At approximately 9:00 am this morning, on the 6600 block of North Wilbur Avenue in Reseda, a passenger van from the Genesis Adult Day Health Care Facility was involved in a traffic collision with a single passenger auto. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries, but several of the passengers, all of which were seniors (ages ranging 65 - 80 years old) had various complaints of minor aches and pains.

When approximately 50 LAFD Firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Jeffery Mottram, had finished processing the scene, this mid-morning collision had produced a total of 15 patients. Eight of those patients were treated and transported to local hospitals for further evaluation. Seven others were treated and released at the scene. The driver of the other involved auto was one of those transported in fair condition with minor injuries.

Battalion Chief Ray Gomez was in charge of the medical component of this incident, where at one point, he managed 10 rescue ambulances that had been ordered, anticipating both a large number of patients and extensive injuries. Fortunately, not all resources were needed.

The damage to the involved vehicles was still being assessed and the cause of the accident is under investigation.

Dispatched Units: E273 T73 E93 RA93 RA909 E293 T93 E100 RA100 E104 RA104 RA84 RA72 RA105 RA906 RA818 RA898 EM17 EM15 EM14 BC10 DC3

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Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Accident Involving Transport Van Sends Senior Passengers to Hospital

On Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 3:35 AM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 62 Firefighters along with Members from Department of Water & Power, and 1 Crisis Response Team, all under the direction of Battalion Chief John Potter responded to a Structure Fire at 2171 North Basil Lane in the Beverly Glen/Bel Air area.

Firefighters made their way up narrow windy roads to find a two-story Single Family Dwelling well involved in fire. Additional resources were immediately requested to assist in battling the intense flames and to protect near by hillside homes. Fire shot through the roof, self ventilating the structure and causing electrical power lines to fall.

Sadly, during a Search and Rescue of the 1,440 square-foot home, a 79 year-old female was located in an upstairs master-bedroom and was determined deceased. Also a 50 year-old male was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Firefighters successfully extinguished the flames in just 25 minutes. In examining the fire's aftermath, there was no immediate evidence of a functional smoke alarm within the residence. There were no window bars or security doors present to impair egress, and the 53-year old residence was not equipped with fire sprinklers.

A positive identification of the deceased woman, as well as the precise cause, time and manner of her death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.

The cause of early morning blaze is under active investigation and monetary loss is still being tabulated.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman

Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - House Fire Claims 1 Life in Beverly Glen/Bel Air

On Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 8:01 PM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 3 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 85 Firefighters all under the direction of Battalion Chief Stephen Ruda responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 7705 Densmore Avenue in West Van Nuys.

The first arriving Firefighters found a 100' x 100' one-story Commercial building with one unit well involved in flames. An assertive Fire Attack was initiated as flames began burning through the roof. Upon his arrival Chief Ruda performed a rapid size-up and determined that additional Firefighters would be needed to battle the intense blaze.

As hand lines were aggressively deployed in an interior attack, a Strip Ventilation technique was performed by roof division companies with chain saws to release hot gases and smoke. With a well coordinated and swift attack, Firefighters began to get a handle on the blaze. Their relentless effort and teamwork contained the flames to only one unit.

A knockdown was obtained in 27 minutes before anyone was injured. The cause of the evening fire was determined accidental and started via spontaneous combustion from oily rags left in a plastic trash container. The Dollar loss is estimated at $100,000 ($50,000 structure and $50,000 contents).

Submitted by Cecil Manresa & Erik Scott, Spokesmen
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Battle Commercial Building Fire in West Van Nuys

On Friday, May 6, 2011, The Los Angeles Fire Department’s Urban Search & Rescue Team will be conducting a disaster mobilization exercise that will task emergency responders during an Earthquake scenario. This Urban Search & Rescue team, formally known as California Task Force 1 (CA-TF1), will utilize Hazardous Materials Squads, Rescue and K-9 teams and work in a simulated earthquake environment that has been contaminated by radiation.


CA-TF1 is an elite Urban Search & Rescue team, comprised of two 80-member teams of men and women who are highly trained to conduct search and rescue operations in the most extreme conditions. They have responded across the nation to catastrophic events such as New York City for the 9-11 attacks, Salt Lake City for the 2002 winter Olympic games, the Gulf coast for both Hurricane’s Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike. CA-TF1’s Canine team also responded to the Oklahoma City bombing.


