On Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at 4:34 PM, 13 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 6 Arson Units, 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, a total of 106 Los Angeles Fire Department Personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Richard Rideout responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 2410 South 6th Avenue in the West Adams area of Los Angeles.


A column of black smoke was visible as Firefighters raced from their quarters, arriving at a two-story single-family-dwelling to find heavy fire extending out of the second floor. Fire crews mounted a rapid and offensive attack while making strong headway to locate the origin of the blaze. As they aggressively fought the flames, a simultaneous search for victims went underway.


Aided by Firefighters swiftly extending ground ladders to the steep roof of the 1700 square foot residence to perform strategic vertical ventilation with chainsaws, flames were held to the second story and attic. The blaze was fully extinguished in just twenty minutes. 


Fire teams soon discovered an adult on the second floor without vital signs of life. A positive identification of the individual, as well as the precise cause, time, and manner of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.

Five members from the Mayor's Crisis Response Team responded to give assistance, and provide information and contacts to help the victim's daughter deal with this terrible crisis.

The first arriving Engine company did not hear Smoke Alarms sounding, however the presence, functional status, and role of smoke alarms within the home could not be immediately determined. There were window security bars in the rear of first floor, although they did not appear to impair the occupant from escaping. The 74 year-old Tudor-style home was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

The cause of the fire is under active investigation and monetary loss is still being tabulated.


Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LA Firefighters Battle Residential Blaze In West Adams Area

On Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 10:38 AM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 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, and 1 Rehab Air Tender, all under the direction of Captain II Brett Davis responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 1416 South 4th Avenue in Central Arlington Heights.
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Firefighters arrived to find fire and smoke blowing out from a historic two-story single family dwelling. The bulk of the flames were in the rear of the 2,800 square-foot residence, which was described as a Victorian style house with "Balloon Construction". Although over 75 firefighters responded, the first arriving 35 were able to fully extinguish the flames in just 21 minutes.

Fortunately no one was injured or displaced. Dollar loss from the fire has been estimated at $150,000 ($100,000 structure & $50,000 contents).

UPDATE:
Three male juveniles, 2 of which were 12 years-old and the other 11, were arrested and booked with "Arson of an Inhabited Dwelling". The male subjects, were then released to to their parents, with a court date pending in May of this year. The Los Angeles Fire Department would like to commend the vigilant citizens that came forward with information which assisted our expert Arson Investigator's in making the arrests.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Quickly Extinguish House Fire In Arlington Heights

On Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 2:14 PM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, and one Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 85 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Rudy Hill, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 4321 South Long Beach Avenue in South Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy smoke showing from a 50' x 50' one-story commercial building converted to a house of worship.

Forcing entry through security doors and windows, firefighters encountered heavy fire within the non-occupied building, including the attic of the wood-frame structure. A well coordinated fire attack, including strategic vertical ventilation, quickly halted the advance of flames, but could not prevent a portion of the flat roof weakened by fire to collapse during the assault.

The flames were confined within the non-fire sprinklered structure and extinguished in just 24 minutes.

During the relentless assault on the fire, one firefighter sustained painful though non-life threatening second-degree burns to his face. In fair condition, he was taken to an area hospital, where he was expected to be treated and released to remain off-duty.

Fire loss to Visions of Heaven Church of God in Christ is estimated at $150,000 ($100,000 structure & $50,000 contents). The cause of this mid-afternoon blaze has been categorized as accidental, and remains under investigation.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fast-moving Fire Heavily Damages Church in South Los Angeles

On Thursday, November 4th, 2010 at 8:40 AM, 3 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 1 Battalion Chief, under the direction of Battalion Chief D. Spence responded to a Multi Patient Medical Incident at 4410 South Mckinley Avenue in South Los Angeles.

Firefighters quickly responded to George Washington Carver Middle School for a possible overdose, where they found eight students that became ill after eating an unknown type of chocolate. Three boys and five girls, ranging from 12-14 years-old were in the Nurses Office complaining predominately of increased heart rate and blood pressure. Firefighter Paramedics along with the school nurse evaluated the students and determined they should be further analyzed by a doctor. Four ambulances transported two patients each to L.A. County USC Medical Center. We are glad to report that they were in good condition. Exactly what was ingested and if it had an illegal substance in it is was not determined on scene. Further information will come from school officials.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 8 Students Transported To Hospital After Eating Chocolate

On Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 9:22 PM, 3 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 4 Arson Units and 1 EMS Battalion Captain, a total of 28 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Michael Thomas, responded to a Structure Fire with Civilian Injury at 5207 South Ascot Avenue in South Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy smoke showing from the rear of a small one-story single family home. Forcing entry through the building's front security door, firefighters aggressively tackled flames that had taken hold of the kitchen area of the 800 square foot residence.



