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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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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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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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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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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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 Pair Sentenced in Arson Fire that Severely Injured LAFD Captain

LOS ANGELES - On January 9, 2011, members of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded to a vehicle fire near Elysian Park. While extinguishing the fire, a violent explosion occurred seriously injuring an LAFD Captain. The Officer was rendered unconscious and sustained a severe skull fracture and several other lesser injuries.

It was later discovered by Investigators from the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) that the fire was intentionally set in what appeared to be a case of arson for profit and insurance fraud. The LAFD requested assistance from the California Department of Insurance (DOI).

On Wednesday October 26, 2011, following an 11-month investigation, LAFD ACTS Investigators and DOI Detectives identified and arrested two suspects in conjunction with this auto insurance fraud scheme: Maria Porras (35) and Rigoberto Diaz (37), both of Los Angeles.

Rigoberto Diaz (Then Age 37)

On February 5, 2013, Rigoberto Diaz pled guilty to 1 count of Arson with Great Bodily Injury and was sentenced to 14 years in the California State Prison system.

Maria Porras (Then Age 35)

On February 4, 2013, Maria Porras pled guilty to 1 count of Insurance Fraud and was sentenced to 3 years formal probation.

Arson is not a victimless crime. If you have information about arson in Los Angeles, please contact the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section directly at (213) 893-9800.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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100 Years Ago Today Los Angeles Firefighters Battled the Famous Brennan Hotel Fire

We would like to share a story with you that turns 100 years-old today. Not just any story. A story that is one of the most talked about fires in the history of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

A fire so vicious it injured 30 rugged firemen, burying five, and nearly cost the Chief of the Department his life. A fire where chorus girls in makeup rewarded exhausted firemen with kisses as they exited the smoke-filled building. A fire where likely more pictures were taken than any other fire in the horse drawn era (1877-1921). A fire so fierce it inspired the instant making of a movie. A fire where the Los Angeles Mayor actually pulled hose-line, and thousands of spectators powerlessly watched wide eyed.

This is a story like no other, and just when everyone thought the flames were out...

Los Angeles Examiner
January 24, 1913

Fed by paints, oils and wallpaper of the stock of the Los Angeles Wallpaper and Paint Company, at 529 South Main street, a fire, discovered shortly before 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon, swept from top to bottom of the five-story building with the fierceness of flames in a furnace, inflicting a loss of about $100,000 and furnishing a thrilling spectacle to many thousands of persons during the stubborn fight which lasted till nightfall before the firemen had conquered. The fire started in the rear part of the ground floor of the paint company's store, but the cause of it is not known. As soon as Chief Eley arrived he saw the seriousness of the menace and a second and a third alarm followed in rapid succession, until all of the fire companies of the central portion of the city were massed in the struggle to keep the flames within the four walls and save what could be saved from the burning building.

Fire Chief Eley, but lately risen from a sick bed, led his men with persistent courage, forcing his way again and again into the gas-choked basement and the first floor, until a final venture into the death tap almost cost him his life.

An explosion of turpentine casks had thrown a group of firemen out through a basement entrance and had covered another group with a mass of wallpaper from shattered shelving. Immediately following the rescue of these men, just before 5 o'clock, Chief Eley, who had already fainted twice from exertion and exposure to choking fumes, made his way from the rear alley forward through the basement, determined to learn personally if there were other stocks of explosive oils that would endanger the lives of his firemen. 

Presently the absence of the chief was noticed, and a dozen firemen began a frantic search for him.

Firemen J. Reyes of Engine Company No.5 came upon the chief, lying unconscious on the basement floor about 35 feet from the Main street front.

Reyes picked Chief Eley up in his arms and carried him to the front and up a ladder through the sidewalk door. Eley was hurried to the Hospital of the Good Samaritan, unconscious and in a serious condition. He was treated with oxygen, and after an hour recovered consciousness. Late last night he was reported by the physicians in charge to be resting easy and in no danger.

