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

[ photos ] [ photos ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Follow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

Article any source

LAFD Handles Northridge Chemical Spill that Sends Three to the Hospital

NORTHRIDGE - Los Angeles Firefighter/Paramedics (LAFD) evaluated 21 patients Monday after a small chemical spill at a large two-story medical technology building, doing business as Metronic.

On July 22, 2013 the Los Angeles Fire Department was called to 18000 Devonshire Street at 12:49 p.m., where they found under a gallon of butyl acetate a polyimide rinse spilled on the first floor. The entire building was evacuated.

Two workers came in contact with the product and took themselves to the hospital prior to the LAFD arriving on scene. A total of 21 workers were carefully evaluated by firefighter/paramedics for non-life threatening complaints, and three were transported to the hospital in minor distress due to respiratory irritation.

A total of 57 firefighters including a LAFD Hazardous Material Team, all under the command of Assistant Chief Andrew Fox, quickly and meticulously handled the incident. Firefighters remained on scene for nearly three hours and patiently escorted workers back inside the building to gain personal items.

The LA County Health Haz-Mat performed the cleanup and Cal/OSHA was notified.

Dispatched Units: E70 E87 SQ87 T87 E287 RA87 RA18 JT3 JT5 E103 E107 RA107 RA75 EM15 EM10 BC15 HU88 RA878 E98 DC3 RA828 RA70 RA73 EM17

(Video)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Follow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

Article any source

L.A. Firefighters Support Extended Police Investigation in Palms

PALMS - On Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 7:53 AM the Los Angeles Fire Department was called to assist the Los Angeles Police Department with their investigation of explosive devices in the 3800 block of South Overland Avenue, near Culver City.

The overnight arrest of a suspect by the LAPD generated a multi agency response when several homemade explosive devices were discovered in a 4 story apartment building. Evacuation of that building and several others nearby established a safety perimeter, as LAFD personnel coordinated the calm and orderly evacuation of hundreds, including a terminally ill resident taken to the safe refuge of an area hospital by LAFD ambulance.

Over 100 LAFD members under the command of Assistant Chief Ralph Terrazas were committed to the incident for nearly 12 hours. The LAPD Bomb Squad carefully extracted devices from the building and rendered them safe. A telephone information line was established for displaced residents, as well as a shelter at Veterans Memorial Auditorium.

The joint agency response included the Culver City Police and Fire Departments, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the American Red Cross.

No injuries were reported. At 8:30 PM residents were allowed to return to their homes.

Dispatched Units: AR9 AR11 AR23 AR7 E43 RA43 BC18 DC2 DC1 EM18 BC1 BC5 UR27 SQ21 T27 E227 E27 E21 T21 E221 RA27 RA827 E94 E62 RA62 E58 RA58 E263 T63 EM9 EM13 HL2 HL3 HL6 CP3 EM9 RA59 T37 E237 E26 RT59 AR17 E29 BC5

Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department

Follow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

Article any source

LAFD Haz Mat Investigates Port of Los Angeles Fumigation Operation

TERMINAL ISLAND - On Tuesday, February 05, 2013 at 11:43 AM, firefighters responded to 155 Cannery Street to investigate a fire in an outside storage area where imported goods are fumigated.

Upon arrival firefighters found a small amount of white smoke coming from a 55 gallon drum being used to neutralize pesticide products. A Los Angeles Port Police Officer, exposed to the smoke was transported in good condition to an area hospital for further evaluation.

LAFD Hazmat experts assembled an entry team to perform a rapid assessment during which, a small amount of fire was controlled using a dry chemical fire extinguisher. The product was contained within the drum and LAFD Haz Mat identified it as Aluminum Phosphide.

38 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Graham Everett worked seamlessly with L.A. County Fire Department Health Hazardous Materials Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Los Angeles Port Police.

Pursuant of protocol, the Health Hazardous Materials Division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department will handle the investigation to conclusion.

We are glad to report this incident had no impact on operations in the Port of Los Angeles and shipping continued as normal.

