On Sunday, May 8, 2011 at 7:18 PM, the Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned to assist an animal in peril in the 5300 block of Elvira Road in Woodland Hills.


Neighborhood Firefighters arrived quickly to find a hawk entangled in fishing line strung between a tall tree and utility pole. An LAFD Ladder Truck joined the Engine Company in a delicate effort to rescue the raptor, by carefully extending an aerial ladder 40 feet beyond utility lines.

Firefighters cut the filament line - a possible remnant from a kite, to release the frightened animal. The hawk was gingerly placed in a lightweight sack to protect it from further harm, and entrusted to the care of a responder from the Department of Animal Services.

No persons were injured.

Those who encounter animals in distress in the City of Los Angeles are encouraged to call the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services at (888) 452-7381. Additional information on animal care and control can be found at:

laanimalservices.com

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Video: Firefighters Rescue Imperiled Hawk in Woodland Hills

On Saturday, January 1, 2011 at 12:49 PM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, a total of 29 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Chris Kawai, responded to a Structure Fire at 19927 Arminta Street in Winnetka.

Responding to initial reports of a rubbish fire, neighborhood firefighters arrived quickly to find flames from a large trash can had extended to the attic of a one-story single family home.

Firefighters swiftly extended ground ladders to the roof of the 1500 square foot residence to perform strategic vertical ventilation with chainsaws, as their colleagues deployed hoselines within the building to halt the spread of flame.

The combined effort of LAFD personnel within and above the structure quickly stemmed the downward and lateral advance of flame, confining the fire to the attic. Simultaneous and well-coordinated efforts to protect and salvage personal belongings further limited the impact of the fast-moving blaze, which was extinguished in just 19 minutes.

No injuries were reported.

The need to secure the home's utilities rendered the building temporarily untenable. The man, woman and teenage male residents stated a desire to seek their own accommodations.

Loss from the fire was limited to $70,000 ($50,000 structure & $20,000 contents). The cause of this rapidly spreading blaze was determined to be accidental, and is attributed to the improper disposal of fireplace ashes.


Los Angeles Firefighters emphasize that fireplace ashes must always be handled with care. After cooling thoroughly in the fireplace, ashes should be placed directly into a metal can and soaked completely with water. No other items should be placed in the can. The metal can must be immediately covered with its own tight-fitting non-combustible lid. The closed container should then be stored at a safe outdoor location away from any structure or combustible items.

(photos)

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Improperly Discarded Fireplace Ashes Cause $70K Damage to Winnetka Home

On Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 10:53 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, under the direction of Battalion Chief John Miller responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 8835 N. Shirley Ave in Northridge.

The first companies arrived quickly to discover heavy smoke showing from a one story 50' x 100' commercial structure. Firefighters extended handlines and made forcible entry to battle within the commercial building, doing business as a Video Arcade Manufacturer. Interior attack teams had the vigorous task of locating the seat of the fire, while roof teams cut several holes above to release the super heated gas below.

The fire, which was intense, was apparently located on a mezzanine level severing as storage space. Although the flames threatened a structure across a shared foyer, the fire load was confined only to the building of origin. The aggressive and well-coordinated efforts of 88 Los Angeles Firefighters brought the flames under control in just over 37 minutes.

There were no reports of anyone being inside the structure and no injuries to any personnel during this incident. Damage to the non-occupied building is estimated at $350,000 ($250,000 structure & $100,000 contents). The cause of this blaze has is still under an active investigation by Fire Officials

(photos)

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Rips Through Building In Northridge

On Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 3:56 PM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 8 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief John Miller responded to a Mult-Patient Medical Incident at 6201 North Winnetka Avenue in Woodland Hills.

Firefighters arrived at Pierce College, where 800 students and coaches gathered from multiple High Schools for a cross country track meet. Due to intense physical exertion and extreme temperatures, 12 suffered heat related illnesses. Most of those evaluated by Firefighter/Paramedics, were athletes. In addition to providing emergency medical care, a total of 45 Firefighters scoured the three mile track to ensure no runners had fallen ill and were left behind. In all, ten females that were 16 to 17 years-old, required transportation to various local hospitals. Medical complaints were predominately minor in severity, however two patients suffered temporary altered-level-of-consciousness. The incident lasted just under two hours.

The Los Angeles Fire Department stresses the importance of staying hydrated and not exercising alone, especially during extreme temperatures.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Cross Country Runners Hospitalized From Heat Injuries

On Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 1:05 AM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 84 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Ronald Jackson, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 6402 Platt Avenue in West Hills.

Firefighters responding to an alarm company notification of a smoke detector activation, arrived quickly during an intense rainstorm to find fire showing from a 50' x 100' one-story veterinary office.