(J. Reyes, now fifty years later as Capt. Reyes, L.A.F.D. retired, states that Chief Eley tripped and fell through an open shipping hatch into nine feet of hot water and turpentine in the basement. Reyes, assigned to Engine Co.5, left his company and entered the hot water and rescued the chief swimming to the hatch opening where Eley was lifted out of the water with a pike pole. Reyes himself became extremely ill from inhaling the turpentine fumes and the hot water he swallowed making the rescue. However, he was not taken to the hospital or listed among those treated. According to Capt. Reyes, as he recalls the incident, Assistant Chief O'Donnell threatened to dismiss Reyes for leaving his company, but Capt. Stephen Queirolo, a natural leader during those early days, threatened to leave the job if Reyes was penalized for his bravery so the matter was dropped. Reyes received no recognition for his act.)

FALSE REPORT CAUSES GLOOM

Shortly after the chief was taken away in the ambulance the word spread among the firemen that he was dying, and they continued the fight under a pall of sadness in that belief.

The four upper floors of the burned building were occupied by the Hotel Brennan. The lodgers had ample warning, and all had left the lodging house before there was any danger to life.

The value of stock of the paint company is placed at $60,000. It is a total loss.

The furniture of the Brennan was worth about $15,000, and it is almost entirely destroyed by the fire and water.

The building, owned by Gustave Brenner of San Francisco, is estimated to have been worth about $75,000, and half of that is the estimate of loss. None of the walls fell.

Wing's Cafe, a chop suey place, which occupied one of the ground floor rooms adjacent to the paint company, suffered a loss of about $5,000.

PROPERTY WELL INSURED

Insurance of $67,500 was carried on the building. The paint company carried insurance to the amount of $20,000. S.M. Green, proprietor of the Brennan, had $10,000 insurance on his furniture, and the cafe was insured to the amount of $3,000.

From 2 o'clock until after 6 Main street and Fifth and Sixth streets were blocked to traffic. Masses of spectators were packed against the ropes at the street corners, and thousands more watched the fire from the roofs of the Kerkoff, Central, Pacific Electric, Security and other tall buildings in the vicinity.

A portion of the matinee audience at the Burbank theater had reached the house before the streets were closed, and most of them sat through the play, in ignorance of the thrilling scenes in real life that were being enacted just on the other side of the swinging doors.

The Optic theater, next door to the paint store, was filled with an audience watching the moving pictures when the fire was discovered. The manager announced that an accident to the film mechanism compelled a suspension of the entertainment, and the theater was emptied without confusion.

GALLANT FIREMEN KISSED

Rehearsal was on at the Century theater, just north of the burning building. The stage was drenched with water and the rehearsal and evening performance were abandoned. The chorus girls, in their makeup, watched the fire, and, in their enthusiasm over the daring shown by the firemen, rewarded some of them with kisses as they came out of the smoke-filled storerooms for breathing spells.

There were thrilling rescues of women in grave peril, but the women were moving picture actresses and the rescuers were actors with terra cotta complexions and black, cornice-like eyebrows. The "movies" man was on hand within half an hour of the time the fire started, with camera and company, and seizing a time when the ladies in front were not in use, the brave rescuers carried limp women down them, while the cameraman worked his crank and shouted hoarse directions.

So realistic was all this that a policeman was deceived and, rushing forward, seized an apparently unconscious girl from the arms of an actor and was rushing to an ambulance with her when her friends effected a genuine rescue.

THIRTY FIREMAN OVERCOME

Probably in all thirty firemen were overcome temporarily by the gas inside the building. Some of them were revived and returned to their work. Firemen were taken to hospitals for treatment.

A second and then a third alarm brought all the downtown fire apparatus to the scene. Twenty lines of hose poured their streams into the building from Main street, from the alley in the rear and from the roofs of the buildings across the alley.

Four engines, the tower, two hook and ladder trucks and three of four hose wagons were grouped at the Main street front. Two engines were at Sixth and Main, and three at Fifth and Main streets, and three more at the Fifth street mouth of the alley in which there was a cluster of ladder and hose trucks.

