in the dining room of the structure. Beyond medical help, he was declared deceased at the scene. A pet dog was also found beyond help in the master bedroom. No other injuries were reported.

A well coordinated attack by a total of 52 firefighters, all under the command of Battalion Chief Brian Schultz, fully extinguished the flames in just 23 minutes.

It was not readily known if the home was fitted with functional smoke alarms. There were no security doors or window security bars to impede the man's egress. However, the home was described as pack rat conditions due to excessive storage inside. The 58-year old dwelling was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

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.

Monetary loss from the fire is estimated at $300,000 ($250,000 structure and $50,000 contents). The cause of the evening blaze remains under active investigation by the LAFD Arson Section.

Dispatched Units: E287 T87 E290 E90 T90 E275 T75 RA75 E7 RA70 EM15 BC12 BC10 E70 E103 E298 T98 AR2 AR7 AR23

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Apartment Building Fire Injures Teenager; LAFD Offers Two Teachable Lessons

LOS ANGELES - On August 1, 2013, LAFD Firefighters battled a preventable fire in a two-story apartment building that injured a 16 year-old girl. 

Just after 11:00 A.M. firefighters were summoned to a Structure Fire on the 900 block of E Adams Boulevard, where they found fire blowing out of one unit on the second floor of a two-story Center Hallway Apartment. Additional firefighters were immediately requested.

Due to an aggressive attack firefighters were able to quickly get water on the flames before they consumed the building. Approximately 35 firefighters, all under the command of Battalion Chief Surgey Tomlinson, extinguished the fire in just 17 minutes. The flames were confined to one-unit that was well involved in fire on second floor.

Dispatched Units: E10 E210 T10 RA810 E9 T9 RA9 E21 SQ21 EM11 BC1 BC18 E15 RA14 E221 T21 E215 T15 DC1 BC11 AR1 RA814 AR17

One patient, a 16 year-old girl, suffered smoke inhalation and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. LAFD Arson Investigators determined the cause of the fire was a candle accidentally falling from a window ledge and landing on the bed. The occupants attempted to extinguish the fire with water, and thought they had, however the embers continued smoldering and reignited.

Your Los Angeles Firefighters offer two teachable lessons from this fire.

First: Candle fires are preventable! Did you know?...

- On average, 42 home candle fires are reported every day.
- More than half of all candle fires start when something that could burn, such as furniture, mattresses - or bedding, curtains, or decorations is too close to the candle.
- Over one-third (36%) of home candle fires begin in the bedroom.
- One-half of home candle fire deaths occur between Midnight and 6 am.
- Young children and older adults have the highest death risk from candle fires.

Simple Tips:
- If you do use candles, ensure they are in sturdy metal, glass or ceramic holders and placed where they cannot be easily knocked down.
- Avoid using candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.
- And NEVER leave burning candles unattended!

Second: If you have a fire at home call 9-1-1 immediately to summon the local Fire Department who will ensure it is properly extinguished.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Handles a Greater Alarm Structure Fire in Sun Valley

SUN VALLEY - Nearly 100 Los Angeles Firefighters battled a massive blaze in a large unoccupied commercial building housing portable toilets, at 9364 Glenoaks Boulevard on July 30, 2013.

Alerted by multiple 9-1-1 calls just after 8:00 PM of a Structure Fire, firefighters en-route saw a large plume of black smoke rapidly raising into the evening's blue sky. They arrived on scene to find fire viciously blowing through the roof of a 100' x 100' cinder-block construction commercial building, doing business as Mission Valley Sanitation. The building was directly behind Glenoaks Auto Parts. Additional resources were immediately requested. 

Due to the large extent of fire, a partial roof collapse, and no reports of anyone inside, Battalion Chief Waters wisely ordered a defensive attack, not allowing firefighters to rush inside the inferno. Rather, waves of firefighters quickly surrounded the structure and used large hose streams to pour copious amounts of water on the burning building. Two suction trucks on the property were also on fire.

A total of 98 firefighters, all under the command of Assistant Chief Andrew Fox, fully extinguished the flames in 48 minutes, however remained on scene through the night to ensure no flare-ups occurred. No one was injured. The cause of the evening blaze is undetermined and the dollar loss is still being tabulated.