Dispatched Units: E40 E248 T48 E38 E48 SQ48 RA848 RA101 EM13 BC11 E36 BC6 JT4 RA64

Submitted by Katherine Main, Spokesperson
Los Angeles Fire Department

Follow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

Article any source

Warehouse Fumes in Lincoln Heights Send 17 to Hospital

LINCOLN HEIGHTS - Fumes sickened eighteen workers at a massive Lincoln Heights warehouse operated by a fashion retailer on Sunday morning, sending seventeen to the hospital for non-life threatening illness.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was initially summoned at 9:53 AM on November 4, 2012 to investigate one person ill at the 'Forever 21' distribution center, located at 3880 North Mission Road in Lincoln Heights.

Learning that a foul odor within the expansive complex may have caused the one woman to take ill - and others to experience sudden malaise, the first arriving LAFD crew escalated the incident to a hazardous materials investigation, ultimately bringing 102 Fire Department responders, including an LAFD Hazardous Materials Task Force, to assist the scores of employees working in the nearly 2 million square foot warehouse and adjoining offices.

Establishing a command post uphill and upwind of the business, Battalion Chief Al Ward coordinated the prompt effort to assist the ill and identify the source of the irritating odor.

Though the vast majority of a hundred-or-more workers were without symptoms, LAFD Paramedics quickly triaged employees to isolate eighteen experiencing headache, nausea and vomiting. Of the 18, one declined further medical care, and was released at the scene. The remaining seventeen were taken by Fire Department ambulance to regional hospitals in good to fair condition. No other injuries were reported.

LAFD Hazardous Materials experts, fully clad in protective gear, soon determined a concern verbalized by workers of a "cleaning solution" placed in a dumpster not to be the irritant.

Using sophisticated handheld sensors and hazardous product identification tools, the well-trained LAFD HazMat Team continued a meticulous search of the premises to determine that fumes from an earlier roof repair involving adhesives, as well as vapor from spray painting of a large basement area, were drawn into the building's ventilation system, causing the sudden odor sensed by distant employees.

Pursuant of protocol, LAFD requested the County of Los Angeles Fire Department Health Hazardous Materials Division to conclude the investigation and formally declare the industrial building fit to be reoccupied.

Dispatched Units: E47 RA1 RA2 E17 E221 E21 T21 SQ21 EM1 BC2 E12 RA21 RA17 RA12 RA844 RA25 RA804 RA4 RA3 RA209 EM11 EM13 BC11 RA9 EA1 DC1 E2 E201 T1 E15 T10 E210 BC1 E202 T2 BC5 BC18 RA821 RA47 RA15 RA20 CM3 T15 E215

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Follow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

Article any source

Special Effect at Hollywood Nightclub Sends 6 to Hospital

HOLLYWOOD - More than 400 patrons at a Hollywood nightclub were sent scrambling for the exits, and six were taken to the hospital, after a large volume of carbon dioxide used as a theatrical fogging effect filled the venue on Saturday evening.


The initial call at 6:04 PM on July 21, 2012 sought the Los Angeles Fire Department to assist one or more persons having difficulty breathing at the Avalon Hollywood, located at 1735 Vine Street.

Firefighters and Paramedics arrived quickly to find scores of mostly young people who had escaped the auditorium after an unknown vapor suddenly filled the room. With some patrons clearly ill and displaying superficial burns, LAFD responders escalated the incident to a multi-patient hazardous materials investigation, bringing 70 LAFD personnel and allied agencies to the scene.

Vine Street was temporarily closed between Hollywood Boulevard and Franklin Avenue as dozens of emergency vehicles, including nine Fire Department ambulances lined the roadway.

The Fire Department swiftly assembled triage and treatment areas and prepared for the possible decontamination of the crowd, as LAFD HazMat experts combed the theater and conferred with club staff.

It was soon determined that a larger than desired amount of cryogenic liquid carbon dioxide intended for a theatrical fog effect, had been suddenly released into the well attended "teen awards show pre-party", causing zero visibility conditions. The frostbite-like burns experienced by some were attributed to contact with some of the freezing liquid that had failed to fully vaporize.