In their simultaneous access and search from the rear of the smoke charged structure, firefighters discovered and swiftly rescued a critically injured older woman suffering from severe smoke inhalation. Provided with immediate medical care at the scene, she was transported in grave condition to the Los Angeles County - USC Medical Center.

The bulk of the fire was confined to the kitchen and extinguished in just 15 minutes.

No other injuries were reported.

Though the home was fitted with security doors and the windows had security bars, there were no obvious non-fire factors to impede the woman's egress. While one smoke alarm was discovered in the hallway of the 103-year old wood-frame home, its functional status and role at the time of the fire could not be immediately determined.

The dwelling was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated, and the cause of the blaze remains under active investigation.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Los Angeles Woman in Grave Condition Following Kitchen Fire

On Monday, September 6, 2010 at 3:23 PM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 34 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Charles Combs, responded to a Structure Fire at 611 West 46th Street in South Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find smoke showing from a two-story 4,403 square-foot residential fourplex.


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Finding fire in the attic, firefighters commenced swift salvage operations to protect personal property by deploying tarpaulins within the structure and making judicious use of firefighting hosestreams.

The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the building's common attic, extinguishing the blaze in just 23 minutes.

There were no injuries.

Though loss from the fire was limited to $35,000 ($25,000 structure & $10,000 contents), the need to secure utilities rendered the building temporarily untenable. A total of twenty persons - 15 adults and 5 children - living in the residential fourplex were referred to the American Red Cross for interim placement assistance.

The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical in nature, and attributed to dated wiring in the 99 year-old building.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - South Los Angeles Electrical Fire Displaces 20

On Tuesday, July 13th, 2010 at 11:43 PM, 41 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 21 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 8 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team and 2 Bulldozers under the direction of Deputy Chief Mario Rueda responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 761 East Slauson Avenue in South Los Angeles.
More than 200 Los Angeles Firefighters were requested over the course of the incident to help battle a blaze at a large two-story commercial structure that encompassed six occupancies over an entire city block. Firefighters quickly arrived at United Alloys and Metals to find heavy fire at an industrial facility known for processing titanium and super alloy scrap.

The 73 year-old structures between Paloma Avenue and Mckinley Avenue, were quickly engulfed in flames and forced firefighters into a defensive attack early during this huge fire fight. Shortly after midnight the decision was made to pull all Firefighters out of the structure and attack the flames from the exterior. Approximately 20 minutes following this decision a partial wall collapse, roof collapse, and a total of three explosions took place. These massive blasts rained down debris of concrete and titanium on Firefighters and even shattered windows of emergency vehicles. From this point forward it became a heavy stream operation with ladder pipes and portable monitors that provided huge volumes of water against the intense flames. Despite the challenges of extinguishing burning titanium and the devastating explosions, the blaze was controlled in just five hours. Exhausted Firefighters were relieved the next morning by their colleagues who continued the extended overhaul and detailed salvage procedure. Firefighter/Specialists certified in heavy equipment operation brought LAFD tractors to the scene to assist in the painstaking extinguishment of debris, an effort that continued through out the balance of the next day. Building and Safety Inspectors were also called to assess the structural integrity of the buildings.

Three firefighters were injured, two sustained small but severe burns to their hands, one of which also had burns to his ears and low oxygen saturation. The third firefighter injured his ear drums. All three were treated at local hospitals.

The damage has been estimated at $5,000,000 ($4,000,000 structure & $1,000,000 contents). The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The LAFD battled a similar blaze at 900 East Slauson Avenue on Friday, June 11th of this year.

(photos) (video) (video)

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

READ MORE - 3 Firefighters Injured At Huge Industrial Blaze In South L.A.

During the June 25-26, 2010 Electric Daisy Carnival, a large rave-type music and entertainment event at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, dozens of strategically placed LAFD personnel responded to 226 on-site medical emergencies and coordinated transport of 114 persons to area hospitals, mostly through the use of event-contracted commercial ambulance services.

No specifics are presently available regarding the age, gender, condition or affiliation of the ill and injured.

