As you may have recently heard, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department are mourning the off-duty passing of fellow Firefighter Eric Shepherd.

The LAFD would like to share some additional information about this very special man...

Eric Shepherd was born on July 12th, 1978 at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. Raised in Carson, California, Eric graduated from Long Beach Jordan High School in 1996. Later that year, Eric joined the United States Air Force and served as a firefighter in Kuwait and at home at Edwards Air Force Base. After four years of dedicated service to his country, Eric was honorably discharged as a Senior Airman.

In July of 2003, Eric joined the Los Angeles Fire Department. Following the drill tower and probationary assignments, Eric transferred to Fire Station 29 in Battalion 11, serving the Wilshire Center and Mid-City areas of Los Angeles. Widely recognized as a conscientious and talented firefighter, as well as a generous and genuine friend, Eric quickly earned the respect and admiration of his peers and the public he proudly served. He successfully tested for the rank of engineer and was looking forward to the added challenges and responsibilities of the promotion.

Eric died suddenly while off-duty on July 18th, 2011. He is survived by his father, Ronald and his stepmother Cindy, his mother Loretta, sister Rene, and the love of his life Cacherel Smaith, with whom he brought into this world and raised as the apple of his eye, his daughter Sarai.

He was a credit to his family and friends, his country, the fire service and his department. His warmth, laughter, and easy going demeanor will always be cherished. Eric will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Firefighter Eric Shepherd was assigned to Fire Station 29 "C" Platoon.

All members of the community are welcome to join us in celebrating the life of Firefighter Eric Shepherd.

Public Memorial Services for LAFD Firefighter Eric Shepherd:

• Date: Friday, July 29, 2011
• Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Location: Crenshaw Christian Center - "Faith Dome", 7901 South Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA.
• Interment: Forest Lawn, Cypress, 4471 Lincoln Avenue, Cypress, CA (immediately following Memorial Service)

 

*The Memorial Service will be streamed "live" on the "Faith Dome" (click this link) website on

Friday, July 29th from 9:30 am -12:30 pm.

*Members of the Fire Service and allied agencies that wish to have a formal presence, are asked to contact LAFD's Planning Section at (213) 978-3845.

*All flowers being delivered to the Crenshaw Christian Center "Faith Dome" for FF Shepherd's Memorial Service, must be delivered no later than 9:30 am on Friday, July 29, 2011.

*If you would like to make a donation, FF Eric Shepherd's Family respectfully asks that any donations be made to a fund that has been established for his young daughter, in her name:

        "Sarai Shepherd Educational Fund" (Account # 10000758996)
        Los Angeles Fireman's Credit Union
        815 Colorado Boulevard
        Los Angeles, CA 90041

We thank you for the outpouring of support in this time of sadness.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Mourns the Passing of a Fellow Firefighter

On Monday, June 6, 2011 at 3:45 AM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 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, 1 Emergency Air Unit, a total of 95 Firefighters all under the direction of Assistant Chief David Yamahata responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 1400 South Kenmore Avenue in Pico-Union area of Downtown Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived to find a two-story center-hallway apartment with heavy smoke pouring out from a penthouse door. The 24 unit, 84 year-old building was unoccupied due to being tented for termite control. Firefighters swiftly extended ground ladders to the roof of the 10,000 square foot building to perform strategic vertical ventilation with chainsaws, as their colleagues deployed hose-lines into units to halt the spread of flame. The majority of the fire originated in a bathroom, however flames rapidly ran up walls and into the attic. The blaze was fully extinguished in just 34 minutes before anyone was injured. The cause appeared to be electrical components in the ceiling of one unit. Approximately four units sustained the bulk of the damage. The dollar loss is still being tabulated.

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

READ MORE - LA Firefighters Battle Apartment Blaze in Pico-Union

On Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 8:47 PM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Emergency Air Unit all under the direction of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott responded to a Structure Fire at 1000 Elysian Park Avenue in Echo Park.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived to find a moderate amount of lazy smoke drifting across the Top Deck of Dodger Stadium. Firefighters swiftly made their way through crowds of baseball fans while additional colleagues entered the Stadium from an aerial ladder truck.