Dispatched Units: AR2 BC10 BC12 BC14 BC15 BC5 DC3 E24 E260 E274 E288 E289 E298 E60 E7 E77 E89 E98 EA1 EM15 RA77 RA889 RA89 RA898 T60 T74 T88 T89 T98 UR27 UR88

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Three Firefighters Injured in Arson Hollywood Apartment Blaze

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We strongly encourage anyone with information that may assist the investigative efforts to please contact the Arson Counter-Terrorism Section at (213) 893-9800.

Dispatched Units: E227 T27 RA827 E52 E82 RA26 EM18 BC5 E76 T61 E261 E27 E235 T35 AR2 EA1 E202 T2 E3 E27 E10 E229 T29 E294 T94 RA61 DC3 EM5 BC18 BC14 T3 E203 UR3 E89 UR88 BC1 RA803 RA27 RA41 EM18 E12 E82 E235 T35 RM2 SQ21 RA892 RT59 AR1 AR23 AR9 AR17 E94 T33 E233 E37 T88 E288 RA27 T11 E211

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Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Two Los Angeles Firefighters Injured in Sherman Oaks Blaze

SHERMAN OAKS - Two firefighters suffered burns this morning battling a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at a three-story hillside home in Sherman Oaks on May 4, 2013.

Los Angeles Firefighters quickly made their way up a narrow, winding road to 4008 Sumac Drive, off Beverly Glen Boulevard, at 12:02 a.m. Arriving firefighters found at least one room ablaze in the unoccupied house, which had two stories below ground level (sub level 1 & sub level 2). An aggressive attack ensued and additional resources were immediately requested.

First arriving firefighters attacked the ground level flames and quickly realized intense flames were burning beneath them as well. Conditions inside the structure rapidly deteriorated. All three floors quickly became unstable due to extensive fire load. One veteran Fire Captain, low on air, was forced to call "Emergency Traffic" due to difficulty exiting the massive structure. He narrowly exited. Firefighters were ordered out of the structure and forced to fight the flames defensively from the exterior. Ultimately all three floors of the home were charred with extensive fire damage.

One hundred firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Andrew Fox, took just over one hour to fully extinguish the blaze.

Two firefighters were injured and transported to local hospitals. One Fire Captain in serious but stable condition and one Firefighter in fair but stable condition, both received minor burns. No civilians were injured.

Several arson investigators remained on scene for hours carefully combing through debris. The cause of this early morning blaze remains under active investigation by the LAFD Arson Section.

This incident reminded many firefighters of the recent tragic fire at a hillside home on 1546 N. Viewsite Drive in Hollywood Hills where sadly LAFD Firefighter Glen Allen was killed.

The estimated dollar loss is $260,000 ($180,000 structure & $80,000 contents).

Dispatched Units: E99 E33 RA99 T88 E288 RA88 EM14 BC10 BC714 E81 E10 DC3 E278 T78 E108 BC9 E293 T93 UR88 RA78 E481 E109 RA83 T39 EM9 EM17 T27 E227 UR27 BC5 RA827 AR2 EA1 E37 RT83 CM3 AR11 AR9 CM2 SU2 T90 E290

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Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Los Angeles Firefighters Battle Massive Koreatown Blaze

KOREATOWN - Over 148 Los Angeles Firefighters battled an unrelenting fire in a large three story, six unit, apartment building, where one firefighter was injured.

On April 15, 2013, just after 2:00 AM, firefighters arrived at 3390 West San Marino Street, to find fire coming from the attic of a three story U-shaped apartment building. An aggressive fire attack was made on this 100’ by 300’, 81 year old structure. Initial concerns of occupants at this early morning blaze were put at ease when it was confirmed to be a vacant building under renovation. A thorough search continued during the fire fight to ensure there were also no transients inside. This massive structure proved challenging with the attic fully involved in fire, compromised stairwells, and debris that spread fire throughout all floors.

Firefighters aggressively fought this blaze from the interior while additional companies provided vertical ventilation on the roof. After nearly an hour of intense flames, the remaining uncut sections of roof began to sag. Firefighters were immediately evacuated from the compromised roof, without incident.

LAFD fire companies, under the command of Assistant Chief Ralph Terrazas, had the bulk of the fire extinguished in 90 minutes. Companies remained on scene for several hours to perform a complete overhaul.