The Los Angeles Fire Department is not offering an official attendance estimate for the two-day gathering, and was not made aware of any pre-hospital loss of life associated with the event.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Responds to 200+ Emergencies at 2010 Electric Daisy Carnival in Los Angeles

On Friday, June 11, 2010 at 11:00 AM, 36 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 16 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Arson Units, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 2 Hazardous Materials Teams, 1 Helicopter, 4 EMS Battalion Captains, 7 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 248 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel, as well as Los Angeles County Fire Department staff responding in Mutual Aid, all under the direction of LAFD Deputy Chief Mario Rueda, responded to a Major Emergency Industrial Fire at 900 East Slauson Avenue in South Los Angeles.

Responding to numerous cell phone callers providing non-specific information regarding one or more explosions and a well-established fire, Los Angeles Firefighters quickly arrived at United Alloys and Metals to find heavy fire at an industrial facility known for processing titanium and super alloy scrap.

Firefighters came to the immediate aid of a worker critically injured by an earlier explosion and fire, as they brought huge volumes of water to bear upon intense flames encompassing a 150' x 100' area that included titanium shavings in large bins and containers.


Despite the challenge of subsequent explosions and resultant precautions, the first arriving 160 firefighters were able to tame the blaze in just 2 hours and 22 minutes.

Along with the critically injured civilian, one Los Angeles Police Officer suffered a minor injury during the course of the fire. Both were taken to an area hospital by LAFD Ambulance.

The ensuing investigation and stabilization of the scene kept scores of Los Angeles Firefighters on site for more than 24 hours.

Monetary loss from the blaze is still being tabulated. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

(photos)


Submitted by Cecil Manresa and Brian Humphrey, Spokesmen
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Massive Fire and Explosions Rock South L.A. Metal Processing Firm

On Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 1:48 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances,1 Arson Unit,1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit,1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams,1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 2 L.A.County Fire Companies,1 L.A.County Battalion Command Team under the direction of Battalion Chief D. Spence responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 1837 Slauson Ave. in South Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived to find a 40'x125' commercial medal clad building with heavy smoke and fire showing. Entry teams forced their way in using power tools but were delayed due to an arcing power line at the front of the structure. As personnel addressed the forcible entry problems at the door, roof teams mounted an attack from above with a degree of difficulty ventilating the roof.

As the fire began to spread, crews thought a defensive attack might be necessary. A partial roof collapse ensued. However due to the aggressive efforts of all firefighters on scene and a well coordinated attack, the flames were kept in check using handlines.

Although the building, doing business as a manufacturing company was considered a total loss, no civilians or firefighters were injured during the battle.

It took a total of 87 firefighters just 26 minutes to fully extinguish the flames. Monitory loss from the fire is estimated at $140,000 ( $90,000 structure & $50,000 content). The cause of the fire is attributed to electrical work being done, when a spark lit nearby flammable materials.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Ravages A Commercial Building In South L.A.

On Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 6:13 PM, 24 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 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, along with LA County Fire Department and Vernon Fire Department, under the direction of Battalion Chief Armando Hogan responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 1753 East Slauson Avenue in South Los Angeles.


Firefighters arrived quickly to discover heavy smoke and fire showing from a 100' x 200' commercial building. Fire crews mounted a swift and offensive attack, as a light breeze fanned the fire which appeared to have originated just inside the occupancy. Wooden pallets exposed to the flames quickly caught fire outside the structure, which included an exposure to an adjacent building. A fierce attack commenced as the blaze grew in intensity. A subsequent roof collapse ensued as the fire engulfed the warehouse's lightweight roof.

Battalion Three Incident Commander Armando Hogan called for additional companies as well as for all operations to go to a defensive mode of attack on this incident. Master streams were strategically placed to bring the volume of water necessary to attack the free-burning fire. Because of the wind and the concern for flying embers, personnel surrounded the stubborn flames with additional handlines.

It took 153 firefighters just under one hour, before confining the wind-swept fire entirely within the occupancy of origin for a complete knockdown. One firefighter sustained a second degree burn to the neck from flying embers. He and was later transported to Sherman Oaks Burn Center in stable condition and is expected to recover. No civilians were injured during the fight. The damage and cause of the blaze is still being tabulated and investigated.


Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Blaze Engulfs South Los Angeles Warehouse

On Thursday, November 26, 2009 at 6:12 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Emergency Air, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 85 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Richard Combs, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 4539 West Adams Boulevard in the West Adams district of Los Angeles.


