Multiple Fires in South Los Angeles

On Friday, September 18, 2009 at 3:01 AM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Antoine McKnight responded to a Structure Fire at 247 East 61st Street in South Los Angeles.

Firefighters arriving at the scene were met with multiple fires at two locations, the first one was located at 228 East 60th Street and reported to be a garage fire fully involved. It was knocked down in just 24 minutes. A second fire began nearby at 3:01 am in a 100' x 100' commercial building on 61st Street.

The LAFD Operations Control Dispatch Center (OCD) promptly sent out an additional assignment to battle the quickly growing fire. The arriving companies were joined by those being released from the garage fire nearby, in an effort to assist with the heavy smoke and flame now extending from the commercial structure.

Firefighters coordinated their efforts, as several teams went to the roof to ventilate making it tenable for firefighters extending their lines inside. The complex fire was knocked down in just over one hour. Fortunately, there were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. Dollar loss is being tabulated and the cause is being determined by Arson investigators on scene.

Submitted by Melissa Kelley
Los Angeles Fire Department