SOUTH LOS ANGELES - Two firefighters were injured battling a major emergency structure fire in a South Los Angeles business on Sunday, August 7, 2011.

As firefighters were responding to the 6:30 PM alarm, a large "loom up" of dark smoke could be seen from blocks away.

Firefighters arrived at 121 West Florence Avenue where they found a row of one-story commercial buildings under a common roof with heavy smoke showing. Shortly thereafter, flames erupted outside the structure and careful attention was given to protecting attached and nearby businesses from flame impingement. Firefighters were strategically placed around the large structure as others forced entry inside to do battle with the intense flames.


Multiple ladders were rapidly tilted against the structure from all angles allowing firefighters assigned to truck companies to reach the roof and begin vertical ventilation using chainsaws. Moderate amount of smoke began pouring out of the holes as the chainsaws sunk in and continued to cut. Firefighters inside searched through the dark to reach the seat of the fire. As the fire ripped through the attic, a portion of the roof collapsed on one side, preventing firefighters to continue to make entry from that area.

Firefighters raced the clock as they worked intensely to stop the spread of the flames and save the adjoining businesses along with their contents.

The fire appeared to have started in southwest side of the commercial building and ran up to the attic where it quickly traveled northeast. A total of four businesses, selling furniture, carpet, mattresses and cabinets were damaged. Shortly thereafter the smoke began to lighten as firefighters started to gain the upper hand, then worked on saving the contents of the business. Due to the aggressive work, an offensive attack was used and there was no need to pull firefighters out into a defensive mode.

The building created additional challenges to firefighters due to having an unusual double roof on the northeast side described as an arch truss with 1x6 straight sheeting below, and a corrugated metal roof approximately six feet above.

A total of 166 Los Angeles Firefighters were able to fully extinguish the flames in just 43 minutes by confining the blaze to the building of origin. An additional 40 personnel were summoned to assist in a complete overhaul of the burned premises during the nearly sixteen hour operation.

One firefighter received second degree burns to his hands and another firefighter was taken ill during overhaul operations. Both men were transported to local hospitals where they were treated and released to remain off-duty.

An initial estimate for fire loss was placed at $1,000,000 ($600,000 structure & $400,000 contents). The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.

Dispatched Units: E233 E33 T33 RA33 RA833 E57 E64 T64 E264 SQ21 EM2 BC13 BC1 E9 E221 T21 E46 E66 E14 E215 T15 E210 T10 DC2 EM9 BC18 T3 E203 E3 RA5 UR88 BC4 E21 T66 E266 RA3 UR3 RM2 EM6 RT40 E210 T10 E65 E26 T9 AR1 EA1 RA848 RA57 RA264 EM9 E85 UR85 RA85 T85 E285 E94 E295 T95 E29 T26 E226 E63 T94 E294 E5 T61 E261 T33 E233 E95

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Submitted by Erik Scott and Brian Humphrey, Spokesmen
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Two Firefighters Injured in South Los Angeles Blaze

SOUTH LOS ANGELES - Doctors in Los Angeles were striving late Monday to save a girl's eyesight following a horrific injury caused by an illegal firework during a private Independence Day celebration.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 10:52 P.M. on Monday, July 4, 2011 to 617 West 42nd Place in South Los Angeles, where they encountered a 12 year-old girl with severe eye damage.

According to witnesses, the girl had been in front of a home using a sparkler - also illegal in Los Angeles, when another person discharged an illegal 'firecracker-like' device near her face, impaling her right eye.


A team of six LAFD crew members worked in unison to stabilize the injury while providing emotional care to the patient and her family, then quickly transported the girl to Children's Hospital Los Angeles, where a team of experts awaited to provide her care.

Los Angeles Police Officers will investigate circumstances of the injury. The personal use of any firework, including so-called "safe and sane" devices has been illegal in the City of Los Angeles since World War II.

Dispatched Units: E14 RA833 RA15

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - L.A. Firework Injury Places Girl's Eyesight at Risk

On Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 0:24 AM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 39 Firefighters all under the direction of Battalion Chief Mark Akahoshi responded to a Structure Fire at 8115 South Mariposa Avenue in South Los Angeles.





