Firefighters arrived to find light smoke and fire, which appeared to be on the outside of a multi level hillside single family dwelling. As firefighters were investigating, attempting to find the origin, it was determined that the fire was within the walls and possibly extending into the attic. After an intense search, the flames began to engulf a portion of the structure. Several minutes into the fire fight an Emergency Traffic Alert was issued warning all fire personnel on scene of a partial structural collapse. A second alert "Firefighter Down" was immediately transmitted for three firefighters who were reported trapped or missing after the collapse. Fire crews began to conduct a rescue operation looking for their injured comrades.
Two of the firefighters were immediately rescued; a third who remained trapped under heavy amounts of debris needed an extended physical rescue, with power tools and chain saws before being treated and transported from the scene to an area hospital.
All of the injured individuals were removed from the building by fellow Firefighters and transported to Cedar Sinai Medical Center. Sadly the trapped firefighter suffered severe injuries and is listed in grave condition. A second firefighter suffered a fractured ankle requiring surgery and continued stay for observation. Four other Firefighters suffered minor injuries, two from LAFD, and two others from LACoFD, were treated and released from the Hospital. All four are expected to fully recover.
It took the Los Angeles Fire Department 1 hour 40 minutes for a complete knockdown of the flames. All residents safely made it out of the building, and there were no other injuries reported during this incident.
The estimated damage is reportedly $250,000 ($200,000 Structure & $50,000 Contents). The cause of the fire and the circumstances of the injuries are currently under investigation.
Submitted by Devin Gales,Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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