The Department of Building and Safety, "Red Tagged" the structure, deeming it unsafe for entry. The dollar loss is still being tabulated. The cause of this early morning fire remains under active investigation by the LAFD Arson Counter Terrorism Section, who is considering it suspicious in nature. The injured firefighter sustained minor, non life threatening injuries.

Assistant Chief Robert Franco commends firefighters on confining the flames to the building of origin. Noting their aggressive fire attack prevented damage to an adjacent school that was able to conduct classes today. "Firefighters did a good job, it was an intense fire fight", Franco said.

Dispatched Units: E229 RA858 E29 T29 RA829 RA29 E13 E226 E26 T26 EM11 BC11 BC5 E52 E211 E11 T11 E6 E10 T10 E210 E261 T61 DC1 EM1 BC18 T27 E227 E3 UR3 RA3 UR88 BC1 E61 E215 E15 T15 T92 E292 AR1 BC9 BC13 T94 E294 RA13 RA52 AR1 EA1 RT59 E66 E233 T33 E34 RT59 SU2

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Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department

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2 LAFD Firefighters Injured in Mid-City House Blaze

PICO (MID CITY) - Two firefighters suffered minor injuries today in a fire that heavily damaged a two-story house in the Mid-City section of Los Angeles. The fire broke out just after 2:30 a.m. and structurally compromised the residence at 1846 S. Orange Grove Avenue.


On March 8, 2013, Los Angeles Firefighters quickly arrived to find heavy smoke billowing from the first and second floors, and out of every attic vent of the 65 year-old house. Additional firefighters were immediately requested.

An aggressive interior attack with hose-lines ensued, however the inside stairwell was not accessible due to instability from the flames. Firefighters were then directed to ladder a balcony on the east side of the home to attack the flames on the second floor.

Simultaneously firefighters from Truck Companies performed vertical ventilation, cutting heat holes with chainsaws on the first story roof, then progressed to the second story roof. Roaring flames shot through the openings and the structural integrity began to quickly deteriorate. Firefighters were forced to swiftly exit before a partial roof collapse occurred.

A total of 55 firefighters, all under the command of Battalion Chief Alicia Welch, attacked the intense flames for nearly an hour before they were fully extinguished. Firefighters tirelessly remained on scene throughout the day controlling hot spots.

Due to the structure's severe damage, the home was Red Tagged by Building & Safety (B & S), deeming it unsafe for occupants, including firefighters and Arson Investigators to enter. Over 12 hours later, firefighters left the home in the care of a B & S structural engineer and a private insurance company.

The cause of the early morning blaze remains under active investigation by the LAFD Arson section. It does not appear to be suspicious in origin. Due to extensive fire damage the home is expected to be a total loss.

Fortunately, the residence was unoccupied at the time of the fire as the family was away due to the house being scheduled for fumigation at 7:00 am this morning.

Unfortunately, a Fire Captain suffered a knee injury while crawling inside the flame filled structure during fire attack, and a Firefighter was injured as he ascended a 16' ladder to the first floor roof. The ladder slid out from underneath him, causing him to fall onto wet concrete. Breaking his fall was a Firefighter working in the area bellow, whom did not require medical care. Both injured members (Captain & Firefighter) were treated and released at local hospitals.

Chief Welch commended the family for their precautionary wisdom in placing all their important documents in a fireproof safe of which firefighters were able to retrieve. Also commendable was the families close relationship with neighbors, whom quickly notified them of the emergency, assisting firefighters confirmation of no one being trapped in the inferno.

Dispatched Units: E68 RA68 E58 RA858 E261 T61 EM11 BC18 E61 E294 E94 T94 RA61 E26 E226 T26 DC1 BC11 RA58 EM9 AR2 T27 E227 UR27 UR88 BC731 E29 T61 E261

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Los Angeles Firefighters Halt Flames in Wilshire Condominium Complex

GREATER WILSHIRE -  Los Angeles Firefighters quickly extinguished a fire on the roof and in the attic of a large condominium complex, before anyone was injured.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 12:42 AM on January 30, 2013, to 4477 Wilshire Blvd where they found three-story condominium residences over parking with smoke showing.

LAFD crews, arriving in less than four minutes, commenced an aggressive fire attack with hose-lines while their colleagues performed vertical ventilation with chainsaws on the roof. Simultaneously a rapid search of the 33 year-old building ensued, ensuring all occupants were out of harms way.

