NORTH HOLLYWOOD - The Los Angeles Fire Department's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section is investigating a series of intentionally set fires that occurred this week along the Lankershim Boulevard corridor between Burbank Boulevard and Saticoy Street in North Hollywood.


LAFD Investigators are urging residents to be alert, make note of suspicious activity and minimize the threat of arson by removing dry vegetation, trash and debris. Property owners are also encouraged to use outdoor lighting, lock vehicles and place rubbish within covered trash cans in well-secured areas to curtail the possibility of arson.

The active investigation into these purposely set fires is being led by the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section, working closely with officers from the Los Angeles Police Department's North Hollywood Community Police Station.

Anyone witnessing active fire, fire-setting or imminent danger to life and property is encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately.

Those with information about these or other suspicious fires, should call the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section directly at (213) 485-6095 or the on-duty Operations Control Dispatch (OCD) Floor Captain at (213) 485-4701.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Public Help Sought in North Hollywood Arson Fires

On Monday, June 6, 2011 at 10:04 AM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, a total of 63 Firefighters all under the direction of Assistant Chief Jeffery S. Mottram, responded to a LEAKING NATURAL GAS incident at 6800 North Coldwater Canyon Avenue in North Hollywood.


First arriving resources quickly confirmed that an approximte three-inch gas line had been broken during a street re-paving project at the intersection of North Coldwater Canyon Avenue and Vanowen Street. Additional resources were immediately ordered to assist with the precautionary evacuation of local businesses. Upon further evaluation, it was determined that the gas flow posed no immediate threat to residents in the area. The leak was located, capped and every precaution was taken to ensure citizen safety.

Following the investigation of the surrounding area, it was determined the best course of action would be to advise all in the vicinity to seek shelter indoors. Officials at two local schools, Coldwater Canyon Elementary and James Madison Middle School, were aided by Firefighters in clearing the playgrounds and getting all students into class rooms until the gas had dissipated. By noon, both schools were back to normal operations.

This incident was under Unified Command between the LAFD and LAPD until the hazard had been mitigated at approximately 3:00pm, before anyone was injured. At that point, most Fire resources were made available for other emergency responses and the incident was turned over to the Gas Company.

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Avert Natural Gas Disaster in North Hollywood

On Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 10:01 PM, 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 Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Richard Rideout, responded to a Structure Fire at 2747 North Laurel Canyon Boulevard in the Hollywood Hills.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find fire showing from a one-story hillside home.

Forcing entry into the smoke-charged residence, firefighters quickly encountered household pets seeking to escape the blaze, and soon commenced an exhaustive search of the 1,288 square-foot building to find and rescue a half-dozen more animals in severe to extreme distress.

The fire was swiftly confined to the home's kitchen and extinguished in just 22 minutes.

The total of nine pets rescued from the burning home, including four dogs and five cats, were cared for by Los Angeles Firefighters, who soon determined that two dogs and two cats were beyond medical help.

Following more than a half-hour of on-scene care by firefighters, the two dogs and three cats who survived the blaze, were entrusted to the care of a responder from the Department of Animal Services.

No human injuries were reported.




Monetary loss to the 55 year-old home - unoccupied by humans at the time of the fire, is estimated at $110,000 ($75,000 structure & $35,000 contents). The cause of the late night blaze is categorized as electrical.

We were deeply touched by this video statement from the resident...



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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Los Angeles Firefighters Pull Nine Pets From Burning Hollywood Hills Home

On Monday, May 9, 2011 at 4:26 PM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 27 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief John Drake, responded to a Structure Fire at 6014 Farmdale Avenue in North Hollywood.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy smoke showing from a one-story single family home. Forcing entry, they encountered intense fire within the dining area and kitchen.

Simultaneous to their assault on the flames, firefighters performed a rapid yet thorough search of the 1,116 square-foot building - in zero visibility conditions, to discover and rescue a pair of lifeless pet dogs from the smoke-charged home.

While a relentless fire attack continued - and with no human patients found, teams of Los Angeles Firefighters, including Firefighter/Paramedics, began vigorous attempts at resuscitating the canines using every tool at their disposal, including specialized animal care supplies.

