Dog Dies in Greater Alarm Fire at Los Angeles Confetti Manufacturer

CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT - A Los Angeles firm that bills itself as the largest manufacturer and seller of confetti in the world, was the site of a greater alarm fire Saturday night, that took the life of a beloved pet dog and left the business in shambles.

Summoned by a passerby at 7:48 PM on July 13, 2013, the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived quickly at 1520 East 15th Street, to discover fire showing from a 40' x 100' two-story commercial building.

Forcing entry into the secured structure, firefighters discovered well-entrenched flames on the second floor of the business which housed manufacturing and dense storage of plastic confetti. Nearly untenable conditions held LAFD crews at a mezzanine - albeit briefly, as teams of firefighters atop the building used chainsaws to open the roof and release thick smoke and oppressive heat, allowing the offensive effort to continue.

Eight-six firefighters under the command of Battalion Chief Greg Gibson held flames within the heavily damaged building and extinguished the fire in just 40 minutes. The remains of a pet dog were later discovered in debris within the non-fire sprinklered structure.

No human injuries were reported.

Fire loss to Z-Barten Productions, operators of Confetti.com, is estimated to be at least $300,000 ($200,000 structure & $100,000 contents). The cause of the blaze remains under active investigation.

Dispatched Units: E17 E85 RA814 T9 RA10 EM13 BC1 E9 E210 T10 DC1 RA209 E10 E15 E221 T21 E203 T3 EM9 BC11 BC13 E3 UR3 RA3 RA803 T27 E227 UR88 BC5 EA1 AR1

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firefighters Rescue Scores of Animals from Hollywood Pet Store Fire

EAST HOLLYWOOD - A fast-moving fire at dawn Monday in a pet store, led to the dramatic rescue by firefighters of more than a hundred animals, before the intense blaze was brought under control.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 6:07 AM on June 10, 2013 to 1183 North Vermont Avenue, where they discovered heavy smoke showing from the roof of a one-story 120' x 110' L-shaped shopping center.
Forcing entry into well-secured businesses - including the heavily smoke charged Kim's Pets and Fish, teams of firefighters began the swift rescue of imperiled animals from pens, cages and aquariums as flames raged overhead.

LAFD personnel swiftly took to the roof of what proved to be two interconnected buildings, to commence a short-lived effort at vertical ventilation, before the roof proved untenable and collapsed into the premises below.

As firefighters made a decisive stand against flames deep within ornamental framework that connected the two buildings, their colleagues continued to push back fire with hose lines inside the burning pet store, supporting the ongoing removal of birds, mice, hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, fish, reptiles and 25 puppies - all of which were rescued unscathed.

The relentless effort of 138 Los Angeles Firefighters under the command of Assistant Chief Andrew Fox, brought the stubborn flames under control in just 55 minutes.

Though no human injuries were reported, smoke and structural collapse led to the demise of several birds, fish and reptiles who proved beyond LAFD help.

During final fire extinguishment, the discovery of several turtles trapped deep within debris buoyed the spirits of firefighters, who soon formed a human chain to crawl beneath tons of unstable and smoldering rubbish to safely rescue the reclusive reptiles prior to the application of firefighting foam, which would have led to their demise.

Monetary loss from the blaze, which heavily damaged the southwest portion of one non-fire sprinklered building, was still being tabulated late Monday. Los Angeles Fire Department Investigators determined the fire, which originated in the attic above the pet store, to be accidental in nature.

Dispatched Units: E235 T35 RA835 RA35 E82 E6 E52 E220 T20 EM11 BC5 BC11 E29 E56 E13 E229 T29 E250 T50 DC3 EM2 BC2 T3 E203 E3 UR3 RA3 RA803 UR88 BC1 E11 BC14 BC18 E227 T27 E211 AR2 E33 E202 T2 E60 E215 T15 EA2 RA892 EA1 AR17 RT59 AR1

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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May 8th is 'National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day'

With May 8, 2013 recognized as National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Deputy Administrator Richard Serino joins the Los Angeles Fire Department in reminding you to plan for disasters with pets, horses and livestock in mind:


There are three simple steps you can take today!