A total of 90 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief J. Castro, extinguished the flames in 41 minutes.

The fire started in an elevator room on the roof and quickly spread through the attic. Three units on the third occupied floor suffered fire and water damage, and a several units below suffered water damage.  Once the flames were out, firefighters concentrated efforts on carefully removing residual water from affected units and protecting the occupants property.

No injuries were reported.

There did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances causing the Greater Alarm Structure Fire. Monetary loss is still being tabulated.

Dispatched Units: E229 E29 T29 RA29 RA829 E61 T61 E261 E27 EM11 BC5 BC11 E68 E226 T26 E227 T27 DC1 SQ21 BC18 E211 T11 E94 EM1 E3 T5 E205 UR5 UR88 BC1

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Major Emergency Structure Fire Injures 14 in San Pedro Hotel

SAN PEDRO - Fourteen people were treated for injuries, and 12 were transported to hospitals, three in critical condition, after an early morning fire erupted in a San Pedro hotel.

Just after 3:30 AM on January 22, 2013, local firefighters returning from a medical emergency on 12th Street located a structure fire at 1001 South Palos Verdes Street in San Pedro, before any 9-1-1 calls were received.

A 35 unit two-story Center Hallway Hotel, built in 1923, had one unit on the first floor well involved in flames that were lapping up to the second story.

The blaze spread rapidly causing one adult female occupant to jump from the second story due to extreme heat and smoke. She suffered a extremity fracture. Additional occupants were threatening to jump, however firefighters swiftly raised ladders to the second story windows and rescued occupants hanging out of them.

Additional Companies were immediately requested. Firefighters made an aggressive interior attack with hose-lines while colleagues performed vertical ventilation with chainsaws to release hot gasses and heat, assisting the attack, control, and ability to extinguish the fire.

Simultaneously a rapid search of the 7,748 square-foot building ensued, and all occupants were promptly evacuated.

A total of 150 Los Angeles Firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Patrick Butler, extinguished the blaze in 34 minutes. Seven of the 35 small units were damaged, two extensively.

All 12 of the injured that required transport to local hospitals were triaged as needing "immediate" medical assistance. Among those transported was a male who had sustained severe burns from the fire. The 69 year-old male, whose name is not being released at this time, pending notification to his family, sadly died from his wounds and was pronounced dead at the hospital on Wednesday afternoon. Also transported was a police officer who suffered smoke inhalation trying to get people out of the building. Firefighters also rescued a cat, provided it with oxygen and searched for a missing small dog.

A MTA bus provided temporary shelter from the cold for the approximate 30 displaced occupants, until assistance from the American Red Cross was received.

The cause of the fire remains under active investigation by Los Angeles Police Departments’ Robbery-Homicide Division and LAFD's Arson Section who utilized an Accelerant Detecting K9 to assist. There were functional smoke alarms, but no fire sprinklers.

Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).

Dispatched Units: E112 E248 E48 T48 RA848 E36 RA36 E285 T85 EM13 BC6 BC13 E49 RA101 RA85 EM11 E101 E40 E264 T64 E221 T21 SQ21 DC1 EM1 BC11 E85 UR85 T5 E205 UR88 BC4 T33 E233 RA112 E38 RA38 E79 RA79 RA264 RA64 E57 RA257 E226 T26 E295 T95 E211 T11 AR1 E65 E64 RA17 RA46 RA21 AR7 RA5 RA101 AR9 RA112 RA101 RA848 RT40 T94 E294

This fire "is being treated as criminal in nature''. - LAFD PIO Captain Jaime Moore.

"It is fortunate firefighters arrived so quickly to this tragic incident, even before a 9-1-1 call was received, and were able to rapidly rescue occupants hanging from second story windows. It had the potential to be much worse." -Erik Scott, LAFD Spokesman.

(KTLA VIDEO) (Fox LA VIDEO) (CBS VIDEO)
Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Cause Determined in Fatal West Hills House Fire

WEST HILLS - Los Angeles Firefighters found an adult male without vital signs of life in his bedroom while extinguishing a house fire Saturday afternoon.



Just after 1:00 PM on December 8, 2012, LAFD arrived at 23062 Baltar St to find a single-story residence with fire showing. Firefighters quickly suited up and kicked down the front door which was surrounded with flames. Inside, there was heavy fire to the left, particularly in the kitchen and living room, and thick black smoke to the right.