Within a few minutes, one of the pets was sadly determined to be beyond medical help, while the other was seen as clinging to life. The latter animal was provided unyielding care for nearly one-half hour by LAFD personnel, who transported the dog in a Fire Department vehicle to a nearby veterinary office.

Despite the combined effort of firefighters and a veterinarian, the dog succumbed soon after arrival at the animal hospital. It is believed that both pets died due to smoke exposure.

The fire was confined within the two rooms of origin and extinguished in just 17 minutes. No human injuries were reported. The 59 year-old home was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

Monetary loss from the fire has been estimated at $85,000 ($75,000 structure & $10,000 contents). The cause of this late afternoon blaze is categorized as electrical.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Despite Extreme Firefighter Effort, Two Canines Perish in North Hollywood Fire

On Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 3:03 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 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 Charles Butler responded to a Fire Fatality at 4315 North Bluebell Avenue in Studio City.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover heavy smoke showing from a 1200 square-foot one-story single family home. Reports came in from neighbors, of an individual who may have still been trapped inside. Fire crews forced their way through the front of the residence and were quickly met with flames just inside the entry way. They mounted a bold and decisive attack on the fire, while continuing a systematic search of the smoke charged residence, but were initially unsuccessful in locating anyone.

Near the final phase of extinguishment, firefighters discovered the remains of a burned body, possibly an adult female in the living room area of the home. Unfortunately the individual was beyond any medical help and was declared deceased at the scene.

Firefighters were able to confine the flames to just the living room portion of the structure, and extinguished the early morning blaze in just 17 minutes. This home reportedly had no smoke alarms present, with no obvious deterrents for a possible escape.

A positive identification of the deceased, as well as the cause, manner and time of death will be determined by Coroner's officials. The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.

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Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Early Morning Fire Claims One Life

On Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 2:51 PM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 65 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief David Yamahata, responded to a Trench Collapse with Civilian Fatality at 3931 Oeste Avenue in Studio City.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find an unconscious and non-breathing adult male worker buried to his neck deep within an excavation for a sewer line at a hillside residential construction site.

According to witnesses, the 33 year-old man - a ten year employee of a private construction firm, was last seen working in or near the 8 foot deep by 2 foot wide trench when the worksite foreman departed for an errand.

The collapse was not witnessed by other construction personnel working remotely on the property, and only noted by the foreman upon his return to the site after an unspecified period of time.

With an LAFD Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team and LAFD Heavy Rescue Unit proactively assigned to the initial response, Firefighter/Dispatchers also summoned a trio of large vacuum trucks from the City's Department of Public Works, Bureau of Sanitation to assist with efficient soil removal, of what commenced wholeheartedly as a rescue operation.

With safety, speed and well-practiced efficiency, LAFD trench rescue equipment and personnel were relayed to the site, as both medical oxygen and breathing air lines were swiftly made ready. As the soil was promptly shored to protect both the patient and responders, USAR certified LAFD Paramedics were soon face-to-face with the trapped worker, to sadly determine with great certainty that he was beyond medical help.

Declaring the man deceased at 3:10 PM, rescuers - still together as a team, began the dolorous transition to recovery of the man's remains. With the enhanced shoring of trench walls and key safety procedures in place, firefighters commenced a precise rotation of personnel for the labor-intensive effort of exhuming the man's body.

More than three hours after they were first summoned, Los Angeles Fire Department responders removed the man from the trench in a dignified and respectful manner, placing his remains in custody of the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner.

No other injuries were reported.

A positive identification of the dead man, as well as the precise cause, time and manner of his death will be determined by the Coroner's Office.

Representatives from the City of Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety joined Cal/OSHA Investigators at the scene.

Questions regarding the presence, need or deceased man's use of safety equipment and approved worksite procedures remains within the purview of Cal/OSHA, which is investigating the workplace fatality.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Trench Collapse Claims Life of Construction Worker in Studio City

On Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 9:00 AM, Los Angeles Firefighters quickly responded to a reported Structure Fire in Valley Glen. Upon making entry into an apartment unit, they found a kitchen fire that had already been extinguished. Unfortunately, an adult female suffered critical burns to her face, neck and arms while in the kitchen. When attempting to help, the victim's husband suffered moderate burn injuries to his hands.

