In the annals of the Los Angeles Fire Department, there is no fire so uniformly referred to as "wicked" as the 1955 La Tuna Canyon blaze - actually a series of widswept fires spanning five days in the Verdugo Mountains of the northeast San Fernando Valley."As nearly as it can be determined, the La Tuna Canyon holocaust had a very innocent and unspectacular birth. Two eight year old boys, in their own back yard in the 9600 block of La Tuna Canyon, and, without any malicious plans for the future, were preparing a noonday feast. A strong easterly wind..."
In the days that followed, one Los Angeles Fireman would die, and at least a hundred more would be injured as the firestorm consumed 4500 acres, 2 homes, a pair of guest houses, several out-buildings, automobiles and trailers.
In chronicling action during the most intense firefight, LAFD officials noted...
"As the main body of the fire swept over the position, all water was directed to protect the men and the equipment from the effects of the intense heat. Men without hose lines laid in the mud and were kept wet from nearby rigs. Some men stacked up on the ground like hot cakes with the top man keeping the pile wet with a hose line."
"It was during this momentary eternity that Autofireman James Catlow brought everlasting credit to himself as well as everyone in the fire service. Hose Wagon 39 was in a narrow spot in the road, as the fire hit there too fast to actually get set. He was able to get two lines into action, and by working one, he performed superhumanly in an effort to protect his equipment for future use, and to keep the road open for men who were ahead of him. His injuries were not accidentally incurred, as he could have retreated merely 10 yards to relative safety. His act of heroism required unbelievable determination and demonstrates to all to see and realize that a devoted fireman will do his full duty regardless of personal cost."
Assistant Fire Chief Leonard Eggleston would later describe Catlow's stand as "the most outstanding example sheer courage" he had ever seen.
Suffering burns over more than 75% of his body, James Catlow fought bravely to survive, succumbing to his painful injuries six days later on November 12, 1955.
A veteran of World War II submarine service, and an active supporter of charitable causes, Catlow drew end-of-life solace in knowing that the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen's Fund would take take full and proper care of his wife Frances.
James Catlow was posthumously awarded the LAFD Medal of Valor.
To learn more about historical emergency incidents in the City of Los Angeles, including the La Tuna Canyon Fire of 1955, we encourage you to visit the LAFD Museum in Hollywood, or view the on-line LAFD Historical Archive at:
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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