During a systematic Search & Rescue operation of the 1,625 square-foot home, firefighters discovered an approximate 50 year-old male laying prone in a bed within the burning structure. He was immediately pulled out and a team of Firefighter / Paramedics aggressively provided CPR, Advanced Life Support, and rapidly transported him code-3 to a local hospital. After further treatment by hospital staff, he was sadly beyond help and pronounced dead. No other injuries were reported.

A well coordinated effort by 46 Los Angeles Firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Joseph Foley, extinguished the blaze in just 20 minutes, confining it to the structure of origin.

The home was fitted with smoke alarms, however their functional status was not able to be determined due to extensive fire damage. There were no security doors, window security bars or obvious non-fire factors to impede the man's egress. The 50-year old dwelling was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

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.

Estimated monetary loss from the fire is $150,000 ($100,000 structure & $50,000 contents).

Dispatched Units: E105 T105 E305 E72 RA872 RA96 EM17 BC17 E84 E104 RA105 E106 E296 T96 AR2 AR11 AR7 AR23

LAFD Senior Arson Investigator David Liske stated the cause of the afternoon blaze was from a, "discarded or misplaced cigarette".

Did you know? Every year, almost 1,000 smokers and non-smokers are killed in home fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials. You can make a difference!

 

firesafecigarettes.org

Submitted by Erik Scott, 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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Firefighters Pull Dead Body from Canoga Park Apartment Fire

CANOGA PARK - Los Angeles Firefighters quickly extinguished an apartment fire, where an adult female was found dead.

Just before 3:00 pm on November 13, 2012, firefighters responded to a Structure Fire at 6331 Glade Avenue. A medium amount of black smoke was billowing out of one unit on the third floor of a very large three-story center hallway apartment complex.

First arriving firefighters whom were familiar with the location, strategically drove down a back U-shaped drive way, allowing for quick access to the involved unit. Firefighters performed a drop-bag operation to lift hose-lines to the third floor and rapidly extinguish the flames, while colleagues raised 35' ladders and climbed to the roof.

After an immediate Search & Rescue operation, a 46 year-old female was located sitting on the ground against a mattress, in the small studio apartment. Firefighters pulled her out of the smoke filled room, however, sadly she was determined dead on scene.

A total of 45 firefighters, under the direction of Battalion Chief Wes Elder, extinguished the fire in just 13 minutes, confining it to the unit of origin.

There were no security doors, window bars or obvious non-fire factors to impede the woman from exiting the home.

A legally required smoke alarm was located, however it's functional status could not be immediately determined. The 42 year-old apartment was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

The cause remains under active investigation by LAFD's Arson Section, however there is no suspicious circumstances noted. The estimated dollar loss is $15,000 ($10,000 structure & $5,000 contents).

A positive identification of the deceased woman, as well as the precise cause, time and manner of her death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.

Dispatched Units: E105 T105 RA105 E84 E95 E106 RA96 E293 T93 EM14 BC15 BC14 E10 EM10 E305 AR2 AR23 AR11 RA105

(PHOTOS)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Los Angeles Firefighters Rescue Victims From Sun Valley House Blaze

SUN VALLEY - Los Angeles Firefighters quickly extinguish a house blaze that injured five, one critically.

Summoned by a 9-1-1 call at 12:18 AM on November 10, 2012, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded quickly to 8919 Stanwin Avenue in Sun Valley, to discover a one-story residence, with heavy fire showing. The structure was of typical 1950's stucco construction, with a hip-style roof, and four bedrooms, one of which was converted from a large 20' x 14' enclosed patio.

LAFD crews swiftly took to the roof to perform strategic vertical ventilation of heat and smoke, as their colleagues forced entry into the house to battle the well entrenched flames in the living room, enclosed patio-room, and kitchen. Four residents were inside when the blaze broke out.

Firefighters made an aggressive search and rescue operation of the 1,827 square-feet residence and successfully rescued the most critically injured from the front bedroom, and ensured all other occupants were out safely.

It took the well-coordinated effort of 45 Los Angeles Firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Daniel McCarty, just 21 minutes to extinguish the flames before they could spread to nearby residences.