The Los Angeles Fire Department and the National Fire Protection Association would like to share some staggering statistics:

Each year approximately 3,000 Americans die as a result of home fires and burns, and more than 200,000 are seen in our nation’s emergency rooms for burn injuries.

Burn injuries are commonly caused by flame, scalds or contact with a hot surface. Burns are painful and can result in serious disability, disfigurement - even death.

Most importantly, burns are preventable...

• Turn pot and pan handles away from the front of your stove, and use the rear burners when possible.
• Maintain a 3-foot 'kid-free' zone around your stove and wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking.
• Keep hot foods and liquids away from tables and counter edges so they cannot be pulled or knocked over.
• Never hold a child in your arms while preparing hot food or drinking a hot beverage.
• Use extreme caution with items that get hot such as curling irons, oven, irons, lamps, heaters.
• Never leave a child alone in a room with a lit candle, portable heater, lit fireplace or stove, or where a hot appliance might be in use.

Sadly, today a woman is in the hospital fighting for her life. By using the tips above, you and your loved ones can greatly reduce the chance of receiving a serious burn injury.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Kitchen Fire Critically Burns Woman In Valley Glen

On Monday, January 17, 2011 at 9:37 PM, 14 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, Department of Water & Power, and Department of Transportation, under the direction of Battalion Chief Timothy Ernst responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 12500 West Raymer Street in North Hollywood.

Thanks to Battalion 12 Chief Officer Command Team's keen awareness while driving through the North Hollywood area, they observed smoke poring out of a 135' X 50' commercial building. Quickly notifying Operations Control Division (LAFD's 9-1-1 dispatch center), additional firefighters immediately responded.

Routine firefighting operations such as Forcible Entry and Fire Attack rapidly commenced. The bulk of the flames were toward the front of the 6,600 square-foot building doing business as Star Marble & Tile. As Truck Companies ordered "all ladders off the truck", firefighters were able to climb their way to the conventional, gable truss roof and perform vertical ventilation. A small diameter hose line was also utilized atop the roof to extinguish flames.

Shortly thereafter, firefighters inside made their way through dark, smoky conditions and located the seat of the fire which was an automobile fully involved in flames. Although almost 100 firefighters responded, the first arriving 51 were able to fully extinguish the blaze in just 16 minutes, before anyone was injured. Dollar loss from the fire has been estimated at $65,000 ($40,000 structure & $25,000 contents). The suspected cause of this late evening blaze is categorized as "arcing".

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman

Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Commercial Building Fire In North Hollywood

On Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 4:32 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 89 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Chris Kawai responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire with Firefighter Injury at 11336 Dona Lisa Drive in Studio City.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy smoke and fire showing from the second floor of a 2 story hillside home.

Teams of firefighters extended ground ladders to the roof of the 2,151 square-foot residence as their colleagues extended hoselines within the structure - not occupied at the time of the fire; to do battle with fierce flames.

Working swiftly and efficiently, rooftop firefighters performed essential vertical ventilation, allowing crews beneath them to advance on the flames, as the deeply entrenched fire consumed joists between the first and second floors on its way to the adjacent and attached garage.



As scores of LAFD personnel turned back the flames, one Los Angeles Firefighter sustained a one-story fall, when the ground ladder he was descending suddenly gave way. Landing squarely on the driveway below, the 23-year LAFD veteran sustained musculoskeletal injury to his legs. In fair condition, he was taken by ambulance to an area hospital, where he was treated and released that evening to remain off-duty.

The fire was confined to the structure of origin and extinguished in just 31 minutes. No other injuries were reported.

Fire loss to the 46 year old, non-fire sprinklered home was estimated at $200,000 ($150,000 structure & $50,000 contents). The cause of this late afternoon blaze was determined to be electrical in nature.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Veteran Firefighter Injured Tackling Studio City Blaze

Members of the Los Angeles Fire Department are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Battalion Chief Gary L. Clark, who died suddenly while off-duty on September 22, 2010.

Chief Clark began his career with the Los Angeles Fire Department in January 1980, and at the time of his passing was Commander of LAFD's Battalion 14 'C' Platoon, serving the southeast San Fernando Valley.

He is survived by his wife, along with four sons and three daughters. Additional information regarding final arrangements will be released as soon as they become available.