CA-TF1 would like to invite members of the media to learn more about this team and how LAFD is prepared. The Media will be given direct access to rescue locations for filming and interviews starting at 6:30a.m. The scheduled Press Conference will take place at 08:00 a.m.

Friday, May 6, 2011 6:30 a.m - 12:00 p.m.

Location: LAFD US&R Building

5101 N. Sepulveda Blvd.

Sherman Oaks, Ca. 91403

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Demonstrates their Preparedness for Earthquakes & Radiation Incidents

On Friday, April 1, 2011 at 4:52 AM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, all under the direction of Battalion Chief Gerry Malais responded to a Structure Fire With Civilian Injury at 14655 West Leadwell Street in Van Nuys.
 
Firefighters arrived to find smoke billowing out of a 1-story single family dwelling on a corner lot. They performed a strategic attack of the flames from the ground and the roof of this smoke charged structure. A quick, bold and decisive interior search was performed of the 1200 sqft residence, which was described as having pack-rat like conditions. The bulk of the fire was reported to be in the kitchen area. Firefighters made forcible entry through a steel security front door and located a 79 year-old female inside. The victim was found face up just five feet from the front door, without signs of life. Her dog lie next to her. Firefighter/Paramedics earnestly provided CPR and Advanced Life Support at the scene and during transportation to a local hospital. The victim suffered second and third degree burns to over 90% of her body. Despite the aggressive efforts of Firefighters she was later pronounced dead at the hospital. She was described by neighbors as a beloved member of the community.

 A total of 30 firefighters were able to fully extinguish the fire in just 17 minutes. In examining the fire's aftermath, there was evidence of one smoke alarm, however its functional status could not be confirmed. There were no window bars to impair the victim's escape, nor was the 62-year old house equipped with residential fire sprinklers. The cause of this early morning blaze is under active investigation by LAFD Arson Investigators. The monetary loss from a fire can not truly be weighed in the wake of the loss of life, however the dollar loss of this incident is estimated at $100,000.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - House Fire In Van Nuys Claims One Life

On Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 11:43 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 87 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Scott Mottram, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 15540 Cabrito Road in Van Nuys.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover smoke showing from a 275' x 120' one-story L-shaped commercial building.

Forcing entry through a trio of rolling steel and personnel security doors that served the building's five tenants, firefighters encountered stubborn fire solely within "Morning Sun" an artisan woodworking firm.

Aided by an aggressive fire attack and strategic vertical ventilation, flames were held within the one business.

Despite the building's lack of fire sprinklers, firefighters limited damage to only $75,000 ($50,000 structure & $25,000 contents), as they brought flames under control in just 30 minutes.

There were no injuries.

The cause of this late night blaze remains under investigation.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Causes $75,000 Damage to Van Nuys Woodworking Firm

On Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 3:12 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 LAFD Rescue Ambulance, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief John Potter responded to a Flooding at 16422 West Vanowen Street in Van Nuys.

Firefighters arrived to find knee-deep water rushing down both sides of Vanowen Street, entering residences and business in its path. The majority of the water flowed eastward from Havenhurst Avenue toward Odessa Avenue.

 

Firefighters rapidly canvassed the area and accessed residences to ensure no one was trapped or injured. A series of holes were strategically created by Firefighters in exterior and interior walls of buildings to relieve pressure.

LAFD personnel carefully carried pets and assisted families from apartment complexes to safety at a nearby parking lot. As many as 60 individuals were affected and over a dozen awaited assistance from American Red Cross.

Our friends at Department of Water & Power successfully shut down the water flow from a reported 20" water main around 5AM. No injuries were reported. The dollar loss is still being tabulated.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Water Main Break Displaces Over a Dozen In Van Nuys

On Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 9:23 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 4 Hazardous Materials Teams, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, Department of Transportation, LAPD, Building & Safety, and 1 Rehab Air Tender under the direction of Assistant Chief Jeffery S. Mottram responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 14435 West Sherman Way in Van Nuys.

Firefighters arrived to find a large, two-story strip-mall with smoke showing from the roof. The 300' X 25' building contained multiple individual business that were closed for the evening.

Firefighters made forcible entry through glass doors into the building to allow Fire Attack teams inside. Simultaneously, Firefighters swiftly took to the lightweight panelized roof to perform vertical ventilation of intense heat and smoke.