Swiftly forcing entry into West Hills Animal Hospital, which was secured and appeared closed for business, Los Angeles Firefighters commenced a well-coordinated search of the premises in accordance with LAFD protocol that assumes a building occupied until proven otherwise.

Though there were no human occupants, firefighters soon rescued two cats and two dogs from the smoke-charged structure. Despite the efforts of medically-trained firefighters, only one canine survived.

Cradling the surviving puppy in his arms, a firefighter was soon met by a hospital staff member summoned to the scene. Assisting the LAFD in providing oxygen to the conscious and breathing pet, the veterinarian later took the animal to a nearby pet emergency clinic.

While their colleagues skilfully protected medical records and equipment below, firefighters held the flames within the attic and circumferential mansard of the former fast food establishment, extinguishing the fire in just 30 minutes.

No human injuries were reported.

Monetary loss to the facility has been estimated at $160,000 ($100,000 structure & $60,000 contents). The cause of this early morning blaze is categorized as electrical, and attributed to stormwater impact on an illuminated sign attached to the front of the building.

(photos) (photos)


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Battle To Save Pets in Animal Hospital

On Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 4:51 PM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Arson Units, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 59 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Ronald Jackson, responded to an Explosion at 6530 Independence Avenue in Canoga Park.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly and were directed the northeast corner of a 205-unit three story complex of apartments over perimeter parking, to discover severe blast damage within and near a first floor utility room.

First arriving firefighters rapidly coordinated evacuation and crowd control for the dozens of occupants who had fled the damaged building, as additional LAFD crews - including those specially trained in Urban Search and Rescue, methodically examined the 145,000 square-foot complex.

Small but steady flame visible through a crack in the cement floor of the utility room subsided when natural gas service to the building was turned off.

Despite blast damage that extended to the third floor of the 25 year-old wood frame/stucco building, there were no injuries.

As a result of the explosion and a need to secure utilities, 47 apartments were deemed untenable. Assisting 50 residents in their need for temporary housing were staff from the City's Housing Department and volunteers from the American Red Cross.

Structural loss to Americana Independence Apartments, as well as collateral automotive and content loss is still being tabulated.

An Investigation Team from the LAFD's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section concurred with Chief Jackson's determination that a "flammable vapor explosion" occurred within or near the utility room.

Representatives from the Los Angeles Departments of Building & Safety and Water & Power were joined by the Southern California Gas Company in a joint investigation to determine the source of the flammable gas.

(photos) (photos)


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Canoga Park Apartment Explosion Leaves Dozens Displaced

On Friday, October 16, 2009 at 6:35 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 5 Arson Units, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 Helicopter, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, along with The House of Worship Task Force under the direction of Assistant Chief Mark Stormes responded to a Structure Fire at 5955 N. Lindley in Tarzana.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and fire coming out from The Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East's stain glass windows. Very large eucalyptus trees in front of the building also caught fire, causing a giant column of smoke and flames visible from the street. A significant amount of the flames had to be suppressed before the initial fire attack team could enter the building.

Master stream appliances were set in place to knock down the bulk of the blaze at the front of the structure. Roof teams quickly made their way up ladders to the top of the structure to cut ventilation holes on the a frame portion on the building. Fire crews aggressively advanced hose-lines, to begin extinguishing the fire.

It took 92 firefighters just under 30 minutes to achieve a knock down without injury. Although hundreds of the church's parishioners were at the scene, no one was reported to have been in the building at the time of the incident. There were no injuries to any civilians.

A monetary loss from the blaze will be estimated by church officials. The House of Worship Task Force has formally declared the cause of the fire to be "undetermined electrical".

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Task Force Investigates Fire At Church In Tarzana

On Friday, September 18, 2009 at 2:35 AM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 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 John Duca responded to a structure fire with civilian fatality at 18424 West Saticoy Street in the community of Reseda.

Firefighters quickly responded to the address and initially reported a three-story apartment building, which later became the exposure to a small single family dwelling located to the rear. Firefighters extended hose lines and made access to the roof via ground ladders, completing a well-coordinated attack on the flames.

The fire was subsequently knocked down in just 13 minutes, and contained predominantly to one room. Unfortunately, a 16 year old male and his three beloved dogs were found deceased within the structure. No smoke alarms were noted in the structure. The Mayor's Crisis Response Team along with LAFD Arson units was dispatched. The dollar loss totaled $145,000 ($125,000 for the structure and $20,000 for the contents). The cause remains under investigation.

Submitted by Melissa Kelley
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Civilian and Three Dogs Found Deceased Inside Single Family Dwelling

On Sunday, August 23, 2009 at 1:57 PM, 20 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 LAFD Rescue Ambulance, 5 Helicopters, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 4 LACO Hand Crews with 3 supervisors, 1 LACO Helicopter under the direction of Assistant Chief Mark Stormes responded to a Greater Alarm Brush Fire at 24440 Bell Canyon Rd. in Woodland Hills.

