How Does LAFD Determine Wildfire Danger in Los Angeles?

How are decisions made by the Los Angeles Fire Department to pre-deploy resources on days of high wildfire hazard?

The answer is science.

To learn more, we spoke with Captain Daniel Curry, lead for the LAFD Fire Weather Program, who explains...

The LAFD utilizes a Burning Index (BI) to determine the Department’s commitment to pre-deploy resources. A number of procedures occur each day to determine the BI in Los Angeles.

First, dead vegetation fuel moisture readings are taken in the early afternoon at Fire Station 108 on Mulholland Drive near Coldwater Canyon, and communicated to LAFD's North Division Headquarters located at Fire Station 88 in the San Fernando Valley.

Second, a group of federal meteorologists at the Southern California Geographic Area Coordination Center (SCGACC) in Riverside, California provide a "fire weather forecast" consisting of a predicted high temperature, low relative humidity, wind speed and direction for the next day.

Third, historical data (high/low temperature, high/low relative humidity and hours of rainfall in the last 24 hours) is mixed into the brew.

All of this information is fed into equations that make up the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS). The result is the BI. Theoretically, fire danger is elevated when BI’s reach high values.

The daily BI level is stated as a numerical value:

BI 0 to 37 = Low
BI 38 to 47 = Moderate
BI 48 to 110 = High
BI 111 to 161 = Very High
BI 162 and above = Extreme

On days of Extreme Fire Danger, the Los Angeles Fire Department may pre-deploy resources at select Neighborhood Fire Stations in-and-near areas prone to wildfire.

Not all forecasts become reality, so LAFD North Division staff conduct real-time weather surveys, monitor Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) in and near the City of Los Angeles and consult the National Weather Service (NWS) to stay abreast of fire weather conditions and forecasts.

Please remember that radio and television weather reports are broadcast to a wider community than the City of Los Angeles, and pass along information on "Red Flag Warnings", for instance, that may not apply to the area served by the LAFD.

The NWS and SCGACC may come to different conclusions on the forecast as well, based on which computer model each agency trusts. Ultimately, the LAFD makes decisions on pre-deployment based on all of these inputs – with a lot of experience mixed in.

Kindly note that LAFD uses the term "Red Flag Alert" to indicate forecasted or existing "Red Flag" conditions inside the City of Los Angeles. A "Red Flag Alert" is called when the wind speed is 25 miles per hour or more and the relative humidity is 15% or less. History has proven that a combination of strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential.

For this reason, parking restrictions may exist on certain narrow streets in brush areas during “Red Flag Alert” conditions. To determine current Red Flag Alert Parking Restrictions within the City of Los Angeles, please call 3-1-1 or visit:

lafd.org/redflag

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Two Firefighters Injured, Family Displaced in North Hills Apartment Fire

NORTH HILLS - Two Los Angeles Firefighters were injured and a family of three displaced, when fire engulfed an apartment Saturday afternoon.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 1:06 PM on September 21, 2013 to 8718 Parthenia Place in North Hills. Firefighters arrived swiftly at the 5,864 square-foot two-story garden-style building, to find one second floor apartment heavily involved with fire. With reports of people trapped in the inferno, an aggressive and well-coordinated attack on the fire quickly ensued.

While their colleagues battled the flames, LAFD Paramedics examined five neighbors who had tried accessing the smoke-charged apartment in a belief that occupants were trapped. Thankfully, the involved apartment had been equipped with properly installed and maintained smoke alarms, which alerted occupants and neighbors to escape in a timely manner.

The three occupants of the burning unit were without physical harm, and the five neighbors who acted in good will required no immediate care for their brief exposure to smoke. It took 44 firefighters under the command of Battalion Chief Curt Klafta, just 17 minutes to fully extinguish the flames, which were confined to the apartment of fire origin.

During fire attack, two firefighters were injured. One suffered first- and second-degree burns to his hands, ears, forehead and right knee. The other required treatment for smoke inhalation. Both men were transported to hospitals by Fire Department ambulance for what were considered non-life threatening injuries.

No other persons were injured. The woman and her two teenage sons displaced by the fire were provided on-site assistance with temporary living needs by American Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers.