• Ensure your pet is wearing a collar with your current contact information. Because you may be mobile in a crisis, be sure to include your cell phone number on your pet's identification tag.
• Create a basic disaster kit with enough dry food and water for each animal to last at least five days. Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container will prove helpful, as will garbage bags to collect pet waste.
• Have sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers you can use to transport animals safely in an emergency.

For more information on preparing pets for disaster, visit:

ready.gov/caring-animals

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Cat Perishes, Residents Displaced by Valley Village Fire

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firefighters Rescue Dog From Burning Westchester Home

WESTCHESTER - A pet dog trapped in a burning home was rescued and resuscitated by Los Angeles Firefighters on Tuesday evening.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 5:19 PM on December 4, 2012 to 8300 South Georgetown Avenue in Westchester. LAFD crews arrived quickly to find a one-story home fully involved with fire. Forcing entry to battle flames, firefighters braved intense heat within the 1,552 square-foot residence, that was filled from floor-to-ceiling with thick, blinding smoke.
Systematically searching the building on their hands-and-knees as colleagues used hoselines to push back flames, firefighters found a non-breathing pet dog and swiftly pulled her from the smoke into the waiting arms of LAFD Paramedics, who labored passionately to resuscitate the seemingly lifeless soot-covered pet.

Administering oxygen with manual stimulation, the team of veteran Fire Department rescuers were able to restore breathing and consciousness to the 8 year-old mixed breed dog - to the great relief of her owner as she arrived at the scene.

Twenty-seven firefighters under the command of Battalion Chief Michael Bowman were able to extinguish the flames in just fifteen minutes, and no human or other animal injuries were reported.

Determining the smoke-exposed canine to be in need of continuing care, LAFD personnel assisted the owner in bringing her companion animal to the Advanced Veterinary Care Center in Lawndale, where she is expected to survive.

The accidental fire, caused by a wall furnace, led to $210,000 ($200,000 structure and $10,000 contents) damage to the 62 year-old home, which was not equipped with fire sprinklers.

Dispatched Units: E5 T5 E205 RA5 E67 RA867 EM9 BC4 E62 AR2

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, 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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Man Injured, Pets Die in Explosive San Fernando Valley House Fire

LAKE BALBOA - An explosive fire in a San Fernando Valley home early Tuesday, killed two pets and sent the homeowner to the hospital for treatment of painful burn injuries.

The fire, reported initially as an explosion by neighbors at 7:53 AM on Tuesday, December 20, 2011, brought 38 members of the Los Angeles Fire Department to 7500 White Oak Avenue in Lake Balboa.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find a one-story 810 square-foot home well involved with fire. As LAFD crews battled the blaze, they encountered the home's sole occupant, a 72 year old man, with second-degree burns to his face and hands. Following prompt treatment by Fire Department Paramedics, he was taken by ambulance to Northridge Hospital Medical Center in fair condition.

Firefighters continued to attack the flames, discovering two cats and two dogs within - or immediately adjacent to - the burning structure. Pulled from within and away from the smoke charged residence, firefighters were able to provide oxygen, resuscitate and rescue one canine and one feline. The other two animals however, proved to be beyond medical help and died at the scene.

The fire was confined to the home and extinguished in just 18 minutes. No other injuries were reported.

Once stabilized by firefighters, the surviving dog and cat were placed in the arms of neighbors who pledged to get them to veterinary care.

Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated. The cause of the early morning blaze has been categorized as accidental, and is attributed to a leak of combustible propane from a portable heating device used improperly within the home.

Dispatched Units: E273 T73 RA73 E100 RA100 E103 EM15 BC17 E70 T90 E90 E290 BC15

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Remembers Duke: Beloved Canine Responder Dies Month Prior to 9-11 Anniversary

From our friends at the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation...

Duke

Duke, a male Chocolate Lab, was born on August 22, 1997. Purchased by Doris and Larry Bilderback of Salinas as a hunting dog, Duke demonstrated very early on that he had other aspirations... he knew he was much better suited to the life of a Search Dog. That's when they decided to contact the Search Dog Foundation (SDF).