A small fire comprised predominately of paper goods was located inside an approximate 20' x 20' storage room, made of cinder block construction.

Some fans seated in the Top Deck were calmly moved to another area due to residual smoke, but there was no need for a formal evacuation of the stadium, and play was not stopped. Dodger's staff addressed the public stating "Attention Please: There was a small fire in a confined area that is under control and contained. The Los Angeles Fire Department is onscene and there is no need to evacuate."

Due to the prompt response of 42 Los Angeles Firefighters the flames were confined to the area of origin and fully extinguish in just 20 minutes before anyone was injured. Careful preservation was given to protecting Dodger property and gas powered blowers were strategically utilized to direct remaining smoke away from fans.

The estimated dollar loss is $20,000 ($5,000 property and $15,000 contents). The cause of the fire is under active investigation.

(Home Video)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Rapidly Extinguish Flames At Dodger Stadium

On Friday, January 21, 2011 at 6:39 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 32 Los Angeles Firefighters under the direction of Battalion Chief Joseph Klein, responded to a Structure Fire at 1324 Sutherland Street in Echo Park.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy fire showing from a 1,412 square-foot hillside single family home.



Navigating through a slim curbside gate and trio of narrow outside staircases to gain access, firefighters muscled hoselines and later ground ladders to battle intense flames that had taken hold of the front portion of a 106-year-old wood frame structure.

As the aggressive fire attack ensued, firefighters were pleased to learn that the home's five occupants had exited the building with minimal injury, prior to the Fire Department's arrival.

One of the residents however, had foolishly reentered the building in an attempt to reclaim possessions, sustaining smoke inhalation as well as first-degree burns to his neck and arms. In good condition following treatment by LAFD Paramedics, the man declined ambulance transport before being released at the scene.

Despite the diligent efforts of 32 Los Angeles Firefighters, one pet cat perished in the blaze. The well-coordinated assault on the flames held direct fire damage to a large front patio, adjacent bedroom, attic and dormer, with firefighters bringing flames under full control in just 17 minutes.

No other injuries were reported.

The three men and two women who lived separately within the home escaped only with their night clothes. They were assisted with temporary housing and human needs by volunteers from the American Red Cross.

There was no immediate evidence of functional smoke alarms within the home, as required by law. Firefighters later determined that the home's occupants owed their survival solely to the happenstance that one resident was awakened by the sound of fire, and was able to alert others.

Loss to the non-fire sprinklered home is estimated at $95,000 ($75,000 structure & $20,000 contents). The cause of this early morning blaze is categorized as accidental, and attributed to the careless discarding of smoking materials on the patio that ignited combustible furnishings.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Five Echo Park Residents Narrowly Escape Inferno

On Friday, January 7, 2011 at 10:43 PM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Richard Rideout responded to a Structure Fire at 1183 S. Hoover St. in Korea town.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover heavy smoke showing from one of the lower units, of a two story four-plex. Firefighters skillfully forced entry through the well secured structure, while extending hoselines into the home's entry way to do battle within.

Fire crews were immediately notified that occupants were still somewhere in the unit and may be trapped. As they aggressively fought the flames, a simultaneous search for victims went underway. Fire teams soon discovered one adult female and one adult male without vital signs of life. Firefighters immediately initiated basic and advanced life support measures while rushing them both to an area hospital in grave condition.

Other personnel on scene continued a systematic search of the smoke charged home, locating an additional victim who was treated and transported in stable condition for smoke inhalation. 53 firefighters mounted a bold and decisive attack on the fire, confining it to the one unit, and extinguishing the flames in 31 minutes. Unfortunately, and despite the prompt work of Los Angeles Firefighter/Paramedics and hospital staff, an adult female was declared deceased shortly after arriving at the hospital. Seeking to offer additional comfort to grieving friends and neighbors, the LAFD mobilized to provide compassionate assistance to those closest to the victim.