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Firefighters arrived to find a 1,738 square-foot one-story Single Family Dwelling with heavy fire showing. Firefighters commenced an aggressive interior attack with hose-lines on the well entrenched flames, as additional colleagues cut strategic 'heat-holes' on the clay tiled roof allowing heat, smoke and gases to escape.

Due to the well-coordinated work of all on scene, the fire was fully extinguished in just 22 minutes before spreading to nearby structures or injuring any civilians. The flames were quickly confined to the living room and attic of the 77 year-old residence.

However, a Firefighter assigned to the Roof Division Truck Company was seriously injured after falling off the roof at the start of Overhaul operations, ensuring the fire was completely out. Attempting to get off the roof onto a ladder when the base of it became unstable causing the Firefighter to fall to the ground. He fractured multiple ribs and sustained a contusion to his lung, but was released from a local hospital on May 22, 2011.

The cause of this early morning blaze was incense burning unattended. The dollar loss is tabulated at $50,000 ($35,000 structure & $15,000 contents).

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighter Injured at Structure Fire in South LA

On Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at 12:31 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 5 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 41 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Kevin Pearson, responded to a Civilian Fatality Fire at 10926 South Wilmington Avenue in Watts.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find a small structure affixed to the rear of a one-story home fully involved in fire, with intense flames extending to an immediately adjacent office/travel trailer, and simultaneously threatening an occupied two-story duplex to the north.

Swift action by first arriving firefighters prevented the fire from extending to the duplex, as they aggressively battled flames, confining them to the rear of the one-story home and trailer.

During a primary search, LAFD crews discovered a lifeless adult male within the trailer. Beyond medical help, he was declared dead at the scene. It was not immediately clear if the trailer had served as the man's domicile.

No other injuries were reported.

Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated. A positive identification of the decedent, as well as the precise cause, time and manner of his death, will be determined the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner.

The cause of this post-midnight blaze remains the focus of an active investigation by Los Angeles Fire and Police Department Investigators.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Involving Watts Trailer Claims One Life

On Monday, April 11, 2011 at 1:25 AM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 4 Arson Units, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 57 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel - as well as the House of Worship Arson Task Force, all under the direction of LAFD Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott, responded to a Structure Fire with Civilian Injury at 10822 South Broadway Street in South Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover smoke showing from a 50 x 80 foot two-story apartments over commercial building, with the first floor converted to a church.


The fast moving fire in an enclosed stairwell and hallway that led to the building's eight upstairs apartments was swiftly extinguished, but not before a 54 year-old male resident sustained injury or sudden illness in an attempt to escape the smoky fire. He was taken by LAFD Ambulance to the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in critical condition.

Five other persons, including three adults and two children were assisted from the smoke-charged structure by firefighters. Later examined by LAFD Paramedics, they declined treatment or transportation. Responders were quick to credit properly functioning smoke alarms as giving these residents a head start on escaping the fire with minimal or no injury.

Though the building was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers, the rapid notification and response of firefighters prevented flames from moving beyond the stairwell and hallway. As such, the apartment units remained tenable after the fire for those who were uninjured.

While there was no immediate evidence of fire damage to the first floor tenant "New Life Christian Church", protocol dictated that the House of Worship Arson Task Force be notified.

Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated. The cause of this early morning blaze is considered suspicious and remains under active investigation.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Man Critical Following South L.A. Apartment Fire

On Monday, March 7, 2011 at 6:33 AM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 41 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel, as well as one Engine Company from the Los Angeles County Fire Department responding in Automatic Aid, all under the direction of LAFD Assistant Chief Craig Fry, responded to a Civilian Fatality Structure Fire at 1674 East 115th Street in Watts.

First-due Los Angeles City and County Firefighters arrived quickly and simultaneously to discover the inside of a one-story 1,330 square-foot single family home fully involved with fire.



Forcing entry into the residence, firefighters encountered intense flames among "pack rat" storage of personal belongings, yet pushed on relentlessly to search all parts of the fire and smoke-charged three bedroom home for a woman reportedly trapped in the inferno.