To convey both our respect and sadness, the flags at all Los Angeles Fire Stations will be flown at half-staff, and uniformed members of our agency have been authorized to wear a mourning band upon their badges, until further notice.


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

READ MORE - Firefighters Mourn The Passing of Battalion Chief Gary L. Clark

On Saturday, July 24,2010 at 7:10 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, under the direction of Battalion Chief Peter Benesch responded to a Civilian Fatality Structure Fire at 11594 W. Riverside Dr. in Valley Village.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover heavy smoke showing from the rear of a one story 650 square foot single family home. Although firefighters made quick entry to extinguish the flames, the burned body of an adult female was subsequently discovered. Without vital signs of life, she was determined deceased at the scene.

Smoke alarms were noted within the residence, but their functional status has not yet been determined. There were no security bars or other obvious impairments to impede egress from the home.

It took 37 firefighters only 11 minutes to fully knock down the flames. The physical damage from the fire was confined to the room of origin.

The exact cause of this fire will remain the focus of an active joint investigation by Los Angeles Fire and Police Department officials. A positive identification of the deceased woman, as well as the exact cause, time and manner of her death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.

The monetary value of this incident can not really be tabulated when there is a loss of life.

On July 26, 2010 the Los Angeles Police Department released a statement that included the sketch of a possible suspect, in what they describe as an "arson related homicide".

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Adult Female Found Dead During Fire

On Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 12:26 AM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Arson Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 78 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief John Drake, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 3580 Avenida del Sol in Studio City.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find a one-story hillside single family home fully involved with fire.

With light winds from the north and a concern for flying embers igniting volatile vegetation, three LAFD Helicopters were deployed for command support and water dropping capabilities.

Navigating a long driveway with several parked cars, as well as the property's sloped terrain, ground-based firefighters soon encircled the free burning 2,051 square-foot home, negating the need for helicopter water drops but gaining clear tactical advantage from LAFD aerial reconnaissance.

Firefighters confined the fire to the involved structure, sparing an adjacent 833 square-foot building on the premises. They extinguished the flames in just 36 minutes without injury.

The adult male homeowner, alone and asleep within the residence at the time of the blaze, was awakened by the sound of breaking glass and able to escape unharmed prior to the Fire Department's arrival.

The presence and functional status of required smoke alarms could not be immediately determined. The 66 year-old building was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

The property owner's compliance with LAFD brush clearance regulations played a key role in preventing the fire from spreading to neighboring homes.

Fire loss is still being tabulated. The cause of the blaze remains under active investigation.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Swift Moving Blaze Consumes Studio City Hillside Home

On Monday, May 3, 2010 at 6:12 PM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 49 Los Angeles Firefighters under the direction of Battalion Chief John Drake, responded to a Structure Fire at 4521 Colfax Avenue in Studio City.

Responding to an initial report of a car fire, Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find several vehicles well involved, with flames rapidly extending to nearby automobiles and an adjacent 2 story garden-style apartment building.


As additional personnel were summoned, firefighters commenced a swift and well-coordinated attack on the flames, their colleagues soon focusing on strategic vertical ventilation and simultaneous efforts to protect residential belongings. Their efforts proved synergistic, with the flames extinguished in just 31 minutes.

Damage was limited to five unoccupied vehicles and a portion of two apartments, with smoke impacting two adjacent dwelling units.

No injuries were reported.

A total of eight persons, including 4 adults and 4 children from 2 families were displaced by the flames. Both families were provided temporary shelter and disaster assistance by volunteers from the American Red Cross.

Loss from the blaze has been estimated at $200,000 ($120,000 property & $80,000 vehicles).

The fire's origin was isolated to a compact vehicle parked minutes earlier at the carport location. The specific cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - San Fernando Valley Blaze Displaces Eight

On Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 1:37 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 2 Foam Tenders, and 2 Bull dozers under the direction of Assistant Chief Ralph Terrazas responded to a fire at 11201 West Pendleton Street in Sun Valley.

The first arriving engine saw a large, black plume of smoke and immediately requested additional firefighters to be dispatched. Firefighters entered a Pick Your Part auto recycling center and made their way through the large 193,642 square-foot lot. They found a 75’ by 50’ debris pile of trash, wood, tires and used auto parts, stacked 20’ high, which was contained on three sides by a metal fence.