Ten individuals were displaced as a result of this incident, and the American Red Cross was called in to assist those residents who stand in need. 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 still being tabulated. There were no other injuries reported. A positive identification of the deceased, as well as the cause, manner and time of her death will be determined by Coroner's officials. The cause of the fire remains under an active investigation.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Four-Plex Catches Fire Claiming One Life

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

On Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 2:14 AM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Officer Command Team and 1 Rehab Air Tender under the direction of Battalion Chief Fred J. Mathis responded to an explosion at 1127 West Wilshire Boulevard in Pico/Union.

Firefighters responded to an automatic alarm at Samaritan Medical Tower, a 15-story commercial high-rise building. As Firefighters assessed the building they noticed the lobby glass doors were blown out, ceiling tiles were broken inside, and there was a large power outage. Even though there were signs of an explosion, there were no signs of a fire. Concerned with the potential of a bomb threat, additional assistance was requested including LAPD, DWP, Haz-Mat and USAR. After the possibility of a bomb threat diminished, and the structural integrity of the 64 year-old building was ensured, Firefighters were able to safely reenter the building. Smoke was noticed, and a small but stubborn fire was battled on the first-floor.

Firefighters performed a lengthy and detailed search through the 175,000 sq-foot building, fortunately no victims were found and no one was injured. Just after two and a half hours, 88 Firefighters declared a Knockdown. The dollar loss is estimated at $200,000 ($150,000 structure and $50,000 contents). The cause of the fire was from an underground vault explosion.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Explosion In Downtown LA

On Friday, September 17, 2010 at 8:37 AM, 23 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 4 Arson Units, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 152 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief David Yamahata, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 614 South St Andrews Place in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived swiftly to find heavy fire in the attic of a six-story 58 unit center-hallway apartment building.



Dozens of residents, protected in the fire's incipient stage by building features compliant with the Ponet Square and Dorothy Mae Ordinances of the Los Angeles Fire Code, were able to exit safely as firefighters extended handlines through windows and up several flights of stairs to keep flames at bay.

One resident complained briefly of difficulty breathing, but declined treatment or transportation following his medical assessment by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics.

Firefighters rescued or oversaw the safe 'shelter in place' protection of many dogs and cats in several pet-populated apartments. The flames were confined to the common attic and roof of the building of fire origin, and extinguished in just 62 minutes.

No other injuries were reported.

Despite LAFD holding direct fire damage above living areas in the 83 year-old Versailles Apartments building, the entire structure was deemed untenable pending repair of fire damage and restoration of utilities.

As many as thirty residents were referred to the American Red Cross for temporary assistance, which included emergency shelter with adjacent pet accommodations provided by the City of Los Angeles Department of Animal Services.

Loss from the blaze has been estimated at $1.2 million ($900,000 structure & $300,000 contents), a figure greatly lessened during the firefight by swift property protection and diligent salvage efforts by teams of Los Angeles Firefighters, who spent nearly ten hours at the scene.

Acting with knowledge that a small non-injury blaze - extinguished by fire sprinklers, had been intentionally set 28 hours earlier in an adjacent and co-owned building at 608 South St Andrews Place, a cadre of Investigators from the Los Angeles Fire Department's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section were joined by an Investigator from the U.S. Department of Justice (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) in a comprehensive investigation that included use of an accelerant detecting canine.

Following the team's thorough on-site analysis, the cause of Friday morning's attic fire was confidently declared accidental, and "most probably electrical" according to Investigators.

The investigation of possible gunfire heard in the neighborhood earlier that morning was a matter handled separately by Los Angeles Police Department officials.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Dozens Displaced in Koreatown Apartment Blaze

On Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 1:51 PM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 84 Los Angeles Firefighters under the direction of Battalion Chief James Gaffney, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 430 South Union Avenue in the Westlake district of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find light smoke emanating from a three-story center hallway apartment building.

Directed by occupants who had smelled smoke within the 14,885 square-foot building, firefighters made their way to a pair of small apartments on the second floor, where a swift moving fire had erupted in the ceiling.

Ushering residents to safety in a calm and orderly manner, firefighters commenced their attack on the flames, which had spread to a wall between 3rd floor units directly above, as well as a portion of the attic.

The fire was confined to effect only 4 apartments in the 30 unit building. Flames were extinguished in just 34 minutes, and there were no injuries.