The firemen fought against great odds, as the combustible stock of the paint store, in the rear of which the fire started, blazed fiercely in spite of the torrents of water that were poured upon it. The flames swept up an air shaft and spread to every floor of the hotel, and down into the basement, where most of the paints and oils were stored. Embers fell all about the block, but with the competent force and equipment Chief Eley had brought to the contest, there was at no time any real danger of the fire spreading beyond the four walls.

Mayor Alexander was on the scene and occasionally lent a hand at tugging at a line of hose. Later he visited the Receiving Hospital and shook hands with each of the injured firemen, congratulating them on the courage with which they had fought till overcome.

RIVAL POLITICIANS ON SCENE

Meyer Lissner, whose Lissner building abuts on the alley directly opposite the burned building, watched the fire closely. It is a coincidence that Gustave Brenner, owner of the structure that burned, was chairman of the rump Republican State convention, held at the time Lissner as chairman of the Republican State Central committee, was directing the activities of the faction in control.

The most tense period of the fight came at a time when thousands of watchers thought the spectacle was ended. A sullen roar came from the basement, the muffled report of an explosion, presumably of turpentine casks.

Lieutenant J. Smith, R. Conklin and Ed Welte of Engine Company No.24 were entering the basement and they were hurled back to the street by the force of the explosion.

On the ground floor a group of firemen were working desperately when an avalanche of wall-paper, jarred from shelves by the explosion, came tumbling down upon them.

FIVE BURIED UNDER DEBRIS

Captain C.F. Blackwell, Howard Dyer and Roy King of Hose Company 23, William Shiller of Engine Company No.7, and J.F. Corneaugh of Truck Company 1 were buried under the debris and were immediately in danger of suffocation, their situation being all the more critical because the room was thick with smoke and gases.

A score of their comrades rushed in and dug frantically till all of them were rescued and carried out, to be hurried away to the Receiving Hospital.

Following the rescue of Chief Eley, Assistant Fire Chief O'Donnell took charge of the fight and remained on duty till all further danger had passed.

A.W. Dominguez, captain of Engine Company 14, was enjoying a day off when the alarms sounded. He made all speed to the fire and worked with his men all through the afternoon.

John B. Conlon, who recently retired as battalion chief of fireboats of the New York fire department after thirty years of service, was an interested spectator.

H.W. Broughton is president and H.C. Grupe is secretary-treasurer of the Los Angeles Wallpaper and Paint Company, which, after Brenner, is the heaviest loser in the fire.

HORSE TAKEN THROUGH FIRE

A horse hitched to a delivery wagon stood in the alley when the fire lines were closed and rather than try to get him out through the dense crowds he was unhitched and taken out to Spring street through a liquor store.

Many of the lodgers in the Hotel Brennan saved some of their effects. Motormem and conductors in uniform, a large number of who roomed there, went into the building long after it had been deserted by its dwellers and came out with grips, suitcases and trunks, drenched but happy in the rescue of their possessions...

Here is a list of the most seriously injured firemen working at this fire. There were 30 firemen in all requiring treatment by those listed were as follows:

• Chief A.J. ELEY--Overcome by smoke and fumes: in Columbia Hospital; condition serious, but not fatal.
• CHESTER HOPKINS--Operator for Assistant Chief O'Donnell, overcome by smoke.
• HOWARD DYER--Engine Co.23, slight cut on head.
• R.W. KING--Hose No.23, overcome by smoke.
• W.SHILLER--Engine Co.7, overcome by smoke.
• C.F. BLACKWELL--Engine Co.23, overcome by smoke.
• M.R. KLINE--Engine Co.3, cut on foot by glass.
• H.H. RHOADES--Truck No.6, hand cut by glass.
• HARRY COONEY--Hose No.6, overcome by smoke.
• R.G. SCHUTE--Engine Co.24, overcome by smoke.
• J.F. CORNEAUGH--Truck No.1, contusion of back and overcome by smoke.
• LEONARD GRIFFIN--Engine Co.3, inflamed eye and overcome by smoke.