LAFD crews spent an additional four hours at the scene mopping up the blaze while providing personal care and emotional support to residents of the eleven unit complex. Despite a lack of residential fire sprinklers, loss to the 57 year-old building was limited to $90,000 ($60,000 structure & $30,000 contents). The blaze is considered electrical in nature, attributed to a window mounted air conditioner.

Dispatched Units: E290 T90 RA90 E81 RA81 E275 T75 EM14 BC12 E98 E7 RA7 E287 T87 T87 E287 E275 T75 AR2 BC12

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Wilmington Salvage Yard Blaze Scorches 105 Autos

WILMINGTON - An hour-long blaze in an automotive recycling yard torched more than a hundred vehicles Wednesday afternoon.

Los Angeles Firefighters were summoned at 4:48 PM on September 18, 2013 to multiple reports of vehicles burning at Apple Auto Dismantling, 2701 East Anaheim Street in Wilmington. Noting a large, black plume of smoke, the first due fire crews immediately requested additional personnel to respond.

Entering the large salvage yard, Fire Department crews found 15 to 20 cars already engulfed. The intense fire soon spread in the 150' by 200' area of tightly packed autos, requiring copious amounts of water and firefighting foam to douse the flames.

Nearly 70 firefighters under the command of LAFD Assistant Chief Ralph Terrazas were able to fully extinguish the blaze in just one hour. There were no injuries.

The fire was confined to the yard, damaging 105 autos. Fire loss was estimated at $450,000. The cause of the blaze is listed as under investigation.

Dispatched Units: E38 E49 E85 T85 E285 BC6 RA38 E36 E112 E248 T48 E264 T64 DC1 EM13 BC13 FT17 E17 T15 E215 E10 BC4 E11

Submitted by Katherine Main and Brian Humphrey, Spokespersons
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Intense Fire Leads to Collapse of Woodland Hills Home

WOODLAND HILLS - On Saturday September 7, 2013 just before 8:00 PM, Los Angeles Firefighters rapidly made their way up narrow roads to 5219 Calatrana Drive. Arriving firefighters found heavy fire engulfing a three story hillside home and threatening nearby structures and brush.

Fire companies made an aggressive interior fire attack as water dropping helicopters surrounded and extinguished burning vegetation. 30 minutes into the firefight a coordination exit was ordered in anticipation of building collapse. 147 firefighters under the command of Assistant Chief Andrew Fox continued exterior operations until extinguishment in one hour and 25 minutes. Fast action by firefighters protected nearby structures and the blaze was confined to the 2,604 square foot, tri-level home.

Three adult occupants, who were not present at the time of the blaze, were displaced from the residence, which was completely destroyed.


During the firefight, limited access and egress, low water pressure, and high ambient temperatures proved challenging for firefighters. The topography of the area presented concerns with water flow to surrounding structures and salvage efforts minimized damage. Fire companies remained on scene throughout the night monitoring flare ups from smoldering materials beneath the collapsed walls.

One Firefighter sustained non life threatening injuries, he was assessed at the scene and returned to work. Dollar loss is still being tabulated and expected to be in excess of one million dollars. The cause of the fire remains under active investigation by the LAFD Arson Section.

Dispatched Units: E84 RA84 RA107 E305 T105 E72 E293 E93 T93 EM17 BC17 BC10 E100 E105 H0C H0F H4 H5 E90 E239 T39 E106 E104 E296 T96 E273 T73 DC3 BC14 E260 T60 E98 E107 E103 E288 T88 E70 AR2 BC9 BC12 UR88 T89 E289 UR89 RA89 RA889 E5 BC5 EA1 RA876 E93 RA72 T29 E229 E39 E60 T94 E294 E3 E21 T105 E305 E93 BC17 AR2 T98 E298 T93 E293

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Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Responds to 'Rim' Wildfire near Yosemite National Park

Pursuant to a Mutual Aid Request, the Los Angeles Fire Department has assigned one Strike Team of firefighters to assist allied agencies in their battle against a brush fire in the Stanislaus National Forest, 3 miles east of Groveland in Tuolumne County, California (west of Yosemite National Park), approximately 260 miles northwest of our City.


You can pan, click & zoom this Map of the Rim Fire near Yosemite National Park
These twenty-three personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department have been dispatched to the Rim Fire Wildfire Incident in accordance with the California Fire Service and Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid Plan. Administered by the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES), the plan is designed to ensure resources for local jurisdictions when their own assets are committed or insufficient for an emergency incident.