With respiratory ailments appearing to lessen in the fresh air, just 22 attendees expressed a desire for medical evaluation. Sixteen persons, including minors accompanied by their parents, ultimately declined treatment and transportation.

A total of six party-goers, including some minors, were taken to area hospitals by ambulance. They were described as being in good to fair condition. No performers were among the ill or injured.

Once determined that no hazard remained within the venue, the facility was allowed to resume business for the evening, though the original party had been disbanded.

Dispatched Units: RA27 RA827 E27 BC5 E27 E82 E76 RA35 RA61 RA86 EM11 EM13 EM1 T27 E227 E21 E221 T21 SQ21 RA821 RA21 DC3 RA68 EM13 EM1 RA26 BC18 BC11 BC13 JT2

[ photos | video ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Follow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

Article any source

East Valley High School Evacuated After Chemistry Lab Mishap

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - A mishap in a North Hollywood high school chemistry lab caused a temporary campus evacuation and led to four persons being hospitalized.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned by East Valley High School officials at 12:52 PM on Monday, June 11, 2012, to investigate the accidental release of chemical fumes within a third-story science classroom at their 5525 Vineland Avenue campus in North Hollywood.


Fire Department crews responded quickly to help coordinate a calm and orderly evacuation of students and faculty to the school's athletic field, as LAFD Hazardous Materials experts made their way to the chemistry classroom where the incident occurred.

According to witnesses, a teacher was performing a science experiment before a class of 45 students, when a sudden and unanticipated reaction produced noxious fumes. Immediately closing the container and placing it under a ventilation hood in the classroom, the teacher moved the students from the room as a precautionary measure. There was no fire, explosion or obvious injury to those who witnessed the reaction.

Students assembled on the athletic field as firefighters examined the school's gymnasium to assure it safe, before moving evacuees there as respite from the sun of a warm Spring day. The 45 students and teacher from the involved classroom were individually examined at the scene by Fire Department responders, including an emergency physician who serves as the LAFD Medical Director.

Two adults and two students with minor medical complaints were taken to an area hospital by ambulance for further evaluation.

The County of Los Angeles Fire Department Health Hazardous Materials Division, as well as Los Angeles Unified School District officials, will be handling the subsequent investigation.

Dispatched Units: E60 RA860 RA60 E298 T98 E87 E221 T21 SQ21 EM15 BC14 E102 T60 E260 RA52 RA89 EM14 E86 RA78 DC3 E89 E88 E27 E278 T78 BC5 RA35 RA56 MD1 RA9 RA55 EM17

[ photos | slideshow ]

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Follow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

Article any source

Fire in UCLA Science Lab Garners Significant LAFD Response

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

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

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

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

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

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

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Follow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

Article any source

LAFD Responds to Fire at ConocoPhillips Refinery in Wilmington

WILMINGTON - An on-site leak of hydrogen at the ConocoPhillips Refinery in Wilmington, California ignited a stubborn non-injury fire on Sunday that was brought under control by the refinery's industrial fire brigade without need for evacuation.

The October 9, 2011 event was reported at 9:48 AM by several passersby - including Los Angeles Firefighters, who noted a non-typical plume of smoke from within the 424-acre Wilmington portion of ConocoPhillips Los Angeles Refinery at 1660 West Anaheim Street in Wilmington, nineteen miles south of downtown Los Angeles.

A precautionary response by the Los Angeles Fire Department brought more than 80 LAFD personnel to the scene, including LAFD Hazardous Materials experts, who supported the refinery fire brigade in their skillful handling of the pressurized leak and control of the flames, which involved refinery equipment "the size of a tractor trailer", according to LAFD Battalion Chief Chris Logan.

The overall impact of the leak and fire upon refinery production was not determined by Fire Department responders, who referred such inquiries to ConocoPhillips media relations.

Pursuant of protocol, a formal incident investigation was commenced by the Los Angeles County Health Hazardous Materials Division and South Coast Air Quality Management District officials.