This is but one story of a Fire Department drenched in rich history, centered around bravery. May it remind us of the daily courageous acts of firefighters world wide and the countless stories gone untold.

LAFD Historical Archive

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Researched by Fred S. Allen & Frank Borden
Edited & Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Fast Moving Arleta Blaze Displaces Seven, Injures Firefighters

ARLETA - A fast-moving house fire sparked by the careless use of a barbecue, displaced seven residents and sent three Los Angeles Firefighters to the hospital on Wednesday afternoon.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 12:48 PM on November 28, 2012 to 9205 Dorrington Avenue in Arleta, where firefighters discovered fire to the rear of a one-story home. Intense flames had consumed an 8' x 15' fabric canopy stretched over a tall metal frame that abutted the residence, allowing flames to extend into the building prior to the Fire Department's arrival.

During the skirmish with flames, one firefighter fell nine feet through fire-weakened eaves at the southwest edge of the home, squarely striking a colleague on the ground and grazing another before landing on a ragged pile of debris outside the building. The three men sustained injuries that ranged from painful to potentially debilitating, yet were considered non-life threatening. The trio were taken to an area hospital where at least one was expected to remain for observation.

LAFD crews reunited two small dogs with the homeowner as they battled the flames, which were extinguished in just 16 minutes - but not before causing $100,000 damage ($70,000 structure & $30,000 contents) to the home, which was not equipped with fire sprinklers.

No other injuries were reported. The American Red Cross provided temporary placement assistance to the three adults and four children displaced by the blaze.

The cause of the fire is considered accidental. Responders attribute the blaze to careless placement of the barbecue beneath a fabric canopy, combined with unsafe handling of ignited charcoal.

Dispatched Units: E7 E81 RA75 T90 RA890 EM12 BC12 E98 T98 E298 RA7 RA898 E275 E289 T89 DC3 E290

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Dead Body Found & Firefighter Injured in Canoga Park Business Blaze

CANOGA PARK - Early Thanksgiving Day Los Angeles Firefighters battled a blaze in a commercial building where a man's body was found in a burned-out business that went up in flames. Also, an injured firefighter was transported to a local hospital after a significant fall from a ladder.

The fire was reported at 2:10 a.m. on November 21, 2012. Firefighters arrived at the 7800 block of Alabama Avenue to find fire showing from a 75' x 150' one-story multi-occupancy commercial building, and immediately requested additional assistance.

In a well coordinated and swift attack, firefighters aggressively forced entry through metal clad doors with rotary saws, deployed hand lines in an interior fire attack, laddered the penalized roof, and performed vertical ventilation with chain saws to release hot gases and smoke. Their relentless effort and teamwork contained the damage to seven of the fourteen connected units (units 1-7 were on the west & 8-14 on the east). Tenants included a paint shop, two kitchen appliance stores, a construction business and a surf shop.

An adult male firefighter suffered injuries to the left side of his body from an approximate 16' fall while on a ladder. He was transported to a local Trauma Center in fair condition.

A total of 62 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Karen Richter, extinguished the flames in 32 minutes.

The cause of the early morning blaze remains under active investigation by LAFD's Arson Section and LAPD Topanga Division, however preliminary reports suggest that there is no suspicious activity indicating this was an arson fire.

The unit of origin was not fitted with functional smoke alarms, and there were no security doors, window security bars or obvious non-fire factors to impede the man's egress. The building was equipped with 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 still being tabulated.

Dispatched Units: E106 RA906 E296 T96 RA96 E104 EM17 BC17 E72 E305 T105 E107 DC3 SQ21 EM15 BC15 T88 E288 UR88 RA88 T89 E289 BC10 RA104 AR2 AR10 AR39 AR7 T93 E293 E87 SQ87 JT3

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Echo Park Blaze Damages Businesses, Injures Firefighter

ECHO PARK - A conflagration in a three-story office building alongside the Hollywood Freeway slowed traffic Tuesday night, as it damaged six businesses and sent one firefighter to the hospital.