The City of Los Angeles remains protected by the use of additional staff and reserve apparatus to cover foreseeable local needs.

The men and women of the LAFD ask motorists to remain watchful for these and other convoys of emergency apparatus, and to be mindful of the space necessary for them to safely maneuver on local roads and highways.

Pursuant of protocol, official public and media information regarding this wildfire, including the actions of assigned LAFD personnel, will be provided by the U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE, which are in joint command of this incident.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Fire Demolishes Two Businesses in Panorama City

PANORAMA CITY - It took the combined effort of 162 Los Angeles Firefighters more than two hours to fully control flames early Wednesday morning, when fire swept through a large building shared by a metal finishing firm and sign manufacturing business in the central San Fernando Valley.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned by the 9-1-1 call of a passerby at 3:14 AM, reporting a fire in or near a one-story industrial building at 14660 Arminta Street in Panorama City.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy smoke showing from the rear of a metal plating business housed in a portion of the 200' x 300' structure. A witness thankfully alerted building occupants of the fire, allowing those two men to escape unharmed prior to the Fire Department's arrival.


Within minutes, fire was through the roof of the 61 year-old building - containing hazardous chemicals, causing firefighters to assume a defensive posture to prevent flames from spreading to nearby businesses, while focusing their concern on limiting environmental harm. LAFD Hazardous Materials experts performed multiple assessments of the water runoff and ambient air quality during the relentless battle to control flames. Though one acidic reading was noted in pooled water on the premises, no off-site air or water hazards were specifically identified.

Despite structural compromise, the fire was skillfully confined to the single building of fire origin, with the bulk of flames extinguished in 2 hours and 7 minutes. Spared from fire damage was the attached K & K Design Studios immediately to the west, as well as the neighboring Consolidated Fabricators to the east.

No injuries were reported at the scene of the fire. LAFD personnel remained on-site for more than 24 hours overhauling smoldering debris, assisting a detailed fire cause investigation and supporting County of Los Angeles Health Hazardous Materials Division responders, who will oversee cleanup operations.

Fire loss to Aero Chrome Plating and Nationwide Displays, which were destroyed in the fire, is still being tabulated. The cause of the early morning blaze remains under active investigation.

More than four hours after the flames were extinguished, LAFD crews were summoned to the Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Bureau Headquarters, four-tenths of a mile northeast of the blaze, where eleven civilian and uniformed workers - who had not responded to the scene, expressed subjective respiratory irritation and general malaise.

One worker was taken to the hospital by colleagues prior to the Fire Department's arrival. Following a comprehensive medical evaluation by LAFD Paramedics, nine of the remaining ten patients declined further medical treatment or transportation by Fire Department ambulance. One woman was taken by LAFD Paramedics to a nearby hospital for further evaluation, her condition was not specified. LAFD personnel were unable to identify any acutely hazardous substance or condition within the police facility that may have been related to the fire.

Dispatched Units: E81 RA881 RA81 E7 E239 T39 E290 E90 T90 EM14 BC10 BC12 E98 E87 SQ87 E298 T98 RA7 RA90 E275 T75 E288 T88 DC3 E100 EM15 EM17 BC14 BC15 UR88 T27 E227 E27 UR27 BC5 T87 E287 RA87 RA27 E60 E39 E88 E293 T93 E289 T89 E273 T73 AR2 EA1 E29 E211 T11 E95 T95 E295 SQ95 RM2 RM3 RT83 RA909 HR56 AR7 E93 T61 E261 T37 E237 E83 T89 E289 E88

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Provides Mutual Aid to the Silver Fire in Banning CA

BANNING - The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) provides information regarding their mutual aid support of the Firefighters battling a brush fire called the Silver Fire, a Wildfire Incident near Banning, California on August 7th, 2013.

Pursuant to a Mutual Aid Request, the LAFD has assigned one Strike Team of firefighters to assist Cal Fire / Riverside County Fire Department and allied agencies in their battle against a brush fire burning near Poppet Flats Road and Hwy 243, south of Banning, in Riverside County, California, approximately 84 miles east of our City.
These 22 personnel consisting of a Battalion 5 Chief, Engine 10, Engine 11, Engine 15, Engine 27 and Engine 61 (Strike Team 1001) from the Los Angeles Fire Department have been dispatched to the Silver Fire Wildfire Incident, on August 7, 2013, in accordance with the California Fire Service and Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid Plan. Administered by the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal OES), the plan is designed to ensure resources for local jurisdictions when their own assets are committed or insufficient for an emergency incident. These LAFD firefighters originally back-filled Fire Stations in Moreno Valley and now have been redirected to Base Camp to be deployed to the Fire Ground. An additional LAFD Battalion Chief was also deployed to the Silver Fire as a Branch Director Trainee.