Displaced by the blaze were 5 adults and 1 child, all of whom were referred to the American Red Cross for temporary shelter and needs assistance.

Loss to the 84 year-old building has been estimated at $40,000 ($30,000 structure & $10,000 contents). The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical in nature.

(video)


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Electrical Fire Displaces Six in L.A.'s Westlake Neighborhood

On Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 3:54 PM, 13 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances,1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit,1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams,1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Richard Rideout responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 3308 Descanso Drive in Silver Lake.

Fire personnel arrived to find a multi level single family dwelling with heavy fire showing from the patio area to the rear of the structure. Due to a small street way, firefighters had the daunting task of hiking hoselines and equipment a 5th of a mile before reaching the incident. Firefighters mounted a swift exterior attack of the blaze which had destroyed much of the area of origin and extended into the attic of the home. Fire crews placed additional handlines in operation and forced entry to do battle within the residence, while roof teams cut holes to release the super heated gases.

The aggressive and well-coordinated efforts of 94 Los Angeles Firefighters confined the fire to the one structure while protecting the homes on all sides of the incident. Personnel brought the flames under control in less than 60 minutes, despite the extension throughout the 3,000 square foot home.

One firefighter suffered a second degree burn to a portion of his neck during the fight and was treated and transported to the hospital, and is expected to recover from his injuries. The fire was discovered by the homeowner who was reportedly outside the residence at the time.

No civilians were injured during the incident.

Fire loss to the non-occupied home is estimated at $2,000,000 ($1,500,000 structure & $500,000 contents) the cause is yet to be categorized.

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Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Outside Fire Finds Its Way Into a Home

On Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 8:46 AM, 18 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 18 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 5 EMS Battalion Captains, 7 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Assistant Chief Michael Little responded to a Structure Fire at 255 South Loma Drive in the Westlake area of downtown Los Angeles.

Multiple 911 calls were received in rapid succession prompting a quick dispatch of firefighters to a three-story Center-Hallway apartment building over a parking garage. Smoke could be seen two blocks away as firefighters approached, they arrived within three minutes to find fire lapping out of the second-story of this 60' x 300' building and some occupants jumping out of second-story windows. Firefighters sprinted into action providing ladders to assist those in need and deployed handlines to aggressively attack the flames while performing a primary search. Additional firefighters were immediately summoned to assist battling the blaze.

The 42-unit apartment complex was in compliance with the city's Dorothy Mae Ordinance including hard wired smoke alarms, smoke-activated magnetic fire doors and automatic sprinklers in the parking area, all of which assisted in saving lives. This serves as a good reminder for all to never block open fire doors as this allows smoke and fire to travel and impede occupants from escaping in an emergency.

One unit was completely destroyed by flames and five others were damaged. Over 150 firefighters extinguished the blaze in just 28 minutes however 13 persons received injuries, two of which were in critical condition. There were no security doors, window bars or obvious non-fire factors to impede the victims from exiting the home.

Firefighters remained on scene for over five hours, protecting the homeowners belongings from additional damage during the salvage and overhaul operations. The total dollar loss was estimated at $255,000 ($180,000 structure and $75,000 content). The cause is under investigation and the American Red Cross assisted any displaced occupants.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 13 Injured From Apartment Fire in Downtown L.A.

On Thursday, December 31, 2009 at 9:36 PM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 39 Los Angeles Fire Department Personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Fred J. Mathis responded to a Civilian Fatality Structure Fire at 1023 N. Rampart Bl. in Silver Lake.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover heavy smoke and fire coming from what originally seemed to be a single family dwelling. Once a closer survey of the scene was initiated, they found a detached garage at the rear of the home fully involved with flames.

Fire Crews were immediately met with the threat of exposures from heat to the near by home, as well as civilians who reported that one person may still be trapped inside. Interior fire attack teams made forced entry into what appeared to be a small converted garage. As they aggressively attacked the flames they subsequently discovered the body of a 30 year-old male inside that was beyond any medical aid. No other occupants in the home were injured.

The cause, time ,and how this individual died will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office. The official cause of the blaze will remain part of an active Fire Department investigation.

Although loss of life can never be measured, the monetary loss is yet to be determined.


Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Man Dies As Flames Engulf a Converted Garage In Silver Lake

On Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 9:50 PM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Fred J. Mathis responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 2528 West Olympic Boulevard in Korea town.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find smoke and fire showing from the roof of a two-story 'U' shaped 'strip mall' of commercial businesses. Rotary saws were utilized to force entry allowing firefighters to quickly deploy hand lines and begin extinguishing the flames.

Two Truck Companies were assigned to the roof and worked extensively to remove heavy tiles in order perform vertical ventilation. The majority of the flames originated from the facade on the roof and with the expertise of all firefighters on scene, the horizontal spread of the fire was soon halted.

Seventy four firefighters were able to obtain a knockdown in just 31 minutes at 10:21 PM. The cause was electrical and the dollar loss is $225,000 ($175,000 property and $50,000 contents). No injuries were reported.

Submitted by Erik Scott
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Damages Strip Mall In Korea Town

On Monday, October 5, 2009 at 10:10 PM, 13 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 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 Deputy Chief Terrance Manning responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 410 S. Manhattan Pl.

Firefighters arrived to a 4 story modern-style center hallway apartment building, with heavy smoke and fire on the second floor. Confronted immediately with several people exiting the structure, fire crews made quick entry after hearing reports of possible individuals trapped inside. The first arriving fire crews continued to make an aggressive attack on the blaze, while other crews simultaneous searched for possible victims.

As firefighters took handlines down a hallway on the second floor they found that the buildings fire doors had kept the flames and most of the smoke confined to the one area of the structure. Interior attack teams rescued a family of five who where trapped but sheltered in place on a Balcony. Roof teams quickly cut ventilation holes near the origin of the fire and opened the roof's penthouse doors to rescue one trapped adult male.

The fire was confined to one unit, but several units sustained heavy damage from heat and smoke. The blaze was knocked down in just 33 minutes with 99 firefighters. Thankfully no firefighters or civilians were injured during the incident, however American Red Cross came to the aid of 13 displaced individuals, consisting of six males, seven females, three families total.

It was Believed that fire doors as well as fire alarms played a significant role in alerting the occupants of the treat of flames, and was a contributing factor in the lives saved.

Firefighters remained on scene for several hours, protecting the homeowners belongings from additional damage during the salvage and overhaul operations.The total dollar loss was estimated at $100.000 ($50.000 structure, $50.000 content) the cause of this fire is still under investigation.



Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Rips Through Modern Building Near Hancock Park

On Thursday, September 10, 2009 a 2:26 AM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, along with LAPD and DOT under the direction of Battalion Chief Raymundo Gomez responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 1411 North Echo Park Avenue in the community of Echo Park.

Firefighters arrived to find a 1 story, L-shaped Mini Mall, approximately 100 foot x 75 foot, with 2 units showing heavy smoke and fire. Engine Companies on scene made an aggressive interior attack with hand lines while Truck Companies provided ladders to the roof and started vertical ventilation. The roof construction was made of lightweight wooden I beam. Truck companies were able to stand over a breeze-way that presented a stable surface to remain on while cutting a heat hole over the fire.

Due to the aggressive attack of all firefighters on scene, the damage was primarily confined to one unit and no injuries were reported. It took 88 firefighters only 35 minutes to knockdown on the blaze. The dollar loss is $350,000 ($200,000 for property and $150,000 for contents). The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Submitted by Firefighter Erik Scott
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Greater Alarm Fire in Echo Park

On Saturday, August 1, 2009 at 11:07 AM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 41 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Joseph Kline, responded to a Structure Fire at 1618 North Benton Way in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived swiftly to find heavy smoke showing from a two-story single family hillside residence with an attic conversion.

Forcing entry into the unoccupied 1,532 square-foot home, firefighters quickly extended handlines to do battle with well entrenched fire, as their rooftop colleagues performed strategic vertical ventilation.

With fire spreading rapidly through the walls and floors due to early 20th century construction, firefighters fought stubborn flames in voids and recesses on two levels, at times challenged by excessive personal storage.

Relentless teamwork by LAFD responders brought the flames under control in just 64 minutes, confining the blaze within the home and limiting damage to $180,000 ($150,000 structure & $30,000 contents).