Handlines were rapidly deployed inside and a search began to find the source of the smoke, however it proved to be a challenge. Flames were located in the walls on the second floor, toward the rear of the building. Fire discreetly climbed up the walls and viciously spread into a common attic space.

The first arriving 75 firefighters extinguished the bulk of the fire in 34 minutes. However the coordinated effort of 100 firefighters battled continual flare-ups in various locations for over two hours.

No civilians were injured. One firefighter suffered a minor hand injury and was transported to a local hospital in good condition.

Individuals from Building and Safety along with LAFD's Urban Search and Rescue Team evaluated the building for structural stability.

The cause of the fire remains under active investigation, and the dollar loss is still being tabulated.

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Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Extinguish Difficult Commercial Building Fire in Van Nuys

 On Sunday, December 19, 2010 at 7:42 AM, 19 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 2 Hazardous Materials Teams, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Assistant Chief Jeffery S. Mottram responded to a Major Emergency Fire at 15030 West Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks.

Within four minutes firefighters arrived to a U-shaped, 1-story strip mall with smoke showing. This 100' x 50' x 50' structure contained over a dozen business. Teams of firefighters swiftly took to the light weight panelized roof to perform vertical ventilation of intense heat and smoke. Additional firefighters forced entry into the business, extending handlines to do battle at the seat of the fire.

The origin of the blaze appeared to be from a unit that contained beauty supplies, however flames extended to the adjacent businesses on both sides as well as the attic and mansard. Over 130 firefighters were assigned to the incident, but the first arriving 60 were able to get it under control in just 42 minutes and no one was injured. Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated. The cause of this early morning fire appears to be electrical in origin, however remains under active investigation.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Strip Mall Fire In Sherman Oaks

On Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 7:27 AM, 17 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 2 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Deputy Chief Mario Rueda responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 9750 W. Wanda Park Dr. in Benedict Canyon.

Firefighters arrived quickly to the vicinity of Benedict Canyon, for reports of a large column of smoke in the brush area of the hills. Crews continued to search for the source, while making there way up through very narrow roads, to a long drive way. They quickly discovered heavy smoke coming from a two story 10,000 square foot residence.

Firefighters made entry into the home but were driven back by intense heat and voluminous flames that filled the structure. As personnel began to douse the fire they were met with the challenge of an extremely low water supply. Due to the small roadways, equipment had to be hiked up the long and steep drive way before any additional personnel could join the fight.

Transitioning to a defensive attack and with the closest hydrant being over 1500 feet away, water had to come from another source. Thanks to the fast thinking of the first arriving engine company, who were able to siphon water from a pool located on the premises, until a more permanent water supply could be established. Firefighters could now re-enter the structure and commence an offensive attack of the flames.

Because of the amount of brush around the building, slight winds and concern for flying embers, an LAFD helicopter was assigned for aerial reconnaissance and command support. Fire attack teams as well as roof teams tenaciously fought the fire and were able to limit the spread to additional parts of the home. A total of 115 LAFD personnel vigorously battled for 1 hour and 47 minutes before completely knocking down the flames. Sadly, three firefighters were injured during the incident, all were treated and released from the hospital, and all are expected to make a full recovery. No civilians were injured.

Fire damage has been estimated at $950,000 ($750,000 structure & $200,000 contents). The cause of this early morning blaze was categorized as “undetermined”.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Large Residence Burns In Benedict Canyon

A crash, a flash - a decision to act...

Those who follow LAFD Breaking News via Twitter or the LAFD_ALERT e-mail list may have noted this incident on Sunday morning. Thanks to Susan Abram and her multimedia team at the Daily News, we now have the rest of the story:

Susan Abram, Staff Writer
Daily News

Although police typically find themselves scanning witness videos for bad guys, on Monday they put out an alert for a couple of heroes.

Officers hope to find the good Samaritans who were captured on amateur video as they rescued a 69-year-old man from a burning car after a collision Sunday in Sherman Oaks. The duo was joined by another man armed with a fire extinguisher and a fourth who used a crowbar to try and break the car's windows.




"It could have been much worse if it wasn't for them," said Officer Jose Garcia of the LAPD's Valley Traffic Division.

Police said the classic 1932 Ford was... (read more...)

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department join Los Angeles Police Officers in hailing these far-from-bystanders for their selfless response. If you have additional information about the collision, or can help us recognize these brave members of our community, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Traffic Division by calling (818) 644-8000.