The City of Los Angeles remains protected by the use of additional staff and reserve apparatus to cover foreseeable local needs.

The men and women of the LAFD ask motorists to remain watchful for these and other convoys of emergency apparatus, and to be mindful of the space necessary for them to safely maneuver on local roads and highways.

Pursuant of protocol, official public and media information regarding this wildfire, including the actions of assigned LAFD personnel, will be provided by Cal Fire, which maintains daily jurisdictional authority of the area where the fire is burning. Additional details may be posted for public view on the Inciweb system or California Fire News.

Webcams: Toro Peak west cam. Toro Peak north cam.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Fire Destroys Glassell Park Market

GLASSELL PARK - On August 4, 2013, Los Angeles Firefighters battled intense flames at a one-story market in northeast Los Angeles.

Just before 9:00 pm firefighters were called to 3342 Verdugo Road. Upon arrival, they found fire burning through the roof of the Verdugo Rancho Market. Thankfully, the market was closed at the time and all occupants were out of the building.


Firefighters were met with a large volume of fire and made an aggressive interior attack while vertical ventilation was performed on the roof. Under the command of Battalion Chief Phillip Fligiel, additional LAFD resources were requested to aid in the battle of the intense blaze. The fire load in the approximately 100’ by 100’ market and fierce flames quickly made the roof unstable and necessitated a coordinated retreat of firefighters. A defensive exterior fire attach ensued. Roof collapse and structural compromise of two exterior walls proved challenging during the firefight. 125 firefighters contained the blaze to the fire building, extinguishing the flames in just over two hours.

One firefighter suffered a minor eye injury, was treated at the scene and returned to work. The market was consumed by fire, with loss estimated at $1.8 million ($1,000,000 structure and $800,000 contents). The cause of the fire is under active investigation.

Dispatched Units: E250 T50 E55 RA55 E44 RA844 EM1 BC1 E12 E42 E56 RA56 E201 T1 E212 T12 DC1 BC11 BC5 E3 T27 E227 UR27 RA927 UR88 BC14 E27 RA827 RA27 E233 T33 E211 T11 T29 E229 RA850 T3 E203 E61 E211 T11 EA1 AR1 E94 E260 T60 T2 E202 E66 DT1 T2 E202 E66 T15 E215 E11 E21 T50 E250 TP2 TP3 LD1 LD2 DT2 RA909 BC1 AR1 T12 E10 RA894 E12 E212 E12 RA909

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Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department

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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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Tanker Fire in Los Angeles Tunnel Impacts I-5 Freeway

ELYSIAN VALLEY - More than 200 firefighters were joined by allied agencies Saturday morning in responding to a dramatic non-injury tanker truck fire and fuel spill at a freeway interchange in northeast Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 10:31 AM on July 13, 2013 by multiple 9-1-1 callers reporting a vegetation fire alongside the northbound Golden State (I-5) Freeway near Stadium Way. With a large plume of smoke visible from a distance, the LAFD air and ground response was augmented for what was believed to be a large swath of burning grass and brush between the freeway and environmentally sensitive Los Angeles River.

Within moments of their arrival, LAFD crews realized the vegetation had been ignited by a big rig fuel tanker truck and trailer that were fully ablaze in a nearby tunnel that connects the northbound Glendale (SR-2) Freeway and the northbound Golden State (I-5) Freeway.

Heartened by news that the truck driver had escaped the blaze unharmed and that no other persons were in direct peril, firefighters began a multifaceted air and ground attack on an inferno fueled by the truck's 8,500 gallon cargo of gasoline.

With volatile fumes entering freeway and street drains, there were a handful of small explosions that displaced manhole covers in the area, leading officials to warn nearby residents to avoid stormwater drains in the neighborhood. Though some fuel entered and ignited along a half-mile section of the Los Angeles River, it was limited to a side channel contained by an earthen berm and vegetation.