Dispatched Units: E285 T85 E85 E49 E36 E248 T48 BC6 E9 E438 SQ48 RA848 RA38 T48 E248 E11 T11 E211 RA11 RA811 E9 T85 E285 E36 BC13 E266 T66 E112 RA85 EM6 DC2

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Follow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

Article any source

Large-Scale HazMat Averted on Rail Lines Near the Port

WILMINGTON - An inbound freight-train from Texas was discovered to be prematurely offloading one if its "intermodal" railcars, earlier today. The "stable, but flammable liquid" was identified as "Pentanol" and was seen pouring from what was described as a "small crease in its belly," at a rate of approximately 3-5 gallons a minute. The leak was discovered by a passerby, as the train sat idle, awaiting inspection. The cause of the leak was to be investigated by rail authorities.

The incident warranted a full response by the LAFD's Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Squads from the surrounding areas, including Squads 48, 95 and 21 as well as nearly 60 Firefighters. Upon arrival, Battalion Chief Gomez made the swift decision to close the 1300 block of North Alameda Street to through traffic from Pacific Coast Highway to Sepulveda Boulevard, as a precaution. The mostly industrial business area, however, did not require evacuation.

With the Squads in place and now ready for entry, the other elements of the HazMat response, including Decontamination, Fire Suppression, Rescue and a Medical Component, were also deployed. After being able to assess the problem up-close, the experts quickly determined it was a leak that could not be stopped. The Unified Command, with representatives from LACo Health & HazMat, LAPD, DOT and the Union Pacific Railroad, decided it best to bring in private "vacuum trucks" to offload the remaining product. These trucks were requested early, having anticipated the need and thereby reducing the wait time.

When the incident was finally declared static and the hazard abated, nearly 5 hours later, a total of some 4700 gallons of "Pentanol" were offloaded. Despite the hazards involved, including the 90 degree heat beating down on all members suited-up in their specialized equipment, there were no injuries or illnesses reported. More good news was the leak required minimal clean-up and had little environmental impact, as most if the product quickly evaporated.

DISPATCH UNITS:
E38 RA38 RA36 E40 T48 E248 SQ48 E94 EM9 BC6 E36 RA848 HM94 E95
T95 E295 SQ95 E85 FT36 EM6 RT40 RA857 BC13 E88 E49 SQ21 RA15 E85

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Follow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

Article any source

LAFD HazMat Responds When Dock Worker Takes Ill

TERMINAL ISLAND - A 37 year-old longshoreman was taken to the hospital on Thursday evening, June 30, 2011, after possible exposure to a substance spilled at a freight yard in the Port of Los Angeles.

Twenty-eight Los Angeles Fire Department personnel - including an LAFD Hazardous Materials Squad, under the command of Battalion Chief Raymundo Gomez, were summoned at 6:52 P.M. to the Yusen Terminal at 701 East New Dock Street on Terminal Island.

The worker, who complained of a headache and general malaise, told first-arriving LAFD Paramedics that his symptoms commenced immediately after noting a substance on the ground near a sealed 20' cargo container.

Though no evacuations were necessary, harbor-area protocol brought the interagency response of personnel from the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Port Police, Long Beach Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard and L.A. County Fire Department Health Hazardous Materials Division.

LAFD Hazmat experts opened the locked cargo container to find it half-filled with 55-gallon drums containing Hydrogen Peroxide. Following a methodical investigation of nearly two and a half-hours, they determined that the freight was intact, and that pint of 'resin-like' liquid seen on the ground was not associated with the suspect container and of no escalating hazard.

The ill dock worker was taken by LAFD ambulance in good condition to the Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in San Pedro for further evaluation, as a private on-site cleanup firm removed the yet-identified substance under the guidance of health officials.


Dispatched Units: E40 RA36 E48 T48 E248 SQ48 RA848 BC6 EM6 RA112

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Follow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

Article any source

Chemical Investigation at Science Annex

On Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 2:35 PM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team and 49 Firefighters, all under the direction of Battalion Chief Manuel Lafarga, responded to a Chemical Investigation at 2250 East Alcazar Street in Lincoln Heights.

