LOS ANGELES - A total of thirty-one persons required medical attention during an overnight music festival near Chinatown.

Image of 2010 HARD Summer Music Festival
by Caesar Sebastian

The Saturday, August 6, 2011 HARD Summer Music Festival, advertised more than twenty-five acts appearing on a quartet of stages between 6:00PM and 2:00AM at the Los Angeles State Historic Park, a mile northeast of the Los Angeles Civic Center.

More than two-dozen Los Angeles Fire Department personnel, including LAFD Bicycle Medic Teams were strategically deployed across the 32 acre site for more than ten hours, allowing quick and effective response to the thirty-one persons needing emergency medical services, sixteen of whom were taken to area hospitals by ambulance. Details regarding the age, gender, condition, affiliation and circumstances of those who suffered illness or injury was not immediately available.

The Fire Department did not formally estimate festival attendance, and is not aware of any pre-hospital loss of life at or near the venue.

LAFD Battalion Chief Michael Bowman was quick to credit months of pre-event planning and the Unified Command of local, regional and State officials onsite. He acknowledged the importance of private sector involvement, including that of event organizers, and offered special praise for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which established a special schedule for Metro subway and light rail lines to serve festival attendees.

The Los Angeles Fire Department has already commenced planning for a future event by organizers of Saturday's festival, the HARD Haunted Mansion, which is scheduled for October 28-29, 2011 at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall south of downtown Los Angeles.

Dispatched Units: CT1 CT2 EM720 RA3 RA9 RA2 EM2 EM722 BC739 RA10 RA20 RA2 RA9

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - L.A.'s 'Hard Summer Music Festival' Sends Sixteen to Hospital

At 6:11 pm this evening, your Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported "hydrant" at the residential intersection of North Edloft Avenue and East Twining Street in the neighborhood of El Sereno. First arriving units were guided to the scene by water being shot approximately 100 feet into the air from a high pressure fire hydrant. The hydrant had been sheared-off by a vehicle, whose driver had apparently lost control. The driver was treated and transported to a local hospital for observation.

Mass amounts of water then began to shower surrounding homes and fill the streets. Access to the hydrant shut-off valve was made difficult to Firefighters not only because they had to endure heavy water, but also due to the large, water-main shut-off valve being located deeper underground than what standard tools on our fire apparatus are capable of accessing. This particular hydrant shut-off valve required specialized tools available only to our partners at the Department of Water & Power (DWP).



As water continued to flow for nearly two hours, approximately 50 Firefighters quickly poured on-scene to assist, along with our specialized Urban Search & Rescue unit and our Heavy Rescue squad. The water flow initially prompted the Incident Commander (IC), Battalion Chief Kevin Pearson, to protect the residents of three homes in the area by sheltering them in place. When it became apparent this would be an extended incident, the IC, under the guidance of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott, made the decision to evacuate these structures to ensure their safety.

When the hydrant was ultimately shut-down, representatives from the Department of Building & Safety quickly moved in to assess and determined the homes had sustained minimal, structural damage. However, a retaining wall at the rear of one of the structures was severely compromised. As a result, one family was unfortunately displaced for at least that evening. The family was assisted by our friends at the local Red Cross.

We are pleased to report there were no additional injuries to any of the families impacted nor to any of our on-scene personnel.

The cause is under investigation and the dollar loss is still being tabulated.


Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 100 Foot Geyser in Residential Neighborhood Displaces Family

On Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 9:05 PM, 21 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 10 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Emergency Air Tender, a total of 148 Los Angeles Firefighters assisted by Glendale Fire Department, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 3053 North Fierro Street in Glassel Park near Atwater Village.


Firefighters arrived to find a one-story, commercial building approximately 200' x 75' with heavy fire showing and immediately called for additional resources. Fire crews aggressively advanced hose-lines to preserve the property and contents of this high-end, furniture manufacturing and sales company (doing business as "Haute House").

The additional challenge of protecting adjacent structures was immediately met by firefighters. Due to the large amount of combustible materials inside the structure, flames rapidly spread and intensely burned, resulting in a full roof collapse. Large hose streams and ladder pipe operations, capable of pouring copious amounts of water on the blaze were utilized.

Due to the determined effort and seamless teamwork of all on scene, the blaze was fully extinguished in one hour and 20 minutes before anyone was injured. Flames were predominately confined to the building of origin. Fire loss to the non-occupied structure is estimated at $1,750,000 ($1,500,000 structure & $250,000 content). The cause of the blaze is under active investigation.

Submitted by Erik Scott & Matt Spence, Spokesmen
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Rips Through Furniture Store Near Atwater Village

On Friday, January 21, 2011 at 3:57 AM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 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 84 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Craig Yoder, responded to a Confined Space Rescue at 4501 West Colorado Boulevard in the Atwater Village area of Los Angeles.

Responding to a report of persons unconscious within the 269,000 square-foot Baxter Healthcare Corporation blood plasma fractionation facility, first arriving Los Angeles Firefighters swiftly established a perimeter, command post and safe staging location as they donned protective gear to enter the facility.