A joint command that included the Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles Police Department, California Highway Patrol and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), worked in close coordination with more than a dozen safety, health and environmental organizations to effectively battle flames, limit collateral harm and speed recovery.

The battle against flames in the tunnel and river, with a simultaneous effort to limit fuel-laden runoff and abate hazards, continued over a large area for more than six hours, requiring a constant rotation of LAFD personnel.

A strong outreach via traditional and social media was used to inform residents and travelers in the area, including tens of thousands arriving for a 4:15 PM game at Dodger Stadium - which was not endangered by the incident.

With flames extinguished, Caltrans structural and maintenance engineers inspected the still warm concrete tunnel - and developed a game plan for its extensive repair, as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and other environmental response agencies began a recovery assessment of nearby wetlands. Responders - many in protective gear, working in the summer heat well into the pre-dawn hours Sunday, were aided by Community Emergency Response Team volunteers who oversaw an LAFD approved delivery and distribution of cool beverages.

Caltrans identified and coordinated temporary lane and highway closures near the effected interchange, including a busy section of the Golden State Freeway, reportedly used by as many as 300,000 vehicles per day.

The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the genesis of the tanker fire, specifically whether a collision or some type of mishap in or near the tunnel was responsible for the conflagration.

The Los Angeles Fire Department reported no responder or civilian injuries. Firefighters are encouraging motorists to stay informed regarding local highway closures, and to consider the 5-1-1 telephone number and information system as a timely and effective way to obtain details about traffic, transit and transportation throughout the region.

Dispatched LAFD Units: E201 T1 E44 E4 E250 T50 E56 E12 T12 E212 H0F H0B BC1 BC2 E9 H4 H5 H6 T20 E220 E90 RA820 RA20 E202 T2 T9 E16 E447 E10 E211 T11 DC1 H0E EM1 BC4 WT77 E77 FT17 E3 T3 E203 E2 RA850 FT60 E61 E64 E235 T35 E215 T15 BC5 H3 E27 RA801 EA1 T60 E260 RA60 RA56 EM11 E21 T21 E221 SQ21 RA21 RA821 HL1 CP3 RM2 RA1 RA55 EM14 RT83 RT59 RA801 SQ21 RA56 E42 E11 E13 T29 E229 E14 E94 CV20 CV21 RA56 RA17 E29 E37 E33 E15 E48 JT2

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Raging Fire Damages Los Angeles Victorian Home, Displacing 6

WESTLAKE - A fire raced through a 118 year-old Victorian home west of downtown Los Angeles Tuesday afternoon, trapping one man and his pets, and leading more than 125 firefighters to battle fierce flames that caused nearly a half-million dollars damage.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 2:05 PM on July 9, 2013 to 690 South Burlington Avenue. Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy fire on the second floor of a 3,552 square-foot three-story Victorian home, with flames extending to the third floor and attic.

@LAFD knocking down Victorian house fire 7th/Burlington pic.twitter.com/4c8Jk6zYjA
— Ray Ravith Pok (@poKreate) July 9, 2013

A man and his two dogs perilously trapped by smoke and flames at a third story window were dramatically rescued by firefighters, who rapidly deployed an aerial ladder to assist the trio to safety unharmed. A total of 127 Los Angeles Firefighters under the command of Assistant Chief Emile Mack, labored under intense summer heat with high humidity for nearly 48 minutes to fully extinguish the flames.

The compartmentalized interior of the building, combined with balloon-frame construction (typical of the era) allowed flames to quickly spread and led to an extensive post-fire overhaul of building by LAFD personnel, who spent nearly 9 hours salvaging personal property and checking for embers.

No injuries were reported.

Six adults displaced by the greater alarm fire were provided on-site support by American Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers, who offered residents temporary shelter and life needs assistance.

The presence and functional status of smoke alarms inside the vintage structure could not be immediately determined. The home, built in 1895 and never retrofitted with optional residential fire sprinklers, sustained an estimated $450,000 damage ($400,000 structure and $50,000 contents).

Though the specific cause of the blaze remains under investigation, a team of veteran Investigators from the Los Angeles Fire Department Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section confidently stated there was "no evidence of this being an intentionally set fire".