The fire was reported on October 9, 2012 at 9:57 PM, bringing the quick response of firefighters to 1625 Palo Alto Street in Echo Park, where they discovered heavy fire to the rear of a tri-level multi-tenant commercial building.
With vegetation and the structure burning intensely on the north side of the building, teams of firefighters made forcible entry from the east and west to search the premises and protect contents while mounting an interior offense on the flames with handlines.

It was a difficult battle.

To assist the firefight and limit the spread of flame, more than a dozen LAFD personnel took to the building's 80' x 100' roof with chainsaws to strategically vent heat and smoke, in an attempt to stem the forward progress of the fire and make the building's interior more tenable for their colleagues below fighting flames and salvaging business records.

Despite oppressive conditions on the third and second floor, a tenacious firefighting offense continued there for nearly one-half hour, until physical compromise of the structure forced a well-coordinated transition to defensive operations with the external application of heavy streams.

Though as many as five firefighters were examined for potential injury, only one LAFD member required hospital care for a pair of painful dime-sized burns to his neck. In good condition, he was taken to the hospital by ambulance for first care, where he was treated and released.

No other injuries were reported.

It took the combined effort of 125 Los Angeles Firefighters less than two hours to fully extinguish the flames. The fire was confined to the structure of origin, with the bulk of fire damage limited to the attic, entire third floor and a portion of the second floor. Thanks to comprehensive salvage efforts by LAFD responders, a great number of business records were spared damage from flames or water, as was a good portion of the building's first floor.

The varied damage from fire to the businesses, including a button manufacturer, house of worship, janitorial service, auto loan firm and two printing businesses, is still being tabulated. The cause of this late night blaze remains under active investigation.

Dispatched Units: E220 T20 RA20 E6 RA6 E11 EM11 BC11 E52 T11 E211 E12 E9 T9 E3 T3 E203 RA3 RA803 EM1 E233 T33 E15 DC1 E27 E235 T35 SQ21 BC1 T10 E210 BC5 BC2 RA29 RA46 UR88 E226 T26 E2 AR1 E21 EA1 T94 E294 T64 E264 T29 E229 E17 AR7 AR17 T26 E226 BC11 AR17

[ photos ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Battles Stubborn Flames in Massive Construction Debris Pile

SUN VALLEY - More than 120 Los Angeles Firefighters labored in rotating teams for more than 11 hours on Thursday, to fully extinguish a stubborn recycling yard blaze in the northeast San Fernando Valley that sent one firefighter to the hospital.


The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 4:03AM on August 23, 2012 to the Waste Management recycling facility at 11606 Sheldon Street in Sun Valley, where they discovered a deep-seated blaze in a massive "football-field-sized" construction debris pile being processed for recycling.

Through the initial assistance of an on-site tractor operator, later supplemented by a pair of LAFD operated bulldozers, firefighters spread and doused the pile with water and firefighting foam, containing the blaze in less than five hours and fully extinguishing the flames by 2:00PM.

With smoke hanging low in the sky, and dozens of fire apparatus and fire hose deployed along Sheldon Street, the industrial thoroughfare was closed for nine hours, as LAFD crews completed their battle against seemingly implacable flames.

At the height of the battle, one LAFD Firefighter sustained a significant hand laceration and could not continue duty. He was taken to an area hospital for first care, where he was treated and released.

No other injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Dispatched Units: E77 RA77 E298 E98 T98 E24 E89 T89 E289 E274 T74 DC3 SQ21 EM14 BC12 RA909 TP2 DT3 DT2 LD1 E87 SQ87 E7 E260 T60 BC14 FT17 E17 RA98 RT83 TP1 E24 EA1 E87 RA60 T78 E278 EM14 E39 T2 E202 T11 E211 RA889

[video]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, 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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20 Years Ago Today, LAFD Remembers 'Civil Unrest'

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

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

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

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






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





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


Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Major Emergency Structure Fire in Van Nuys Injures 2 LA Firefighters

VAN NUYS - Over 125 Los Angeles Firefighters extinguished an enormous fire in a 150' x 100' one-story commercial building in just under two hours, where two Los Angeles Firefighters were injured. 