Joined quickly by additional firefighters, and with an LAFD Hazardous Materials Squad and LAFD Urban Search & Rescue Team on the way, firefighters discovered and rescued an adult male found pulseless and non-breathing.

Nearby the man, but trapped within the confines of a cylindrical vessel, firefighters discovered a pair of his coworkers unconscious.

According to witnesses, the three men had been cleaning and/or maintaining high-technology medical equipment when they were suddenly overcome. The exact sequence in which the men collapsed has yet to be confirmed.

As LAFD personnel moved the first lifeless worker to an area of safety for advanced medical care, firefighters utilized strength and ingenuity to safely extract the pair of unconscious men through a 24" diameter portal atop the permanently mounted four-foot-tall by five-foot-wide tank in which they were imperiled.

The two critically ill men rescued from the tank, and their gravely ill colleague - who had his pulse and blood pressure restored by the skilled effort of LAFD Paramedics - were rushed alive to a trio of nearby hospitals. Though Los Angeles Police Officers later informed LAFD that one of the men had died, it was not immediately clear which had succumbed.

While LAFD Hazardous Materials experts determined a significant presence of ethanol in the area where the men collapsed, it was not immediately clear what role the substance had played, in whole or in part, in the worker's demise or his colleague's being rendered unconscious.

No other employee or responder injuries were reported.

Pursuant of protocol, Investigators from the Los Angeles Police Department and Cal/OSHA responded to the scene to commence their respective death and injury investigations. The aforementioned agencies will be working closely with the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner to positively identify the decedent, and to determine the precise cause, time and manner of his death.

Questions regarding the presence, need or injured men's use of safety equipment and approved worksite procedures remain within the purview of Cal/OSHA officials.

(video)

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

READ MORE - LAFD Performs Confined Space Rescue at Atwater Village Medical Firm

On Friday, December 17, 2010 at 4:55 PM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Arson Units, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, under the direction of Battalion Chief Craig Yoder responded to a Structure Fire at 4920 East Stratford Road in Eagle Rock.

Firefighters arrived within four minutes to a one-story single-family-dwelling, fully involved in flames. Due to reports of a man possibly trapped inside, firefighters forced their way into the inferno with hand-lines. Conditions inside the pack-rat filled residence rapidly worsened as signs of impending roof collapse and structural instability forced firefighters out of the structure and to attack the blaze defensively. Shortly thereafter two-thirds of the roof caved in, walls buckled and power wires from a triplex fell.

A total of 46 Firefighters knocked down the blaze in just 22 minutes. Urban Search and Rescue specialists were called to ensure structural stability of the 85 year-old home so firefighters could perform a detailed search through the rubble.

Sadly, after an extensive two hour overhaul, the remains of one victim was found beyond medical help in the rear of the small residence. The deceased is believed to be the only resident, a handicapped elderly male. However a positive identification, as well as the cause, time and manner of the death will be determined by the Coroner's Office.

In examining the fire's aftermath, there was no immediate evidence of a functional smoke alarm within the 85-year old residence, nor was it equipped with residential fire sprinklers. There were no window bars or security doors to impair the victim's escape. Monetary loss from the fire is estimated at $200,000 ($150,000 structure & $50,000 contents). The cause of the fire is under active investigation.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - House Fire In Eagle Rock Claims Life

For those of us who have worked alongside him, it is seen as an honor long overdue...

LAFD Firefighter/Paramedic Ruben Terrazas
Eagle Rock Paramedic of the Year
Aaron Proctor
Eagle Rock Patch

At Eagle Rock's Fire Station 42, next to [Eagle Rock] City Hall , Ruben Terrazas is known as the jovial guy who's never short of a smile or a joke. But to his LAFD colleagues, Terrazas is the paramedic who has spent the past 31 years responding to medical emergencies at the oddest hours, particularly after midnight. Nicknamed "pee-wee" by his... (read more...)

Thank you Ruben, for more than three decades of selfless service to the people of Los Angeles. It is my honor and that of many others to call you both a mentor and a friend.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Ruben Terrazas Named Eagle Rock Paramedic of the Year

On Monday, August 9, 2010 at 4:57 PM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 4 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 LAFD Water Tender , LA City Park Rangers, 2 LA County Helicopters, 4 LA County Hand Crews, 1 Glendale/Burbank Strike Team under the direction of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott responded to a Greater Alarm Brush Fire at 5 fwy at Ventura fwy in Griffith Park.


Firefighters arrived to find 1 acres of medium to heavy brush burning alongside the hills near the 5 freeway ½ mile from the L.A. Zoo. Although the fire was originally difficult to get to, and with winds speeds around 8 mph, ground crews quickly used hand lines to reach the flames. Water dropping helicopters were quickly called in to action to assist in attacking the fire from above. Firefighters continued to reach the head of the fire though rough terrain, holding the blaze to less than 5 acres.

The nearby Zoo remained open and out of harms way during the incident, with no evacuations issued. There were no threats to any structures or civilians involved during the incident.