There were no injuries.

Three residents, including two adults and a child, returned home to discover themselves displaced by the fire, and subsequently sought their own accommodations.

The cause of the blaze was determined to be electrical in nature.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Battle Stubborn Fire in Silver Lake Home

On Sunday, July 26, 2009 at 6:35 PM, 7 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Arson Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 52 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott responded to a Structure Fire at 985 South 3rd Avenue in the Wilshire Center district of Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy smoke and fire showing from a vacant 50' x 75' one-story commercial structure, threatening an immediately adjacent building.


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Forcing entry and performing swift vertical ventilation, firefighters extended handlines to do quick battle with flames inside the sparsely furnished building, extinguishing the fire in just 28 minutes.

The fire was confined within the structure of origin, with some exterior damage to the adjacent structure to the west.

There were no injuries.

Loss from the blaze is still being tabulated, while the cause of the fire remains under investigation.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Damages Vacant Building in Wilshire Center

On Friday, April 17, 2009 at 12:04 PM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 LAFD Rescue Ambulance, 5 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Michael Bowman responded to a Structure Fire at 435 S. Occidental Bl in Mid-Town.

Fire Department resources arrived to a small one story church in the Mid-Wilshire district of Los Angeles to find a small fire on east doors outside of the establishment. Fire crews made quick work in putting out the fire in less five minutes confining the flames to only the outside of the structure. There was no damage to the interior of the building and no injuries reported to civilians or Firefighters.

The House of Worship Task Force was called to the scene and concluded that the fire was deliberately set and will continuing the investigation. The estimated loss of this fire is at $10,000 structure only.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Damages Doors to Mid-Wilshire Church

On Saturday, April 11,2009 at 1308 PM, 1 Company of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 LAFD Rescue Ambulance and 1 EMS Battalion Captain responded to a Fatal Injury at 505 South Vermont Avenue in Mid-Town Los Angeles.

Paramedics arrived quickly to find an 18 month old male with severe injuries to his body after being run over by a large Sport Utility Vehicle at a full service car wash.


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The small child was playing unattended when he was crushed by one of the tires of the vehicle. He was quickly treated on scene by firefighter/paramedics and was rushed to Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, where he was Pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Circumstances surrounding the incident are being further investigated by the LAPD. Counseling was provided to all parties involved at the scene.

The tragic death of this young boy servers as a reminder of how important it is to keep a strict watch over our little ones especially any place where vehicles are present.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Toddler Killed at Los Angeles Car Wash

On Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 3:53 PM, 1 Company of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team and LAUSD Police, under the direction of Battalion Chief John Vidovich, responded to a reported overdose at 1839 S. Walton Av. in the Mid-City area.

Firefighters responded to reports of several students overdosing from an unknown substance. As Firefighters arrived on scene, they found School Police with 5 teen aged females, ranging in age from 14 to 16 years. Some of the girls were symptomatic.

The ladies had been observed by the School Police "huffing" an unknown substance. Huffing, is the abuse of inhalants by middle school children, which has increased by 44 percent over the last few years, according to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. Huffing brings on a euphoric effect and risks include brain damage and death. Recently, several teens have died after inhaling difluoroethane, a chemical found in a popular computer cleaning spray known as "Dust-Off."

The primary inhalant abusers are the 12 to 17 age group, followed by 18 to 25 year olds. Inhalants are one of the few substances younger children abuse more than older children. Sudden death from fatal cardiac arrhythmias is now being reported in teen aged abusers. Death from huffing can occur with first time users. Chronic abuse can result in serious, sometimes irreversible, damage to the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs and brain.

Inhalants produce effects similar to alcohol intoxication. Symptoms include:

* drowsiness and
* lightheadedness

Continued use causes:

* dizziness
* hallucinations or delusions
* belligerence and
* impaired judgment

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department, would like to remind parents and adults that we cannot divert our attention from this critical family health issue. Help us in educating others regarding this potential teen epidemic.

Additional information can be found at the following websites:

Abuse of Inhalants
Signs and Symptoms of Inhalant Abuse
Inhalant Use
What Parents Should Know

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Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

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