A total of five adults were injured. Two were occupants and three were neighbors: A 50 year-old female suffered 2nd & 3rd degree burns to 25% of her body, and was rapidly treated and transported to a local hospital in critical condition. A 45 year-old male suffered a minor respiratory injury and was treated and transported to local hospital in fair to serious condition. Three neighbors suffered minor cuts to their hands after attempting to rescue the victims, and declined transport to the hospital.

All four residents of the house fire were displaced, only two were injured.

Smoke alarms were located in the residence, however their functional status was not readily determined, and no smoke alarms were found in or immediately outside the room where the critically injured were rescued. There were no obvious non-fire factors to impair the occupants egress from the dwelling, which was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated. The cause of the blaze remains under active investigation by the LAFD Arson Section.

Dispatched Units: E289 E89 T89 RA889 E77 RA77 E7 EM14 BC14 E81 RA81 E39 E298 T98 AR2 AR12 AR17

[ photos ]

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Rushes to Encino High Rise Fire

ENCINO - A small high-rise fire trapped a woman in an elevator and forced upwards of 100 occupants of multiple businesses to evacuate.

Just before 2:00 PM on September 12, 2012, Los Angeles Firefighters rushed from the ground and air to 16661 Ventura Boulevard after receiving multiple 9-1-1 calls of a possible fire on the roof of a seven story modern high-rise. As firefighters hurried inside, many occupants were rushing out.

 

Multiple activated smoke alarms and manual pull stations were noticed as the lobby fire alarm control panel was evaluated. Additional Firefighters were immediately requested. Scores of firefighters then calmly escorted occupants to safety, recalled the elevators, searched every floor of the 127,774 (sq ft) structure, contacted the building engineer, and located the source of the lazy smoke.

 

A 3' x 2' electrical box in a rooftop equipment room was quickly extinguished after catching fire. However, the smoke rapidly circulated through the building's HVAC system, pouring it throughout the offices. The flames also disrupted services in the buildings four elevators, trapping a woman. Firefighters quickly located, freed, and evaluated her. She declined transport to a hospital.

A total of 139 firefighters responded, under the command of Assistant Chief Kwame Cooper, many of which remained on scene for hours to remove the smoke and assist those in need.

The cause of the fire is electrical and the estimated dollar loss is $2500.

Dispatched Units: E83 E293 T93 RA83 E90 E109 RA100 H0B H0E H0C E39 T73 E273 E290 T90 EM17 BC10 BC15 E100 H1 H2 H4 H3 T88 E288 E93 E99 E287 T87 E278 T78 DC3 SQ21 EM12 BC9 E89 T27 E227 UR88 BC14 EM15 E103 BC17 RA93 RA99 RA102 EM14 E85 RA27 T85 E285 UR27 E85

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firefighters Injured in Canoga Park Apartment Blaze

CANOGA PARK - Intense flames gutted an under-construction, three-story apartment complex in Canoga Park early Saturday morning. Nearby buildings were spared destruction, however three firefighters were injured.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned to 7050 Vassar Avenue, just after midnight on July 7, 2012, to find a 50' x 100' apartment complex, well involved in fire. The building was under various stages of construction, with scaffolding reaching the third floor. Roaring flames on top of the structure stretched over 20' into the sky, threatening nearby buildings.

A bold and well coordinated offensive attack ensued, as firefighters rushed inside with hand-lines, and strategically cut holes on the roof.

Due to the aggressive work of firefighters, the flames were extinguished in just over one hour by nearly 100 Firefighters, all under the command of Battalion Joseph Chief Foley.

Although nearby buildings were spared destruction, approximately seven units were damaged, displacing some residents.

One male firefighter suffered a hand injury and was transported to a local hospital in fair condition, and placed off-duty. Two other male firefighters were evaluated, one for an eye injury, another for illness, however, both remained on-duty.

The cause of this early morning blaze remains under active investigation by the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section, and the dollar loss is still being tabulated.

Dispatched Units: E72 E105 T105 E305 RA105 RA84 EM17 BC17 E84 E106 E104 E296 T96 E273 T73 DC3 SQ21 BC15 T93 E293 T87 E287 E93 E60 EM15 BC12 BC14 E88 UR88 RA88 T89 E289 RA889 BC10 AR2 E87 T88 E288 DC3 SQ21 BC9 E105 T93 E293 AR2 BC17 DT3 T39 E239 E90 EM17 E93 E98 E39 E88

[ photos | photos | slideshow ]

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firefighter Injured, Beverly Park Mansion Saved

BEVERLY PARK - A firefighter was injured battling a large mansion fire in a gated Beverly Park community Friday evening, June 29, 2012. Due to firefighters' aggressive and coordinated attack, the vast majority of the multimillion dollar residence was saved.