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UPDATE: We're pleased to learn that 4 of the 5 good Samaritans have been identified. Please join us in praising these brave men, as we read more from the Daily News... (read more...)

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Raw Video: Good Samaritans Save Life in Sherman Oaks Crash

On Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 6:29 AM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 72 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Jose S-Cronenbold, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 4822 Tilden Avenue in Sherman Oaks.

Los Angeles Firefighters responded quickly to discover an apparent one-story single family home thoroughly involved with fire. With reports of one or more persons trapped by the blaze, first arriving firefighters commenced a profoundly aggressive and well-coordinated interior attack with hoselines on the well entrenched flames.


With both speed and skill, additional firefighters laddered what proved to be a combination one- and two-story residence, the uppermost portion at the rear of the home an apparently non-professional addition.

Rooftop firefighters used power saws and hand tools to deftly ventilate thick, superheated smoke from the wood frame and stucco structure, in an effort to minimize oppressive conditions for fire attack and search teams below.

Additional firefighters soon provided emergency medical care to a 58 year-old man, a 50 year-old woman and a 12 year-old girl who had escaped the inferno with varying injuries - each verbalizing that a teenage male from their family remained trapped by the raging fire.

In a relentless search of the 3,000+ square foot building with zero visibility and oven-like conditions, a team of firefighters discovered a narrow metal spiral staircase leading to a level above the first floor.

Climbing glowing hot steps and searing hand rails in multiple attempts, firefighters found the missing 14 year-old male pulseless and non-breathing with severe full-thickness burns. After being carried down the serpentine steps and outside to waiting colleagues, the teenage boy was provided CPR and Advanced Life Support by veteran LAFD Firefighter/Paramedics at the scene.

The first arriving 70 firefighters confined the fire to the structure of origin, fully extinguishing the flames in just 37 minutes.

The 58 year-old male resident was determined to have second- and third-degree burns to his right forearm and second degree burns to his right foot, reportedly in an attempt to reenter the home prior to the Fire Department's arrival. The preteen girl experienced progressive respiratory distress after smoke exposure.

The rescued teen male - in grave condition, as well as the man and preteen girl, each in serious condition, were taken by LAFD Ambulance to nearby Sherman Oaks Hospital for primary care.


The 50 year-old woman who escaped the flames without obvious physical injury declined medical treatment and transportation, as did a neighbor with respiratory concerns who was later referred to his private physician.

Also sustaining potentially debilitating though non-life threatening injury in fire attack and rescue efforts were four Los Angeles Firefighters. Three sustained painful second-degree burns to hands and extremities, and were taken to the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital, while the fourth was taken to an area hospital for a significant knee injury.

Each of the aforementioned LAFD personnel were treated as outpatients and released to remain off-duty.

In examining the fire's aftermath, there was no immediate evidence of a functional smoke alarm within the home. Though no window bars or security doors were present to impair egress, the design, size and placement of windows and other key architectural elements of the home's questionable addition, could have easily hampered and possibly prevented the teenage boy's escape.

The 86-year old building was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

Monetary loss from the fire is estimated at $440,000 ($350,000 structure & $90,000 contents). The cause of this early morning fire remains under active investigation.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Sherman Oaks Inferno Injures Residents and Firefighters

On Monday, June 28, 2010 at 2:49 PM, 18 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 LAFD Rescue Ambulance, 1 Arson Unit, 3 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 LAFD Water Tender, 1 LAFD Handcrew, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 2 Division Chief Officer Command Teams, a total of 110 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Michael Little, responded to a Brush Fire adjacent to the northbound lanes of the San Diego (405) Freeway north of Skirball Center Drive in the Sepulveda Pass near Sherman Oaks.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly by ground and air to discover a half-acre of volatile vegetation burning east of the freeway.

With the assistance of California Highway Patrol Officers cordoning off a lane of the busy interstate, firefighters swiftly anchored the flames as fire spread uphill and eastward toward homes.

A well coordinated air and ground assault brought the terrain driven fire under control in just 53 minutes, but not before the fire had charred nearly two acres of grass and brush.

The swift arrival of LAFD water-dropping helicopters, combined with nearby resident's compliance with strict City of Los Angeles brush clearance regulations, prevented any homes from being damaged.

There were no injuries.

The fire was determined to be criminal in nature. Thanks to a cooperative effort by Investigators from the Los Angeles Fire Department, the Los Angeles Police Department and California Highway Patrol, a suspect was identifed and arrested for Arson of Wildland.

