On Thursday, November 4th, 2010 at 8:40 AM, 3 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 1 Battalion Chief, under the direction of Battalion Chief D. Spence responded to a Multi Patient Medical Incident at 4410 South Mckinley Avenue in South Los Angeles.

Firefighters quickly responded to George Washington Carver Middle School for a possible overdose, where they found eight students that became ill after eating an unknown type of chocolate. Three boys and five girls, ranging from 12-14 years-old were in the Nurses Office complaining predominately of increased heart rate and blood pressure. Firefighter Paramedics along with the school nurse evaluated the students and determined they should be further analyzed by a doctor. Four ambulances transported two patients each to L.A. County USC Medical Center. We are glad to report that they were in good condition. Exactly what was ingested and if it had an illegal substance in it is was not determined on scene. Further information will come from school officials.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 8 Students Transported To Hospital After Eating Chocolate

On Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at 5:59 PM, 32 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 8 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Emergency Air Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains and 6 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, a total of 205 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Daren Palacios, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 9260 Owensmouth Avenue in Chatsworth.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find smoke showing from a one-story 165' x 100' commercial building that appeared to be closed for the business day.

Forcing their way through rolling steel and entry doors, firefighters discovered extreme fire conditions throughout a graphics design and direct mail marketing firm heavily loaded with combustible printing and printed materials.

The offensive interior attack on the fire proved short lived as flames roared through the roof, compromising the structure within ten minutes of the 9-1-1 call that brought scores of Los Angeles Firefighters to the scene.
 
Within minutes of a swift and well-coordinated transition to defensive operations, the intense heat within the structure caused the catastrophic failure of a forklift mounted propane cylinder, propelling shrapnel through a section of rolling steel door that had yet to be opened.

As flames leapt more than 50 feet into the darkening sky, multiple large diameter hoselines were deployed from strategically placed aerial ladders and key ground locations, as teams of firefighters entered nearby businesses to limit the horizontal spread of fire.

Though full roof failure occurred during an early phase of the firefight, the masonry walls remained intact as firefighters streamed massive volumes of water into the burning structure well into the night.

The fire was confined within the business of origin, and fully extinguished in less than five hours. No injuries were reported.

With concern that changing weather was causing potentially irritating smoke from the fire to linger uncharacteristically at ground level, experts from the South Coast Air Quality Management District were summoned to assure neighborhood comfort and safety.


Fire loss to the firm of "Aaron, Thomas & Associates" is estimated at $7,000,000 ($5,000,000 contents and $2,000,000 structure). The cause of this fire remains under active investigation.

(photos) (photos)


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Massive Fire Consumes Chatsworth Printing Firm

When it comes to vegetation fires in The Golden State, few months keep responders as busy as November - and few locations offer as much challenge and heartache as the often volatile and rugged Santa Monica Mountains that originate in and bisect the City of Los Angeles before commencing a 46 mile westward journey through the Counties of Los Angeles and Ventura.

It is both the suburban proximity and diversity of this scenic coastal range that makes it a national treasure and a vengeful adversary to firefighters.


It was seventeen years ago today, on November 2, 1993 that a small blaze in the Santa Monica Mountains fanned by 40 mile-per-hour winds, would become a nine-day conflagration that killed three civilians, overran or entrapped 74 firefighters and led to 565 firefighter injuries.

Known as the "Old Topanga Incident" this massive and relentless brush fire continues to serve as a global example of Fire Service teamwork and commitment. The official report from our friends at the County of Los Angeles Fire Department remains a worthy read:

Official Report of the "Old Topanga Incident"

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Nine Days of Hell in November: The Old Topanga Wildfire of 1993

On Monday, November 1, 2010 at 6:44 AM, 7 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit and 1 EMS Battalion Captain, a total of 47 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Joseph Klein, responded to a Structure Fire with Civilian Injury at 553 South Windsor Boulevard in the Windsor Square area of Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find smoke showing from a large 3 story single family home. Immediately entering the 11,205 square-foot residence, firefighters discovered and assisted a 74 year-old woman in exiting the smoke charged building.

As crews searched within the massive home, additional firefighters circling the nearly half-acre lot soon discovered three men - including one wheelchair bound, in distress on a second floor balcony. Raising a 35' ground ladder and climbing to the stranded men's location, a pair of firefighters rapidly determined the trio could be safely sheltered in place as LAFD crews tackled flames and strategically abated the smoke.

Within minutes, firefighters were able to safely utilize an interior stairway to evacuate the men, bringing them to waiting Paramedics. The two younger males, ages 38 and 40 declined medical treatment or transportation.

The 65 year-old man who had been utilizing the wheelchair, as well as the woman earlier assisted by firefighters, were taken to area hospitals in fair condition for examination of smoke exposure.

 
The stubborn flames were confined within the deep recesses of the walls and ceiling of the first floor kitchen, and extinguished in just 38 minutes.

No other injuries were reported.

The relationship between the four persons assisted by Los Angeles Firefighters could not be immediately ascertained. Pursuant of protocol, the LAFD did not formally determine or publicly release their identities.

Loss from the fire is estimated at $200,000 ($150,000 structure & $50,000 contents). The early morning blaze originated in the kitchen area, and is considered to have been accidental in nature.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire in Windsor Square Home Sends Two to Hospital