A total of 77 LAFD firefighters along with the assistance of multiple agencies, worked diligently to bring the fire to full containment in just one hour and eight minutes. The cause of the blaze is yet to be determined by Fire Department Officials.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 5 Acre Brush Fire Near La Zoo

On Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 2:28 AM, 3 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4 Arson Units, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Assistant Chief Daren Palacios responded to a Vehicle Fire with Civilian Fatalities at 3333 North San Fernando Road in the Atwater Village area.

Firefighters arrived within five minutes to find several persons waving them down, in an attempt to direct them to a large parking lot in the rear of a commercial building, near a newspaper distribution center. A Dodge Sportsman Class-C Motorhome, tan in color, was found parked and was well involved in flames.


Firefighters used hand-lines to quickly extinguish the fire and were able to confine the blaze to the one vehicle. No other automobiles or structures were damaged.

During the initial attack, firefighters discovered the remains of an adult (gender undetermined) in the over-head sleeper area. Then during a detailed search firefighters uncovered a second body (adult male) under debris in the same vehicle. Both adults were declared deceased at the scene.

LAFD Heavy Rescue was utilized after the flames were extinguished, to move the motor-home away from a fence, providing better access for firefighters to work.

The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office will seek to positively identify the deceased, as well as to formally determine the cause, manner and time of their death.

The incident is categorized as a joint active investigation by Fire and Police Department officials.

No other injuries were reported. Monetary loss totaled $3,000.

(Video) (Video)

Submitted by Erik Scott
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Two Bodies Found Inside Burning Motorhome

On Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 6:23 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 5 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Wade White, responded to a Structure Fire at 4838 North Maywood Avenue in Eagle Rock.

While in route to a structure fire, firefighters heard the dreadful radio transmission, “Possible victim trapped” and quickly ordered additional companies. They arrived to a one-story, wood-sided single family dwelling engulfed in flames.


Neighbors frantically tried to help with garden hoses while declaring that someone was inside, thus confirming the previous radio transmission. Firefighters sprinted into action, making an attack with hose-lines while simultaneously cutting holes in the roof for ventilation. An immediate search and rescue operation commenced in this 1200 square-foot non-sprinklered home. Firefighters were disheartened to find the lifeless body of a 77 year-old male in his bathroom.

During their relentless assault on the flames, 41 firefighters extinguished the blaze in just 20 minutes and prevented it from damaging nearby residences.

No evidence of any hard wired or battery powered smoke alarms were found in the residence. There were no window security bars or other obvious non-fire factors to impede escape.

Monetary loss from the fire was $150,000 ($100,000 structure and $50,000 contents). The cause of this early morning blaze is not yet determined.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Man Found Dead in Burning Eagle Rock Home

On Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 1:08 PM, 7 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 51 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Richard Warford, responded to a Structure Fire at 3507 Perlita Avenue in the Atwater Village area of Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover fire on the second floor and within the attic of an 1100 square-foot two story single family home.


View Larger Map (you can also click, grab and zoom the pre-fire image above!)
Firefighters aggressively attacked the well-entrenched flames with handlines, confining the fire to the second floor and attic, extinguishing the blaze in just 24 minutes.

During fire attack, one Los Angeles Firefighter sustained first degree burns to his left upper arm and right hand, as well as second degree burns to his left ear. Following on scene treatment by his colleagues, he was transported by LAFD Ambulance to Sherman Oaks Hospital for primary medical care, after which he was released to remain off-duty.

Structural and property loss from the fire is still being tabulated. The cause of this early afternoon blaze remains under active investigation.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighter Injured Tackling Atwater Village Blaze

On Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 4:10 PM, 39 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 5 LAFD Helicopters,1 LA County Helicopter, 1 Dozer Team, 8 Brush Patrols, 2 La County Camp Crews,1 Rehab Tender,1 EMS Battalion Captain, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, Deputy Chief Mario Rueda, Along with the assistance of LA County Fire , Burbank Fire, Pasadena Fire, Glendale Fire, and other allied agencies, under the direction of Battalion Chief Chris Logan,responded to a Major Emergency Brush Firejust above the West Bound 134 Fwy and Harvey Dr. in Eagle Rock.

In response to several spot fires, Firefighters arrived to find approximately 4 acres of light to medium brush burning uphill above the 134 Fwy. Do to the quantity of spot fires, dry brush and the wind fanning the flames in the south east direction, the fire steadily grew.

In an attempt to rapidly extinguish these flames, Firefighters utilized a joint effort with allied agencies to battle the blaze. Immediately Companies were strategically placed to commence controlling the perimeter of the main fire.
With the thought of protecting life and property, Incident Commanders ensured the appropriate resources were used and a well coordinated attack was implemented. Over 325 Firefighters made an aggressive ground and air assault, before full control and containment of the blaze was declared.

Over 60 acres were consumed by this fire with a potential threat to homes, however Fire Crews were able to stop the flames before reaching any structures. There were no reports of injuries to Civilians or Firefighters. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.


Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Multiple Agencies Battle A 60 Acre Blaze