It was during this initial assault on the flames that firefighters discovered the lifeless body of an adult female within the structure. Beyond medical help, she was declared deceased at the scene.

The well coordinated firefight - including strategic vertical ventilation, confined the blaze within the home, allowing for extinguishment of the flames in just 24 minutes.

No other injuries were reported.

Along with the excessive storage that potentially hampered occupant escape, firefighters determined the building was fitted with window security bars "non-compliant" with the City's quick-release safety standard.

There was also no evidence of smoke alarms within the home as required by law. The 93 year-old wood frame building was not equipped with residential 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.

Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated.

Having ruled out an intentional act, Los Angeles Fire Department Investigators continue to look into the cause of a blaze they consider to be accidental in nature.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Identifies Dire Factors in Fatal Watts Fire

On Saturday, January 1, 2011 at 6:56 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 86 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Kevin Pearson, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 8765 South McKinley Avenue in Watts.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy fire to the rear of and threatening a 25' x 100' residential duplex under construction.

The swift moving flames had consumed a van parked within an attached garage and heavily damaged that structure, before spreading to the unoccupied duplex, which was framed internally with dimensional lumber and externally wrapped in preparation for siding or stucco.

Despite a well coordinated attack that brought flames under control in just 23 minutes, the partially-constructed duplex, as well as the van and garage were destroyed by fire.

There were no injuries reported.

Loss to the van, garage and unoccupied duplex is estimated at $150,000. The fire was determined to be a deliberate act, and remains under active investigation by the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Watts Fire Destroys Van, Garage & Duplex Under Construction

On Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 5:41 PM, 18 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 12 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Arson Units, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Emergency Air, 1 Emergency Lighting, 1 Rehab Air Tender, 1 Bulldozer Team, and 1 Volunteer Service Utility under the direction of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 158 East 58th Street in South Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived on scene in less than four minutes to find a large 1-story commercial building well involved in fire. Additional assistance was quickly requested as firefighters aggressively made their way inside the inferno, arming themselves with large 2 1/2" hose lines. The 4,880 square-foot building ventilated itself as 20' high flames roared through the roof. Within ten minutes the Incident Commander ordered all firefighters to get out of the 53 year-old structure and fight defensively due to the integrity of the building being compromised. Shortly thereafter the roof collapsed. Additional life threatening hazards endangered firefighters as transformers from power lines exploded, electrical wires sagged toward the ground, and the loading dock filled with water.

Just under 150 firefighters surrounded the building, pouring copious amounts of water into it while protecting nearby businesses. The devastating blaze was confined predominately within the business of origin. One adult male firefighter suffered possible heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was admitted for observation, but remained in good condition. Two civilians expressed minor medical complaints and were evaluated, however did not require transport to a hospital. The cause of the fire is under active investigation and the dollar loss of this furniture manufacturing business is still being tabulated.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Massive Fire Destroys Building In South L.A.

On Monday, November 15, 2010 at 6:09 PM, 13 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Kevin Pearson responded to a Structure Fire at 6310 Avalon Boulevard in South Los Angeles.
 
Firefighters arrived within four minutes to discover fire showing from the roof of a one story, 100’ x 300’ commercial building. Firefighters used rotary saws to force entry through rolling steel doors, allowing their colleagues to extended hand-lines inside. Vertical ventilation was performed on the conventional construction sawtooth roof to remove smoke and heat. The seat of the fire was difficult to locate due to decreased visibility and an abundance of wood-furniture, paint and additional contents. The bulk of the flames appeared to be in a spray-booth and quickly traveled to the roof. This 71 year-old building was equipped with fire sprinklers which assisted holding the flames in check and aided 80 firefighters to extinguish the fire in just 27 minutes. A division wall prevented the flames from spreading horizontally to adjacent units. Fire loss to the A & S Furniture Manufacturers was limited to $125,000 ($100,000 contents and $25,000 structure). One firefighter sustained a minor injury and was transported to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in good condition. No civilians were injured. The cause of this fire is undetermined.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire in Furniture Manufacturers Building In South L.A.