A 9-1-1 call summoned scores of Los Angeles Firefighters to 50 Beverly Park Way, just West of Coldwater Canyon Drive, between Mulholland Drive and Sunset Boulevard at 6:30 p.m.

First arriving firefighters forced entry through the ground's gates to find moderate smoke pouring from the roof of the two-story French chateau-style mansion. Additional firefighters were immediately requested. Entry was again forced, this time into the 15,480 square-foot residence. Meanwhile, the well entrenched flames were rapidly spreading throughout the attic above.

Fire attack teams quickly deployed hand-lines in an effort to stop the spread throughout the interior, and were assisted by residential fire sprinklers. Simultaneously, roof teams aggressively cut holes on top of the structure to release super heated gases from below, as flames began burning through the roof allowing it to self ventilate. Shortly thereafter, portions of the roof and the ceiling inside collapsed. Additional firefighters directed their efforts to protect contents inside the home from flame, heat, smoke and water damage.

Over 100 Los Angeles Firefighters, along with assistance from Beverly Hills Fire Department, all under the command of Assistant Chief Michael Little, fully extinguished the blaze in just over one hour. Due to the incredible job of firefighters, the flames were confined to the house of origin and the majority of this beautiful home was saved.

A Beverly Hills Firefighter was injured after a beam struck him in the head. He was rapidly treated and transported by LAFD Firefighter/Paramedics and taken to a local hospital in serious but stable condition. No civilians were injured.

Preliminary information of what may have sparked the blaze is an exterior waterproofing operation that utilized a torch by workers. However, a thorough investigation by LAFD Arson Investigators will determine the exact cause. The dollar loss is estimated at $1.25 million ($1 million structure and $250,000 contents).

The mansion was a former home of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump, whom sated to a NBCLA reporter, "...possessions, houses they can be replaced, you know, my heart goes out to the Firefighter that was injured..."

Dispatched Units: E108 E278 T78 E97 E99 E102 E71 E86 H0A H0B BC14 BC10 E60 H1 H3 E90 H6 E288 T88 BC18 BC9 E39 RA78 E58 E239 T39 DC3 E289 T89 SQ21 EM14 RA99 RA97 RA71 EM9 BC17 BC5 RT83 E27 UR88 T27 E227 HR56 BC4 E61 AR2 E94 E292 T92 E237 T37 EA1 T66 E266 T26 E226 T29 E229 E12 E64 T85 E285 E48 SU2 RA59 T26 E226
           (PHOTOS)
Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman

Los Angeles Fire Department

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Los Angeles Firefighters Attack Downtown Blaze

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - A large fire broke out today in a one-story commercial building in downtown L.A. Over 100 Firefighters extinguished the blaze before anyone was hurt.

Image courtesy KTLA-TV. Used with permission.

Just after 1:30 p.m. Firefighters arrived at 1221 Hope Street to find heavy smoke pouring out of a 150' x 75' pre-1933 structure.

Firefighters rapidly forced entry and made their way through dark, smoky conditions, bringing hose-lines to the seat of the fire. Truck Companies simultaneously performed strategic vertical ventilation with chainsaws on the roof.

Due to the aggressive attack of Los Angeles Firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Gutierrez, the flames were extinguished in just 34 minutes.

The front portion of this 7,000 square-foot building was filled with artwork by Terrell Moore, the rear portion had a plant growing operation.

The dollar loss is estimated at $300,000 ($200,000 structure and $100,000 contents). The cause of this Greater Alarm fire is under active investigation.

Dispatched Units: E210 E10 T10 E9 T9 RA209 E3 RA803 SQ21 EM18 BC13 BC1 E15 RA810 DC1 E13 E215 T15 E4 E226 T26 EM1 BC11 T27 E227 E27 RA27 UR88 BC5 E11 T11 E211 BC18 BC2 MD1 EA1 RA13 RA15 RA4 EM11 RT40 AR7 AR2 SU1

(VIDEO)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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