The suspect, a 51 year-old male transient, was taken into custody and booked for the felony charge(s) by Investigators from the Los Angeles Fire Department's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section. Bail was set at $75,000.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Arson Suspect Arrested Following Sepulveda Pass Brush Fire

On Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 1:03 PM, 16 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Arson Units,1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit,1 Rehab Unit,1 Hazardous Materials Team,1 EMS Battalion Captain, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams,1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Gerry Malais responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 7017 N. Hayvenhurst Ave. in Van Nuys.

The first company arrived quickly to discover heavy smoke and fire showing from the windows and attic area of the 80’ x 100’ two-story commercial building. The modern wood sided structure housed the operations of The Hayvenhurst Studio along a row of 3 similar type businesses.

Firefighters commenced a fierce initial interior attack only to be driven back by a volume flames that were present on the second floor. Other crews on scene simultaneously performed search and rescue operations to confirm no other occupants were in the building.Half-dozen individuals had safely escaped the involved business before the flames grew in intensity.

The fire, that had originally started as an outside fire, spread rapidly making its way into the structure. More LAFD resources were called into action. A total of 109 firefighters tenaciously battled the stubborn flames for one hour and eleven minutes before confining the fire entirely within the occupancy of origin. No other structures were affected.

Happily no civilian or firefighter were reported injured during this incident. The damage has been estimated at $3,000,000 ($2,000,000 structure & $1,000,000 contents). The cause of this early afternoon blaze remains under an active investigation.


Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Destroys A Studio In Van Nuys

On Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 0:30 AM, 14 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Assistant Chief Jeffery S. Mottram responded to a Structure Fire at 6550 N Van Nuys Bl. in Van Nuys.

Firefighters arrived with swiftness to a 100' x150' foot commercial strip mall, fully involved with heavy smoke and fire showing. Personnel were immediately met with flames coming from every angle, as they initiated an assault. Fire attack teams quickly deployed hand lines in an effort to stop the spread of fire thru common walls and attics. Roof teams aggressively cut holes on the top of the structure to release super heated gases from below.

The fire began to grow fierce and a decision was by Chief Mottram to pull all teams out of the structure and commence a defensive attack. As the incident grew the building became more and more unstable. Additional hand lines were set in place to facilitate protection of the adjacent structures, as well as heavy hose lines at the front door to hit the bulk of the fire.

Although, the blaze ripped through the structure and consumed a majority the building’s contents, firefighters performing vertical ventilation as well as an aggressive ground attack, confined the fire to its surrounding origin.

It took 106 firefighters well over two hours to call for a complete knock down, there were no injuries reported. Fire loss to the non-occupied structure is estimated at $1,500,000 ($1,000,000 structure & $500,000 content). The cause of the blaze has not been categorized yet.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - A Fierce Blaze Devours Commercial Strip Mall

On Monday, December 14, 2009 at 5:51 AM, 9 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 LAFD Emergency Air Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 67 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Greg West, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 16662 Diamante Drive in the Encino Hills.

Summoned by a private security patrol officer who noted the blaze, firefighters arrived quickly to find very heavy fire throughout the first floor of a vacant two-story single family home.



Forcing entry into the 3,446 square-foot residence, firefighters attacked the wall of fire with handlines as their colleagues ascended the multi-level clay tile roof to perform strategic vertical ventilation of heat, smoke and flame.

Tackling flames on the first floor and pursuing those on the second, interior firefighters soon discovered the home's staircase destroyed by the inferno, forcing them to extend hoselines up a series of outside ladders to gain entry through multiple upper floor windows.

Though fire had moved swiftly to take hold of the attic and portions of the second floor, firefighters were able to extinguish the flames in just 45 minutes.

There were no injuries.

Fire loss to the 36 year-old non-fire sprinklered home is estimated at $202,000 ($200,000 structure & $2,000 contents).

The cause of this early morning blaze remains under active investigation.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Scorches Vacant Encino Hills Home

On Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 2:17 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 4 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief John Potter responded to a Structure Fire at 14153 West Erwin Street in Van Nuys.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find a two-story garden style apartment with smoke showing from the rear of the ten unit structure. Neighbors were awakened  by sounds of breaking glass and smoke alarms shortly before the arrival of fire crews. Residents tried to enter the involved apartment,  but the smoke and heat was too intense. Firefighters made a rapid entry after reports of a person still inside.