On Sunday, October 3, 2010 at 3:04 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Arson Units, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Richard Combs responded to a Structure Fire at 804 West 85th Street in South Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived to find a one story apartment complex with heavy smoke coming from one unit. As crews began to mount an attack they discovered one area of the living room well involved with fire. A mother and father as well seven children had just escaped from the structure prior the flames growing in intensity.

Fire personnel placed handlines in operation and made entry to battle within the residence, while roof teams cut holes above, releasing the super heated gases.

Even though the fire caused a significant amount of damage to the residence, firefighters were able to confined the flames to just the area of origin. It took 45 firefighters only 21 minutes to call for a knockdown.

The family of nine were all treated and transported to area hospitals for minor injuries, with the exception of the father who suffered critical burns. Thankfully all escaped the early morning blaze with their lives and are all expected to recover.

The American Red Cross was called into action as this family will be displaced after leaving the hospital.

There were no visible smoke alarms within the building at the time of the incident. The estimated dollar loss is $100,000 ( $50,000 structure and $50,000 contents). The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical in nature and is categorized as accidental.


Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Family of Nine Escapes Early Morning Fire

On Sunday, September 19th, 2010 at 7:59 AM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Kevin Pearson responded to a Structure Fire at 843 East 91st Street in Watts.

Firefighters arrived within four minutes to a one-story single-family-dwelling that had heavy fire showing. Jumping into action, they extended hand-lines inside the wood-framed stucco structure to do battle at the seat of the fire, while their colleagues swiftly took to the roof. Using chainsaws on this "hip" styled roof, the Truck Company had fire blowing out of the ventilation holes they cut. This released heat, smoke and gasses, which assisted another team of Firefighters to perform a detailed interior search of the 1,626 square-foot residence.
 During this search-and-rescue procedure an elderly male was found in the front room, pulseless and non-breathing. Firefighter/Paramedics earnestly provided CPR and Advanced Life Support at the scene and during transportation to a local hospital, where sadly he was later declared deceased.

Twenty-nine Firefighters confined the blaze to just two rooms, and declared a Knockdown in 14 minutes, before flames were able to damage any nearby structures. In examining the fire's aftermath, there was no immediate evidence of a functional smoke alarm within the 62-year old residence, nor was it equipped with residential fire sprinklers. There were no window bars or security doors to impair the 86 year-old male's escape. Monetary loss from the fire is estimated at $55,000 ($40,000 structure & $15,000 contents). The cause of this fire is undetermined.

Submitted by - Erik Scott, Spokesman,
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Structure Fire in Watts Claims Life of Elderly Male

On Friday, July 30th, 2010 at 6:51 AM, 16 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 11 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 2 Hazardous Materials Teams, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 2 bull dozers, LAPD, So Cal gas company, dwp, DOT, building & safety, LA County Health Services, Cal Osha, along with other agencies, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Daniel McCarthy responded to a MAJOR EMERGENCY at 936 East 59th Street in South Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived to find a 100’ X 100’ one-story commercial building that sustained a massive explosion, which shook windows of nearby businesses. The front one-third of the building and roof collapsed in addition to being well involved in flames. One victim was thrown into the street from the explosion and pinned under a vehicle. Another victim was found in Cardiac Arrest after being electrocuted from power lines that were down. Emergency Traffic was declared over the radio by the Incident Commander to alert all on scene of the electrical hazard.

Firefighters jumped into action, and made a quick aggressive entry into the collapsing building. They endangered their lives to perform a rapid search of this large welding business, in hopes to rescue anyone possibly trapped. No one was immediately found, and due to the structure tumbling down around them, the Firefighters had to exit and battle the blaze defensively. Over 100 Firefighters were able to successfully knockdown the flames in just 25 minutes.

The Urban Search and Rescue Team, was then able to eliminate hazards and shore up beams, allowing a safer environment to perform a detailed and thorough search. K9 units were utilized to locate anyone possibly trapped under the rubble, however there were no hits and no additional victims were found.

Sadly one adult male deceased from electrocution. A second adult male suffered critical burns and was in the ICU at a California hospital awaiting a transfer to LA County USC hospital.