Firefighters arrived to find 1/4 acres of grass and brush burning alongside the steep hills near Bell Canyon Park, just at the border of Ventura County. Although the fire was moving slow, ground crews quickly assessed the need for helicopters, as handlines were unable to reach the bulk of the fire. Water dropping helicopters were quickly called in to attack the blaze from the air, while firefighters on the ground continued to reach the head of the fire though rough terrain.

With relatively slow wind speeds being 5 mph, a humidity of 28%, and the temperature at 89 degrees, firefighters were able to knock down the fire in less than 1 hour and 48 minutes. Due to the strong efforts of 122 firefighters, the flames were completely extinguished with no surrounding homes involved.

Two firefighters were later reported to have sustained minor injuries during the fire fight, with one being transported to an area hospital for observation and another treated and released at the scene.

A total of 8 acres was consumed by this blaze with the cause being attributed to a Traffic Collision on Bell Canyon Rd.

Submitted by Devin Gales
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 8 Acres Burn In Bell Canyon

On Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 8:43 AM, 5 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, L.A. County Health Haz Mat, the Red Cross, DOT and assistance of the LAPD Bomb Squad & Supervisor, responded to reports of an EXPLOSION at 19227 W. Ingomar St. in the Reseda area.

Initial reports to responding Firefighters indicated a container was on fire with ammunition exploding, located behind a single family dwelling. As Firefighters arrived on scene, they found 2 outbuildings and a storage container well involved with fire, with confirmation that "thousands of rounds of ammunition" were going off. Firefighters aggressively deployed handlines to achieve a quick knockdown of the blaze, as additional manpower was requested by the IC. For the safety of Firefighters, protective vests were donned and portable monitors were expeditiously set-up 40 to 50 feet away as an indirect firefighting method to assist in containing the fire and cooling the contents of the container.

As the bulk of the fire was knocked down, the LAPD Bomb Squad was requested to assist with the incident. 5 properties, surrounding the buildings of fire origin, were evacuated as a precaution to the residents. The owner of the property arrived on scene to assist Fire and Police with information regarding storage inside the container and sheds.

It took 82 Firefighters 1 hour, 56 minutes to completely knockdown the fire. No injuries to civilians or Firefighters were reported. The Red Cross, Canteen Services, was requested for the evacuated residents. The cause and dollar loss estimate is undetermined until the completion of the fire investigation.

(video) (video) (video)

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Residential Fire Reveals Ammunition Storage in Reseda

On Monday, April 6, 2009 at 8:20 AM, 7 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 41 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Ronald Jackson, responded to a Structure Fire at 6300 Jumilla Avenue in Woodland Hills.

Firefighters arrived quickly and witnessed smoke and fire coming from two rooms of a 2,000 square-foot ranch style single family dwelling.


It took crews 10 minutes to extinguish the blaze.

There were two occupants in the home at the time of the fire; however both made it out safely prior to the arrival of the Fire Department. 1 occupant sustained minor injury to his knee , the other with no visible injury, neither needed transport.

Two dogs were also caught in the blaze, one escaping with its life and one perishing in the flames.

Loss from the fire is estimated at $24,000 ($20,000 structure & $4,000 contents). Firefighters noted excessive storage in the home and determined the blaze was caused by the ignition of ordinary combustibles placed near an electric wall heater.


Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Storage Near Wall Heater Sparks Woodland Hills Blaze

On Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:30 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Ronald Jackson, responded to a Cliff Rescue at 3635 N. Vanalden Av. in Tarzana.

Firefighters responded to a reported hiker down in the canyon at approximately 9:30 a.m.. When Firefighters arrived on scene, they found 3 young hikers who indicated they heard someone calling out for help down in the canyon and may have been there over night with possible injuries. A request for aerial assistance by helicopter with hoist capabilities was canceled due to weather.

Firefighters utilized the Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) Team to assist in the rescue. It took Firefighters 20 minutes on foot to locate the hiker. Utilizing an assortment of tools, the hiker was freed from the vegetation. After being assessed by Paramedics for injuries, the hiker was secured in a litter basket and walked out utilizing a low angle, hoist operation. The medical concern of Firefighters was the possibility of hypothermia, from exposure to low overnight temperatures. The hiker was finally at street side by 11:05 a.m.

The hiker, a male 33, stated he had been hiking the previous day, when he slipped and fell down into the canyon. Unable to climb out, he spent the night partially entrapped in brush calling for help.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department would like to stress trail safety. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Hike with a partner or let someone know where you will be hiking. Take sufficient water and a fully charged cell phone. Remember that cell phone coverage in the mountains can be spotty. But most importantly - BE SAFE

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Hiker Rescued After Overnight Ordeal