Dispatched Units: E211 E11 T11 RA11 E13 RA950 E10 T10 E210 SQ21 EM11 BC11 BC1 E15 E9 T9 RA9 DC1 RA811 EA1 E226 T26 E229 T29 EM5 BC18 T3 E203 E3 UR3 RA3 RA803 UR88 BC5 AR1 HU59 AR9 E12 T64 E264 T27 E227 E21 T15 E215 E66

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Four Injured, One Gravely When Fire Erupts in Sylmar Home

SYLMAR - The Los Angeles Fire Department was called just before 7:00 PM on July 6, 2013 to 13723 Sproule Avenue.

Upon arrival, the LAFD found a one story house involved in fire. The blaze was rapidly extinguished by 45 firefighters in just 17 minutes, under the command of Battalion Chief Dennis Waters.

Sadly the occupants of the room where the fire ignited sustained significant burns. A total of four male patients ranging in age from 17 to 35 were transported to area hospitals. One patient was transported in grave condition, two in serious, and one with non-life threatening injuries.

Dollar loss was tabulated at $125,000 ($100,000 structure and $25,000 contents). The cause the fire is under a joint investigation by the Los Angeles Fire Department Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section and the Los Angeles Police Department.

Dispatched Units: E91 RA91 E275 T75 RA75 E298 T98 EM15 BC12 E77 E18 E287 T87 AR2 RA98 AR11 RA81 AR1 AR9

Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Massive Blaze Causes $2.5M Damage to Sun Valley Furniture Firm

SUN VALLEY - A massive blaze Monday evening in a northeast San Fernando Valley industrial enclave put scores of Los Angeles Firefighters to the test, as the inferno combined with high outdoor temperature and humidity to make an overtly oppressive battle.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned by a passerby who called 9-1-1 at 5:09 PM on July 1, 2013 to report smoke showing from a large one-story industrial building at 9415 Telfair Avenue.

Arriving quickly, LAFD crews discovered increasingly heavy smoke from the 200' x 75' structure of cinder-block construction, that was well secured and unoccupied at the end of the business day.

As teams of firefighters took to the roof, their colleagues extended large diameter hose lines to each side of the building and used power saws to force their way through rolling steel doors in an attempt to gain access to the seat of increasingly intense flames that fed on material and remnants of furniture manufacturing, as well as chemicals and cardboard used in furniture finishing and shipping.

With ambient temperature of 95°F, relative humidity of at least 23% and variable winds up to 9 miles per hour, the conditions were difficult for the 161 LAFD personnel assigned to the incident.

A sudden yet predictable failure of the lightweight roof allowed flames and smoke to tower in the sky, as Assistant Chief Trevor Richmond coordinated a smooth and safe transition to defensive tactics, bringing large hose streams to bear on the flames from ground crews and several aerial ladders at the periphery of the building.

The flames were confined to the building of fire origin, and extinguished in 1 hour and 52 minutes. LAFD crews spent an additional 15.5 hours on-site performing salvage and overhaul at the business, which was heavily damaged in the conflagration.

Though several firefighters were assessed and treated at scene to combat the effect of dehydration throughout the firefight and recovery operation, none required ambulance transport to the hospital.

Fire loss to Kalfon Crafts Corporation, a maker of furniture & cabinetry, has been estimated at $2,500,000 ($1,000,000 structure and $1,500,000 contents).

The cause of this early evening blaze remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Dispatched Units: E77 E298 E98 T98 E289 T89 RA889 E7 RA81 EM14 BC12 BC14 E81 E260 E60 T60 E239 E39 T39 DC3 EM15 BC10 T27 E227 UR27 E5 UR88 BC5 RA27 RA827 E27 RA39 EM9 EM10 E90 E275 T75 E91 E290 T90 AR2 RA898 MD1 RT83 RA77 BC1 E287 T87 E11 E237 T37 E24 E274 T74 E86 EA2 BC15 BC17 DT1 HU89 SQ21 BC1 SQ87 E105 T88 E288 E66 T94 E294 T15 E215 E88 E89 E98 AR2 AR3 AR23

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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City and County Firefighters Battle Industrial Blaze in South L.A.

SOUTH LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Fire Department was called just before 1:30 pm on June 25, 2013 to 136 East 58th Street, where they found Antique Wood Craft, a one story furniture manufacturing business, heavily involved in fire.