The cause of the explosion was due to illegal tampering with the gas meter. This enclosed structure was likely filling with natural gas, and when an ignition source sparked it, the powerful and deadly explosion occurred. Monetary loss from the explosion is estimated at $250,000 ($175,000 structure & $75,000 contents).


Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Deadly Building Explosion in South LA

On Friday, February 19, 2010 at 4:08 PM, 3 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 LAFD Rescue Ambulance, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Armando Hogan responded to a Train vs. Pedestrian Fatality at 1700 East Century Boulevard in Watts.

Firefighters and Paramedics arrived to find a 51 year-old female, with major injuries after being struck by a southbound Metro Blue Line light rail train. The woman was reported to have been thrown several feet, before the train finally came to a halt over her body. It was difficult for rescuers to access the woman who paramedics assessed and determined deceased at the scene.

The northbound and southbound rail lines were shut down for several hours until it was declared safe to reopen the tracks for train traffic. All passengers where escorted to a safe location during the incident. There were no other injuries reported at this incident. The circumstances of this fatal train accident will remain under investigation by local law enforcement and transportation authorities.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Woman Fatally Struck by Metro Blue Line Train

On Monday, December 28, 2009 at 4:47 AM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 4 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 33 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Antoine McKnight, responded to a Civilian Fatality Structure Fire at 1112 West 76th Street in South Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to discover light smoke showing from a one-story 1,309 square-foot single family home.

Firefighters forced entry through the home's security doors and subsequently a locked bedroom to aggressively attack flames. The fire was confined to the bedroom area and extinguished in less than 12 minutes.

During their search of the fire room, firefighters discovered the body of a 49 year-old woman on the floor. Beyond medical help, she was declared deceased at the scene.

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

No other injuries were reported.

There were no window security bars or obvious non-fire factors to impede the woman's egress. The 87-year old home was not equipped with legally required smoke alarms, nor a carbon monoxide detector or residential fire sprinklers.

Monetary loss to the wood frame and stucco residence was limited to $15,000 ($10,000 structure & $5,000 contents).

Though the official cause of this pre-dawn fire remains the focus of an active Fire Department investigation, LAFD Investigators surmise that an improper heating device - possibly using charcoal briquettes, may have not only sparked the blaze, but also introduced deadly carbon monoxide fumes within the residence.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Improper Home Heating an Issue in South Los Angeles Death

On Friday, September 18, 2009 at 3:06 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Trevor Richmond responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 6814 South Crenshaw Boulevard in the community of Hyde Park.

Engine 95 quickly arrived to find a one story commercial building well involved with fire. The business was an auto repair shop and the bulk of the smoke and fire was 150' from the street in the rear of the building. An immediate and well synchronized offensive attack was made by firefighters inside the building and on the roof.

Additional businesses in close proximity were threatened by the fire, but due to a very aggressive attack of all firefighters on scene and good communication skills of the Incident Commander, the fire was confined to only one business. Ninety five firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze in just 21 minutes. A 62 year old male was treated and released for non-life threatening injuries.

The cause was attributed to a leaking fuel pump that caught fire in one automobile that was in the rear of the structure. The dollar loss was $175,000 total ($100,000 for the structure and $75,000 for the contents).

Submitted by Erik Scott
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Aggressive Attack Saved Nearby Businesses

On Friday, September 18, 2009 at 3:01 AM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Antoine McKnight responded to a Structure Fire at 247 East 61st Street in South Los Angeles.

Firefighters arriving at the scene were met with multiple fires at two locations, the first one was located at 228 East 60th Street and reported to be a garage fire fully involved. It was knocked down in just 24 minutes. A second fire began nearby at 3:01 am in a 100' x 100' commercial building on 61st Street.

The LAFD Operations Control Dispatch Center (OCD) promptly sent out an additional assignment to battle the quickly growing fire. The arriving companies were joined by those being released from the garage fire nearby, in an effort to assist with the heavy smoke and flame now extending from the commercial structure.