Evaluated as a potential Search Dog, Duke passed the tests with ease. He was soon brought to the home of Debra Tosch, SDF's Executive Director, in Ojai, California where he lived for two months. Debra prepared him for his official training program at Sundowners Kennel, the facility in Gilroy, California where all SDF dogs train.

Duke was paired with his handler Howard Orr, a firefighter with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, in 1999 - where he found a real home and they became a valuable team. Duke and Howard were loyal partners on the job and formed a strong bond through their continual training schedule. This schedule meant they trained every week with the other canines and handlers in their SDF Training Group. They worked continuously on search and rescue skills, maintaining top form so they would be ready for deployment at a moment’s notice. They also achieved Advanced Certification from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), making them able to respond across the nation as a Canine Disaster Search Team.

Howard Orr and Duke

As part of the Los Angeles Fire Department's FEMA Task Force (CA-TF1), Howard & Duke responded to numerous deployments during their 9-year career, including the La Conchita mudslide in January 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in August and September 2005, the Paso Robles Earthquake of 2003, the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City in 2002, and their very first deployment at the Echo Park Building Collapse in 2000. However, out of all the deployments they responded to, the one they are most recognized for is their response to Ground Zero in the days following the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

After many years of searching, Duke retired to spend time with Howard and his family at home in Thousand Oaks, CA. He still loved his toys and an easy search every now and then, but certainly enjoyed his retirement.

After struggling for months with several health issues, Duke crossed the Rainbow Bridge on August 8, 2011, with Howard by his side. As one of the founding teams in the Southern California area, Howard & Duke helped form the solid foundation that many of our current Search Teams have relied on when first beginning their journeys as disaster search canine handlers. Duke will be greatly missed by those that knew and worked with him as well as those that may never have met this great dog but admired his work from afar. Duke’s pawprints will be big ones to fill and we will all miss him immensely.

# # #

To learn more about these amazing search dogs and their handlers, please visit:

searchdogfoundation.org

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Los Angeles Firefighters Pull Nine Pets From Burning Hollywood Hills Home

On Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 10:01 PM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 32 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Richard Rideout, responded to a Structure Fire at 2747 North Laurel Canyon Boulevard in the Hollywood Hills.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find fire showing from a one-story hillside home.

Forcing entry into the smoke-charged residence, firefighters quickly encountered household pets seeking to escape the blaze, and soon commenced an exhaustive search of the 1,288 square-foot building to find and rescue a half-dozen more animals in severe to extreme distress.

The fire was swiftly confined to the home's kitchen and extinguished in just 22 minutes.

The total of nine pets rescued from the burning home, including four dogs and five cats, were cared for by Los Angeles Firefighters, who soon determined that two dogs and two cats were beyond medical help.

Following more than a half-hour of on-scene care by firefighters, the two dogs and three cats who survived the blaze, were entrusted to the care of a responder from the Department of Animal Services.

No human injuries were reported.




Monetary loss to the 55 year-old home - unoccupied by humans at the time of the fire, is estimated at $110,000 ($75,000 structure & $35,000 contents). The cause of the late night blaze is categorized as electrical.

We were deeply touched by this video statement from the resident...



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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Video: Firefighters Rescue Imperiled Hawk in Woodland Hills

On Sunday, May 8, 2011 at 7:18 PM, the Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned to assist an animal in peril in the 5300 block of Elvira Road in Woodland Hills.


Neighborhood Firefighters arrived quickly to find a hawk entangled in fishing line strung between a tall tree and utility pole. An LAFD Ladder Truck joined the Engine Company in a delicate effort to rescue the raptor, by carefully extending an aerial ladder 40 feet beyond utility lines.

Firefighters cut the filament line - a possible remnant from a kite, to release the frightened animal. The hawk was gingerly placed in a lightweight sack to protect it from further harm, and entrusted to the care of a responder from the Department of Animal Services.

No persons were injured.

Those who encounter animals in distress in the City of Los Angeles are encouraged to call the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services at (888) 452-7381. Additional information on animal care and control can be found at:

laanimalservices.com

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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