It was quickly determined the stage and quantity of flames made an interior offensive firefight impossible. An exterior defensive fire attack ensued. Nearly 100 firefighters battled the hour long blaze. During this time, two adjacent commercial buildings were exposed to fire and sustain minor damage.

Quick action by firefighters and working fire sprinklers aided in rapid fire extinguishment. Nearly one dozen workers escaped the fast moving fire prior to the Fire Department’s arrival.

The main fire in the 75’ by 100’ metal-clad building was so intense, that an ember traveled one and a half blocks, where it ignited a fire at 327 East 58th Street. There, the blaze was limited to a surface fire on the roof, swiftly extinguished through the combined effort of LAFD and Los Angeles County Fire Department responders.

Fire loss is still being tabulated. The cause of the fire remains under active investigation by the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section.

Dispatched LAFD Units: E33 T33 E233 RA833 RA33 E221 E21 T21 SQ21 E46 BC13 BC11 E14 E266 T66 DC1 EM13 BC1 BC2 E215 T15 E11 E66 T10 EM11 T3 E203 E3 UR3 UR88 BC4 RA3 RA803 RA62 EM5 RA79 EA1 E210 TP1 TP3 LD1 LD2 DT2 DT3 AR2 AR1 EL3 T94 E294 E27 E85 E64

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Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Suspicious Blaze Injures Two Los Angeles Firefighters

EAST HOLLYWOOD - A suspicious blaze in an abandoned two-story home sent a pair of Los Angeles Firefighters to the hospital Sunday morning with painful but non-life threatening injuries.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 8:30 AM on June 23, 2013 to 714 North Kenmore Avenue, where they discovered fire on the second floor and attic of an unoccupied 1,744 square-foot two story home.


You can click, grab and zoom the pre-fire image above - or view larger
Forty-six LAFD personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Joseph Klein forced entry into the minimally secured building, confining flames within the unfurnished residence in just 19 minutes.

During a tenacious attack on intense flames, two Los Angeles Firefighters sustained painful first- and second-degree burns to their ears and necks. In fair condition, the men were taken by LAFD ambulance to Torrance Memorial Medical Center for specialized burn care, where they were treated and released to remain off-duty.

No other injuries were reported.

Loss to the 99 year-old vacant wood frame home was limited to the structural value of $100,000. The fire is presently categorized as suspicious, and remains the focus of an active LAFD investigation. Those with information about the fire are asked to call the Los Angeles Fire Department's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section directly at (213) 893-9800.

Dispatched Units: E6 RA6 E52 RA52 E220 T20 E235 T35 E13 EM11 BC11 BC5 E29 AR2 E82 EM13 AR9

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Fire in South L.A. Auto Repair Business Claims Life

SOUTH LOS ANGELES - A fire in an automotive repair firm proved deadly to a man early Sunday morning, when he was unable to escape his makeshift living space inside the business, as flames fed on the dense storage within.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 1:36 AM on June 16, 2013 by a 9-1-1 call from a passerby who noted smoke pouring from the 45' x 20' one-story building at 8002 South San Pedro Street.


You can click, grab and zoom the pre-fire image above - or view larger
LAFD crews arrived quickly to find fire showing from the well-secured 900 square foot building. Forcing entry through metal security doors to battle flames fed by pack-rat conditions amid thick floor-to-ceiling smoke, firefighters promptly encountered the body of a man just inside the front doorway.


The pulseless and non-breathing adult male was swiftly carried from the burning building by firefighters, who soon determined he was beyond medical help, and declared him dead at the scene.

It took 30 Los Angeles Firefighters under the command of Battalion Chief Anthony Matthews, just thirteen minutes to fully extinguish the flames. No other injuries were reported.

The commercial building, within which a small area had been converted to living space, contained excessive storage and was not equipped with smoke alarms or fire sprinklers. The front security door included a double-cylinder (key required on both sides) deadbolt lock. Such locks are known to impair egress in the event of a fire, and are not locally permitted in residential settings.

A positive identification of the dead man, as well as the specific cause, time and manner of his death, will be determined the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner.

Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated, while the cause of the blaze remains under active investigation.