Firefighters coordinated their efforts, as several teams went to the roof to ventilate making it tenable for firefighters extending their lines inside. The complex fire was knocked down in just over one hour. Fortunately, there were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. Dollar loss is being tabulated and the cause is being determined by Arson investigators on scene.

Submitted by Melissa Kelley
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Multiple Fires in South Los Angeles

On Monday, September 14, 2009 at 8:20 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, under the direction of Battalion Chief Trevor Richmond responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 1812 East Century Boulevard in the community of Watts.

EMS 13 arrived first to find two automobiles fully engulfed in flames and threatening a duplex. Additional firefighters were close behind and quickly deployed hand-lines to knockdown the fire, minimizing the exposure to nearby structures. Truck Companies raised ladders to the roof and began aggressive vertical ventilation. Firefighters faced additional hazards from live power lines that were down and were assisted by DWP.

Ninety-five firefighters obtained a knockdown in 31 minutes. One civilian adult female received non life-threatening burns and was transported to a local hospital. Dollar loss was estimated at $225,000 ($150,000 for the structure and $75,000 for the contents). The cause of the fire was a water heater that ignited the fumes of two partially filled 55 gallon drums of gasoline. The flames then spread to the automobiles and structures. American Red Cross was notified and offered temporary housing for the displaced occupants

Submitted by Erik Scott
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Greater Alarm Fire in Watts Injures a Civilian

On Friday, September 4, 2009 at 4:48 AM, 3 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief John Buck responded to a Civilian Fatality Fire at 15925 South Orchard Avenue in the Harbor Gateway area of Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived quickly to a 1 story single family dwelling with one room well involved. The fire was reported by neighbors who were awakened by loud noises just before the blaze broke out.

Firefighters immediately made entry into the home, where extreme pack-rat conditions made it very difficult to find the source of the flames. Interior fire attack teams also encountered large holes in the floor of the home in several locations, adding further difficulties during their operations.

The fire moved rapidly throughout the structure, as crews worked diligently to put this blaze out, LAFD personnel soon discovered the lifeless remains of one person inside one of the rooms of the home.

A positive identification of the deceased person including their age, gender as well as the cause, time and manner of death will be determined by the Coroner's Office.

No other injuries were reported.

Monetary loss of the blaze is still being tabulated. The cause of this early morning fire remains under an active investigation.


Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Man Found Dead in Burning Harbor Gateway Home

On Monday, June 8, 2009 at 6:51 PM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 77 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Robert Franco, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 1520 West Florence Avenue in South Los Angeles.


View Larger Pre-Fire Image (you can also click, grab & zoom the image above)
Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy smoke from a fast-moving rubbish fire in the alley of a one-story commercial building. The flames had extended within the structure, threatening a two-story apartment building to the east and a storefront church to the west.

LAFD personnel aggressively attacked the flames, using handlines to confine the fire before it spread to the adjacent buildings. The well-coordinated offense limited the blaze within the mattress store and alley of initial involvement.

The flames were extinguished in just 31 minutes.

After sustaining a severe nail puncture to his hand during the fire assault, one firefighter was taken to California Hospital Medical Center, where he was treated and released to remain off duty.

The same hospital later saw a teenage female from the neighborhood brought to their facility by LAFD Ambulance in fair condition, after complaining of exposure to smoke from the fire.

No other injuries were reported.

Loss to 'Dream & Rest Mattress Company' is still being tabulated. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - South L.A. Mattress Store Fire Sends 2 To Hospital

On Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 1:18 AM, 3 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 5 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team - a total of 27 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel, responded to a Civilian Fatality Fire at 6050 South Gramercy Place near the Hyde Park neighborhood of South Los Angeles.

Firefighters responded quickly to reports of smoke in an industrial neighborhood, to find a large motorhome parked on the street well involved with fire.

Tackling the flames in less than ten minutes, and preventing the fire from spreading to nearby businesses, LAFD personnel soon discovered the lifeless remains of one person inside the charred vehicle.

A positive identification of the deceased person, including their age and gender as well as the cause, time and manner of their death, will be determined by the Coroner's Office.

No other injuries were reported.

Monetary loss from the blaze is still being tabulated. 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 - Firefighters Discover Body in Burning Motorhome