Firefighters quickly deployed hand-lines and made an aggressive attack on the blaze. The fire hydrant was a considerable distance from the source of fire therefore a water shuttle operation was started. This allows the firefighters at the end of the hose to continue to spray water and foam without interruption, while multiple fire engines fill up with water from the hydrant and shuttle it back.

Due to the quick action of 77 firefighters and because of the fortunate metal wall around the debris, the blaze did not spread. The fire was extinguished in one hour and 53 minutes. No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported.

The fire was started when a skip-loader tractor, used to move rubbish into the 75’ by 50’ containment area, created a spark which ignited the trash. The dollar loss was zero.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman

Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Greater Alarm Fire at Auto Recycling Yard

On Friday, January 29, 2010 at 11:51 PM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 4 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 33 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Gary Clark, responded to a Structure Fire with Civilian Injury at 6548 Fulcher Avenue in North Hollywood.

Sent to investigate a vague report of smoke, a perseverant LAFD Engine Company scoured a neighborhood more than a quarter mile from the reporting location, to find well-entrenched fire within a one-story single family home. The four member LAFD crew summoned additional resources and immediately began attacking the blaze.


View Larger Pre-Fire Image (you can also click, grab & zoom the image above)
Forcing the front door of the smoke charged residence open with effort, firefighters discovered a motionless adult male behind the door, and swiftly moved him to fresh air. Finding no pulse on the breathless man, firefighters immediately provided cardiopulmonary resuscitation before transferring his care to an arriving LAFD Paramedic team.

During ambulance transport, a pair of veteran LAFD Paramedics were able to restore a pulse to the man, who remained in very critical condition with ventilatory assistance needed upon arrival at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank.

It took firefighters just ten minutes to extinguish the blaze, but not before it caused $150,000 ($75,000 structure & $75,000 contents) loss to the 1,592 square foot residence.

Though the conventional front door of the home was unlawfully equipped with a double-cylinder (key on both sides) deadbolt lock, the status of the hardware did not appear to limit the man's egress according to Investigators. There were no security doors, window bars or obvious non-fire factors to impede the man from exiting the home.

The presence and functional status of legally required smoke alarms could not be immediately determined. The 55 year-old home was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

The cause the blaze remains under active investigation.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Man Gravely Injured in North Hollywood Blaze

On Saturday, December 26, 2009 at 10:14 AM, 9 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 69 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Jose S-Cronenbold, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 12011 Victory Boulevard in North Hollywood.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover light smoke showing from one mid-block 2 story building in a row of commercial businesses.

While firefighters attacked stubborn flames on the first floor, their colleagues swiftly rescued a pair of trapped second floor occupants at the rear of the building via ladder, as additional firefighters guided a third person from the structure.

The fire was skilfully confined within one office containing dense storage of combustible items, and extinguished in just 25 minutes.

Following their initial medical assessment at the scene, the rescued trio -- a woman and two men, declined treatment or transportation. No other injuries were reported.

Loss from the fire is still being tabulated. The cause of this mid-morning blaze was categorized as accidental.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Los Angeles Firefighters Rescue Trio From North Hollywood Blaze

On Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 6:32 AM, 13 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 4 Arson Units, 3 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 Helicopters, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, and Los Angeles County Fire Department under the direction of Assistant Chief Mark Stormes responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 2047 North Sunset Plaza Drive in the Hollywood Hills.

The owner of a five level multi million dollar home reportedly awoke to the sound of breaking glass, and stated he rushed upstairs in anticipation of a burglary to find the upper level of his home engulfed in flames.

Engine and Rescue 97 responded up the curvy hill on Sunset Plaza Drive in less than eight minutes to find fire blowing out the windows and skylights of an approximate 7500 square feet hillside home. Firefighters immediately utilized a wagon battery to quickly knock down the bulk of the flames from the exterior, making the structure tenable for an interior attack with well coordinated attack of handlines. Truck Companies then went to the roof and started vertical ventilation to assist in the attack, control, and extinguishment the structure fire.

It took 109 firefighters just 38 minutes to obtain a knockdown, however an extended overhaul and detailed salvage operation took place to minimize damage to precious pieces of art and protect luxury automobiles inside the structure. No injuries were reported.
The fire loss has been estimated at 7,000,000 dollars, (one million for the structure and six million for the contents). The cause of the fire is still under investigation.