First arriving units were quick to gather as much information as was available at the USC Clinical Science Annex. It was discovered that the unidentified substance was isolated to one, single laboratory on the second floor of the two-story facility. The decision was then made by the Incident Commander to safely and quickly evacuate the entire building. However, there were 10 lab workers close enough in proximity to the spill, that warranted brief isolation from the lab. This task was carried-out by Firefighters who all made entry dressed in their appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE's). Subsequently, each of the 10 lab workers and another 14 building occupants (also on the floor at the time of the spill) received body scans with the Hazardous Material Squad's radiological detectors.

As an extra safety measure, a Decontamination Team was also put in place. Thankfully, there were no direct exposures to the spill, all detector readings were within normal limits and no occupants exhibited any signs or symptoms of illness or discomfort. Decontamination, therefore, was not required and all were eventually cleared and released at the scene.

The substance was deemed to be unharmful and of very small quantity (less than 2 ounces). After a meticulous sweep of the entire building and the processing of its occupants, the lab was sealed, the incident declared static and after three hours, was turned over to the Los Angeles County Health and Hazardous Materials Department as well as USC officials.

Adjacent occupancies, while alarmed because of the nature of the incident, were sheltered-in-place briefly, but were not affected due to the strategic management of the incident.

The incident is under investigation.

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department

Follow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

Article any source

Fuel Spill From Tanker Collision Closes Golden State Freeway in Sun Valley

On Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 10:41 PM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 LAFD Foam Tenders, 1 LAFD Water Tender, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 74 Los Angeles Firefighters under the direction of Battalion Chief John Drake, responded to a Traffic Collision with Large Fuel Spill on the northbound Golden State (I-5) Freeway near Glenoaks Boulevard in Sun Valley.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find a semi-truck tanker with twin tank trailer, both laden with gasoline, parked on the right shoulder of the freeway. The trailer was observed leaking large amounts of the volatile motor fuel onto the roadway and across northbound lanes of travel.

According to witnesses, the tandem tanker truck was involved in a collision with another vehicle, causing damage to valves beneath the truck's fully-laden 4,800 gallon capacity trailer.

First arriving LAFD personnel staged their apparatus upwind and uphill from the parked gasoline transporter. With hundreds of gallons of flammable liquid already spilled, firefighters immediately curtailed traffic along the north- and south-bound lanes of the busy interstate highway to prevent ignition and diminish environmental harm.

As law enforcement agencies managed traffic along the miles-long closure that included many on- and off-ramps, transportation officials assisted firefighters who had labored intensely and successfully for nearly an hour, to dike the tide of gasoline before it could enter the storm drain system.

Patrons of a freeway adjacent motel behind a tall sound wall were sheltered in place, as teams of Los Angeles Firefighters stemmed the leaking trailer while applying an absorbent and firefighting foam to ease the cleanup and limit the potential for ignition.

No injuries were reported. There were no formal evacuations.

Following the Los Angeles Fire Department's successful mitigation of the primary hazard, control of the scene was returned to California Highway Patrol, State Department of Transportation and County Health Hazardous Materials officials.

(slideshow)

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Follow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

Article any source

LAFD Hazmat Team Stems Gas Leak in Northridge

On Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 3:04 PM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 33 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Jose S-Cronenbold, responded to a Hazardous Materials Investigation at 8840 Vanalden Avenue in Northridge.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly in response to an "alarm ringing" notification from a security company, to declare liquefied natural gas vapor leaking from atop a 12,000 gallon vessel at a municipal fleet refueling and parking facility.

The findings escalated the incident to a Hazardous Materials Investigation, bringing additional LAFD personnel to to scene, including the Department's closest Hazardous Materials Task Force.

Establishing a perimeter and Command Post upwind from the leak, first-arriving firefighters determined the vapor to be dissipating vertically without imminent or escalating hazard.

The leaking container, one of three similarly sized upright and adjacent cylinders within the City of Los Angeles facility in an industrial neighborhood, had reportedly been in use after having been filled within the previous 2 days.

Working closely with the Plant Manager who had been summoned to the scene, LAFD HazMat experts deftly manipulated one or more valves adjacent to the tank to stem the vapor flow within 2 hours of arrival.

No injuries were reported.

Pursuant of protocol, the Health Hazardous Materials Division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department will handle the investigation to conclusion.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Follow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

Article any source