Just after 5:00 pm on Wednesday February 15th 2012, firefighters arrived to find fire blowing out one unit of a strip mall, located at 6600 North Van Nuys Boulevard. Waves of additional firefighters were requested.

Extensive amounts of smoke could be seen for miles as it lingered low to the ground due to a heavy marine layer and slowly pushed south by light winds.

The structure located was of older construction with a conventional roof, parapet, and a common attic space. The open area under the roof allowed fire to rapidly spread across the tops of three business before hitting large division walls, halting the advancement of the flames.

Shortly into the extended battle, firefighters switched into a defensive attack. Truck Companies quickly finished cutting holes on the roof with chainsaws. Fire blew through the roof forcing firefighters to rapidly exit. Firefighters on the ground used large 2 1/2" hose-lines along with ladder pipe operations, where copious amounts of water was sprayed from the end of extended aerial ladder trucks, capable of 2000 gallons per minute, into the structure.

Three separate stores were damaged, doing business as: First Bargin Center, Birrieria Luita, and El Pantalon.

The blaze was fully extinguished in one hour and 53 minutes before any adjacent buildings were damaged.

Two firefighters received minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals in fair condition.

The dollar loss is still being tabulated and the cause is under active investigation.

Dispatched Units: E239 T39 E81 E102 E288 E88 T88 RA88 RA889 EM14 BC10 BC14 E100 E39 RA39 E289 E89 T89 E7 E90 RA100 E83 RA83 E278 T78 E298 T98 E273 T73 DC3 SQ21 EM15 EM17 EM9 BC12 UR88 BC5 AR2 RT83 EA1 RM2 E87 E60 E93 E287 T87 E305 T105 E237 T37 BC17 BC18 AR23 RA7 RA99 RA60 MD1

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Major Emergency Structure Fire Injures Firefighter

SOUTHEAST LOS ANGELES - Over 100 Los Angeles Firefighters battled a Major Emergency Structure Fire in a furniture warehouse, doing business as C&L Furniture. One firefighter sustained minor burns from the intense heat.


On January 30th, 2012, just after 8 AM, firefighters arrived in less than three minutes to 6245 South Manhattan Place. Fortunately, occupants had just exited the 100' x 60' metal clad commercial building that was rapidly filling with black smoke and fire.

It was quickly realized that a long battle was about to begin, and additional companies were immediately requested. As firefighters entered a loading dock alley on the west side of the structure, they encountered roaring flames. Rotary saws were utilized to force entry through gates and cut through the metal clad sides of the building, allowing firefighters to make access and attack the blaze with hose-lines. Due to the heavy fire load and the construction of the 42 year-old structure, it was deemed unsafe for firefighters to perform vertical ventilation on the roof, however they remained in an intensive, offensive attack.

A total of 136 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Carlos Calvillo, confined the fire to the structure of origin and fully extinguished the flames in just 45 minutes. Teams of Los Angeles Firefighters stayed over seven hours assisting the business owner by combing through approximately 10,000 square-feet of goods to salvage.

When asked if there was anything unusual regarding this fire, Chief Calvillo stated, "It was unusual that firefighters encountered that much fire so early on. It expanded very quick and we are fortunate that all on scene made an such an aggressive attack." No nearby exposures were damaged.

One firefighter received minor burns from the intense heat and was treated by fellow firefighters, then transported to a local hospital in good condition.
The cause of this fire is, "undetermined, most probable accidental", likely due to workers performing normal maintenance on a spray booth. The dollar loss is estimated at $450,000 ($200,000 structure & $250,000 contents).