Submitted by Erik Scott
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Battle a Blaze in a Hollywood Hills Home

On Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 5:20 AM, 3 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Dozer Team, 2 Dozer Tenders, 1 Loader Team, 1 Transport Team, along with the aid of LAPD, DOT, Gas Co, and Sanitation under the direction of Assistant Chief Mark Stormes responded to a flooding, involving one LAFD engine at 12200 W. Hartsook St. in North Hollywood.

Firefighters were in route to an unknown flood problem in the vicinity of West Hartsook St. in the Valley Village Community of North Hollywood. As the Crew arrived during the early morning hour, they encountered large amounts of water on the roadway.

With no asphalt visible, the Captain on the engine made a judgment call to begin backing out of the area. As they initiated backing procedures, two firefighters stepped out of the engine to stand as lookouts, while two additional firefighters remained aboard the rig. Suddenly, the front of engine began to sink into a large hole created by a water main that broke several yards away. The two firefighters escaped, one through a side window and one was able to ajar a door on the opposite side. The sink hole consumed most of the front of the apparatus, leaving a good portion of the back exposed. An intense recovery operation was initiated consisting of heavy rescue equipment, dozers, a good amount heavy duty Cables as well as personnel. It took firefighters and allied agencies all morning to devise a plan to retrieve the engine from the large sink hole. There where no other vehicles or individuals involved. Happily the firefighters escape this incident without any Injury.

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Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Water Main Causes an Engine to Sink Into Large Hole

On Saturday, September 5, 2009 at 10:38 PM, 22 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 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, under the direction of Assistant Chief Mark Stormes responded to a Flooding at 12930 Ventura Boulevard in Studio City.



Firefighters arrived to find thousands of gallons of water rushing east on Ventura Boulevard between Coldwater Canyon Avenue and Whitsett Avenue. Firefighters sprang into action in an attempt to quickly divert the deluge around local businesses residences into the Los Angeles storm drain system, but do to the extraordinary volume of water, it pooled three to four feet in areas.

Over 150 Firefighters worked with profound diligence for many hours, using Dozers sand bags to protect life and property. Though damages include local homes and businesses being flooded, one apartment carport collapse and one victim requiring rescuing from a vehicle, no injuries were reported. An evacuation shelter was implemented at Miliken Middle School, 5041 Sunnyslope Avenue and the American Red Cross was notified.

The source of the water surge was a 95 year old, 62 inch steel pipe that ruptured underneath Coldwater Canyon Avenue, one-half block south of Ventura Boulevard, which served as a large artery feeding water to the Northern Metro Los Angeles Area. The Department of Water and Power fully secured the deluge before dawn, although Ventura Boulevard between Whitsett & Fulton is expected to be shut down until noon and Coldwater Canyon Avenue, south of Ventura Boulevard is not anticipated to open for two-three days.

(LADWP News Release) (photos) (video)

Submitted by Erik Scott
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Water Main Break in Studio City Creates Massive Flooding

On Monday, June 15, 2009 at 8:42 PM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a Heavy Equipment Operator, Light Vehicles 89 & 97 and the LAPD, under the direction of Battalion Chief Peter Benesch, responded to a Rescue incident at 2050 N. Cyprean Dr. in the Hollywood Hills.

Firefighters responded to reports of two workers stuck in the basket of a hydraulic boom, approximately 40 to 50 feet above the ground. The workers had been doing repairs on the adjacent radio tower, when they experienced difficulties maneuvering the boom basket. The first arriving Firefighters on scene, found the location of the workers problematic for responding heavy apparatus. An additional USAR company, light vehicles and a heavy equipment operator were requested to assist at the scene.

Firefighters began the daunting task of hand carrying and setting up, rescue equipment, generators and lights. As the aerial ladder truck slowly trudged up the narrow private road, Firefighters began stabilization operations to the boom.

The ladder truck made the long assent and culminated the rescue attempt with the extension of the aerial ladder in the rescue of the two trapped workers. It took approximately 55 Firefighters and specialty equipment, 1 hour, 32 minutes to rescue the workers. Fortunately, the proper use of safety equipment contributed in the worker's receiving no injuries.

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Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Workers Stranded in Malfunctioning Boom