Roof teams cut ventilation holes to release super heated gases, as fire attack teams performed fire suppression and rescue efforts. During the attack on the blaze, Firefighters discovered a 65 year-old elderly woman inside the home. The patient was immediately provided with advanced life support intervention and transported to Sherman Oaks Medical Center. The patient was pronounced dead at the hospital.

A positive identification of the deceased woman, as well as the cause, time, and manner of death, will be determined by the Coroner's Office.

The fire was confined to one unit and rapidly extinguished in just 16 minutes, with 36 Firefighters.  The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

Submitted by Erik Scott
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Woman Found Dead at Scene of Van Nuys Fire

Many are surprised to learn that

the LAFD has its own Handcrew.

Here are answers to the three most common questions:

What is LAFD Handcrew 3? It is a Volunteer Type II Handcrew managed by the Los Angeles Fire Department and currently organized as a Wildland Explorer Post. Crew 3 members receive wildland classes, hands-on training and guidance to help successfully gain a career in the Fire Service. Crew 3 is managed by active-duty LAFD Members with extensive wildland fire training and handcrew experience.

When did this begin? On July 14th, 2006, an Explorer Post was started at Los Angeles Fire Station 88 by Captain Derek Vehling and Apparatus Operator Gregory Holly. Crew 3, organized and chartered as a Wildland Explorer Post, is a first of its kind at the LAFD.

What is Crew 3 able to do? They have been activated for numerous Brush Fires, Rain/Mudflow Incidents, assist in Red Flag Pre-deployments and various other projects such as preparation for the annual September 11th Memorial Ceremony at the LAFD's  Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center.

Learn more about LAFD Crew 3 in this video by FDNNTV...

For additional information about LAFD Crew 3 or to contact them, please visit:

www.LAFDCrew3.org

Note: The recently proposed Cadet Program, to be administered in its entirety by the Los Angeles Fire Department, will continue to utilize Department volunteer Post Advisors for leadership and support. The LAFD Cadet Program will replace this other Learning for Life associated LAFD "Explorer Posts" effective January 1, 2010.

Submitted by Erik Scott

Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD 'Crew 3' Stands Ready To Answer The Call

Like all members of the Los Angeles Fire Department, the crew at Fire Station 99 in the Beverly Glen area of Los Angeles, is certified to provide prompt and effective medical care.

Last night, "prompt and effective" took on a new meaning for the eight personnel on duty, when a most welcome emergency arrived at their doorstep.

NewsCentral's Suraya Fadel reports...


A Calabasas couple, enroute to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to give birth to their second child, was navigating the canyon roads of Beverly Glen, when strong and sudden contractions convinced mother that a quick change of plans was in order.

The somewhat remote residential neighborhood that dad was driving through however, seemed to offer little in the way of services, until mom pointed her husband to the first visible detour: the driveway of Los Angeles Fire Station #99.

With "all hands" quickly summoned to the driveway of the mountaintop fire station, the eight member LAFD crew - which had just completed refresher training in emergency childbirth, swung into action.

Three Firefighters certified as Emergency Medical Technicians and a trio licensed as Paramedics were ably assisted by a pair of medically trained Arson Investigators. Within moments and working as a team, they aided the mother in delivering a healthy baby girl into the world.

Mother and daughter are reported to be doing fine at the UCLA Medical Center, but it's hard to know who is more proud - the Father... or his newborn daughter's eight new Uncles.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Mother Makes 'Special Delivery' at LAFD Station 99

On Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 9:05 AM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 6 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Assistant Chief Greg West responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 15236 Erwin St. in Van Nuys.

Firefighters swiftly arrived at a 150 by 75 foot commercial building made of cinder block showing heavy smoke. The building was occupied by Astro Chrome & Polishing and as firefighters approached, warning placards were noticed indicating the building’s contents could react adversely to large quantities of water. LAFD Hazardous Materials Squad was immediately requested and handlines were quickly deployed and judiciously used in unison with vertical ventilation.

The fire had originated from a lacquer spray booth and was primarily contained to office space. Injuries consisted of two patients treated for smoke inhalation and transported to local hospitals.

It took 84 firefighters only 30 minutes to extinguish the blaze. The fire’s cause was electrical and the dollar loss is $200,000 ($100,000 for property and $100,000for contents).

Submitted by Erik Scott
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Handles a Commercial Building Fire in Van Nuys