Dispatched Units: E66 RA866 E57 RA257 E21 E221 T21 SQ21 E266 T66 EM11 BC13 BC11 E46 RA57 RA257 DC2 E215 T15 E226 T26 E15 E64 EM9 BC18 T5 E205 E5 UR85 UR88 BC4 T3 E203 UR3 RA3 BC9 BC2 BC14 E229 T29 E61 E26 E220 T20 AR1 RA64 RA29 EM2 AR3 RT59 EA1 DT1 E85


Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Fire on Armenian 'Little Christmas' Displaces Family, Injures Firefighter

SHERMAN OAKS - An "Armenian Christmas" gathering resulted in tragedy for one family in the San Fernando Valley, as they witnessed their Christmas Tree and almost their entire home, go up in flames. One Firefighter was injured.

January 6, 2012 marked Christmas Day for millions of Orthodox Christians the world-over, including our Armenian neighbors - some of which still follow the ancient Julian Calendar and widely consider that date (also referred to as "Little Christmas"), the original Christmas Day.

Tonight, while in the midst of a their familial, religious celebration, one member of an Armenian Family ran into their living room, frightened by the sound of smoke alarms. In that instant, it was already too late. Their massive 20 foot, fully-decorated Christmas Tree was now fully-engulfed in flames. An attempt was made by the homeowner to extinguish the fire with a quickly-drawn garden hose, but that proved to be ineffective. Each family-member then witnessed this horror as they rushed from the home to safety.

At 7:09 pm, the Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned to a reported "Structure Fire" at 5049 North Matilija Avenue to this normally peaceful neighborhood on what should have been a "silent night." First arriving resources encountered "smoke showing" from a 5,500 square-foot, two-story residence. Upon entry into the home, Firefighters made their way to the second floor with hoselines, as the tree had burned completely and already extended up the foyer. The fire on the second floor was quickly extinguished, but not before it found its way up into the large attic space.

The "compartmentalized attic" proved to be challenging, as Firefighters had to chase this pesky fire into small areas of the attic by cutting through several plywood walls. Full-extinguishment was ultimately achieved in one hour and two minutes but not before one Firefighter was treated and transported to a local hospital, having sustained minor injuries during firefighting operations.

Battalion Chief Pete Benesch ran a very well-orchestrated fire and the tireless efforts by all 60 on-scene personnel, helped prevent further damage to this beautiful home, built just three years ago. Despite the mighty efforts by your LAFD, this family had to spend their Christmas Night elsewhere, as a result of the fire-related damage.

Dollar-loss estimates were not yet available and the exact cause of the blaze that ignited the tree, will be a subject of the investigation.

Please let the very unfortunate losses of this family on their Christmas Night, serve as a reminder to all... if you have not yet removed your Christmas Tree from your home, please do so quickly and safely.

And if you do celebrate Christmas today, the LAFD wishes you and your family a very Blessed Christmas Day.

Dispatched Units:
E102 E39 T39 E239 RA39 RA78 EM14 BC14 E60 E88 DC3 E278 T78 SQ21
BC10 RA88 RA102 E89 E227 T27 SQ21 BC12 RA73 EM15 RA102 T60 E260


Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Investigation Nabs Suspects in Car Fire That Seriously Injured LAFD Captain

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Fire Department is pleased to announce the arrest of Maria Porras, 35 and Rigoberto Diaz, 37 both of Los Angeles, in conjunction with an auto-insurance fraud scheme involving an auto fire which occurred near Elysian Park on January 9, 2011.

Suspect Rigoberto Diaz (Age 37)

Suspect Maria Porras (Age 35)

An LAFD Fire Captain was seriously injured battling the blaze, when an explosion occurred similar to an unrelated incident caught on tape eight months later...



Both Porras and Diaz have been charged with: Insurance Fraud, Arson of Property, Arson with Great Bodily Injury, Attempted Grand Theft and Conspiracy. The charges are all felonies.

"These arrests are the culmination of a months-long coordinated effort between LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section Investigators and Detectives with the California Department of Insurance" said Los Angeles Fire Chief Brian Cummings, who emphasized "vehicle arson is not a victimless crime".

Anyone who recognizes these persons as being tied to any other crime or fire is encouraged to contact law enforcement authorities or the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section directly at (213) 893-9800.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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