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Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find smoke showing from the roof of a 50' x 150' one-story furniture storage facility.

Ascending ladders to the arched truss roof, firefighters commenced strategic vertical ventilation as their colleagues forced entry into the well-secured former boulevard storefront.

With combustible furniture stacked as high as fifteen feet inside the non-fire sprinklered building, firefighters fought their way through thick smoke and merchandise to find, attack and confine flames in the rear of the densely packed but unoccupied structure.

The stubborn fire was confined within the pre-1933 masonry building and extinguished in just 46 minutes.

No injuries were reported.

Loss to Posse Fine Furniture is estimated at $150,000 ($50,000 structure & $100,000 contents). The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical in nature and categorized as accidental.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Quickly Curtails Furniture Warehouse Blaze

On Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 7:15 AM, 10 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 Armando Hogan responded to a Structure Fire at 4429 S. Vermont Ave in Exposition Park/Coliseum Area.

Firefighters arrived to a 50ft X 75ft 1 story commercial building well involved with fire to the rear . Although crews made a quick attack on the blaze, one home located behind the structure was exposed to high heat and caught fire.

Three residents made it out of the home prior to fire crews making entry. A male and female in there 40's suffered slight smoke inhalation with burns to their faces and arms. Both were treated by paramedics then transported to area hospitals in stable condition. 2 teenagers were treated at the scene with no report of injury. Sadly two of the family's dogs perished in the blaze.

It took 65 Firefighters 17 minutes to fully extinguish the fire. The caused was due to a candle accidentally being left unattended. The dollar loss is estimated at $18,000-content and $ 48,000-structure. Smoke detectors did play a significant role in the warning of the occupants.

Submitted by Devin Gales
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Commercial Blaze Catches Fire To Near By Home

Yesterday's annual citywide celebration of 'Fire Service Recognition Day' in Los Angeles took on special meaning to more than two-dozen firefighters assigned to LAFD Stations 34, 66 and 94 in Southwest Los Angeles.

It was on Christmas night 2006 that personnel from those stations were summoned to a raging house fire that would forever change one family, and leave firefighters wondering about the survival of two young girls they dramatically rescued from the flames that took their grandparents lives.

KTTV-TV's Liz Habib reports...



While Shannon and Amanda's story of survival remains captivating, we would be remiss if we did not emphasize the fire prevention, smoke alarm and egress issues that played a role in this tragic blaze.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Girls Meet L.A. Firefighters Who Saved Them

On Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 9:41 AM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 3 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, a total of 57 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Craig Yoder responded to a Collapsed Structure at 1549 East 51st Street in South Los Angeles.

Neighborhood Firefighters arrived quickly to meet a group extricating a man trapped beneath a 20' x 30' carport that had collapsed during a remodeling project.


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According to witnesses, the work group - which included one or more members of the homeowner's family, had been in the midst of replacing or repairing the footings of a heavy timber peak-roofed carport at the rear of the property, when the temporarily supported structure suddenly collapsed.

As a witness summoned aid, the team of remodelers commenced rescue of their friend with lightning speed, using a jack to hoist the 600 square-foot structure enough to nearly free the trapped man on firefighter's arrival.

Despite the instant effort of witnesses and swift arrival of Los Angeles Firefighters, the 38 year-old victim proved beyond medical help and was declared dead at the scene.

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

Issues regarding the presence, need or worksite use of safety equipment and approved procedures were initially placed within the purview of Cal/OSHA officials, and later the City of Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Man Dies In South L.A. When Carport Collapses

On Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 8:34 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 9 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, and 1 CERT Coordinator all under the direction of Assistant Chief Roxanne Bercik responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 3305 S Central Ave in South Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find a two-story apartment over a commercial building with heavy fire on the second floor. Confronted immediately with several people hanging from the second floor windows, Firefighters performed coordinated rescues using ladders as fellow Firefighters began an interior attack on the fire. Fortunately, all occupants were able to escape the fire without serious injury.

One civilian was treated and released on scene after suffering a minor second degree burn to the hand. The fire was contained in just 23 minutes and the damage was limited to several units on the second floor and the attic of the apartment building. Firefighters remained on scene for several hours, protecting homeowners belongings from additional damage. During the overhaul phase of the fire, two dogs and one cat were discovered deceased in the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation and the dollar loss has yet to be determined.

(photos)


Submitted by Ron Myers, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Civilians Rescued From Burning Apartments