Dispatched Units: RA833 RA33 E264 E64 T64 E21 EM13 BC13 E46 T33 E233 AR1 DC1

[ photos ]

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

[ photos ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Responds to 'Powerhouse' Wildfire in Angeles National Forest

Pursuant to a Mutual Aid Request, the Los Angeles Fire Department has assigned one Strike Team of firefighters, one LAFD Helicopter with support crew, as well as specially certified Command and operational staff to assist the U.S. Forest Service and allied agencies in their battle against a brush fire that began on May 30, 2013 in the Angeles National Forest between Castaic and Palmdale (Antelope Valley), approximately 17 miles north of our City.


Click here to view a larger perimeter map of the Powerhouse Fire
(You can also click, grab and zoom the current status map above)
These forty personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department have been dispatched to the Powerhouse Wildfire Incident in accordance with the California Fire Service and Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid Plan. Administered by the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA), the plan is designed to ensure resources for local jurisdictions when their own assets are committed or insufficient for an emergency.

The City of Los Angeles remains protected by the use of additional staff and reserve apparatus to cover foreseeable local needs.

The men and women of the LAFD ask motorists to remain watchful for these and other convoys of emergency apparatus, and to be mindful of the space necessary for them to safely maneuver on local roads and highways.

Pursuant of protocol, *official public and media information* regarding this wildfire, including the actions of assigned LAFD personnel, will be provided by the U.S. Forest Service (@R5_Fire_News) and/or Los Angeles County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) and/or Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (@LASD_News), which are in Joint Command of this incident that originated within the Angeles National Forest (@Angeles_NF).

Twitter Hashtag: #PowerhouseFire

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Responds to 'Springs' Wildfire in Ventura County

Pursuant to a Mutual Aid Request, the Los Angeles Fire Department has assigned two Strike Teams of firefighters to assist the Ventura County Fire Department and allied agencies in their battle against a brush fire between Camarillo and Newbury Park, California, approximately 17 miles west of our City.


View Larger Vicinity Map of the Springs Wildfire (You can also pan, click & zoom the map above)
These fifty personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department have been dispatched to the Springs Fire Wildfire Incident in accordance with the California Fire Service and Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid Plan. Administered by the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA), the plan is designed to ensure resources for local jurisdictions when their own assets are committed or insufficient for a specific emergency incident.

The City of Los Angeles remains protected by the use of additional staff and reserve apparatus to cover foreseeable local needs.

The men and women of the LAFD ask motorists to remain watchful for these and other convoys of emergency apparatus, and to be mindful of the space necessary for them to safely maneuver on local roads and highways.

Pursuant of protocol, official public and media information regarding this wildfire, including the actions of assigned LAFD personnel, will be provided by the Ventura County Fire Department and/or the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), which are managing the incident.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Investigators Seek Cause of Intense Blaze at Los Angeles Church

LEIMERT PARK - A multi-agency fire investigation is underway to determine the cause of a blaze that heavily damaged a southwest Los Angeles church early Friday morning.

The fire was reported to the Los Angeles Fire Department at 1:54 AM on April 26, 2013. Firefighters arrived quickly to 4909 South Crenshaw Boulevard, where they found heavy fire inside the Bethesda Temple Apostolic Church.

The combination of a steeply pitched roof, high ceilings and the volume of fire, lead firefighters to quickly transition to defensive operations. Nearly 100 firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Ralph Terrazas, had the flames extinguished in just 50 minutes. A well-coordinated effort by firefighters limited the blaze to the 86 year old building of fire origin. No injuries were reported.

Twenty-nine additional LAFD personnel were called to the scene over the next fourteen hours, to assist in salvaging items from the sanctuary and supporting the investigation.

With clergy expressing a strong interest in maintaining Sunday services, firefighters helped churchgoers set up for worship in the community center next door. "This church is a cornerstone of the community", said Fire Captain Jaime Moore, adding "we're doing everything we can to help them get back on their feet".

Monetary loss from the fire is estimated at $2 million ($1.5M structure & $500,000 contents). Pursuant of protocol, the fire remains the focus of an active investigation by the multi-agency House of Worship Arson Task Force, which has yet to declare a cause for the blaze.

Dispatched Units: E66 E294 E94 T94 RA94 RA894 EM11 BC18 E15 DC1 T66 E266 E34 E26 T26 E226 E215 T15 EM9 BC11 T27 E227 E27 UR27 RA27 RA927 UR88 BC5 E10 AR1 E233 T33 E11 AR11 AR17 RT59 RA867 AR9 E94 BP94 AR17 T94 E294

Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department

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