Approximately 20 people, in the Lincoln Heights area of Los Angeles, have been displaced from their apartments tonight, as a result of a stubborn fire that may have been prevented. A small explosion reportedly precipitated the fire that started, in what is being called a "utility-storage room."

It was late this afternoon, at 5:27 pm, that residents of 2505 North Hancock Street reported hearing the loud boom and then, smoke alarms. First arriving resources quickly evacuated the entire complex and then discovered the fire on the second floor of the two-story, un-sprinklered apartment building. It took 87 Firefighters, under the careful direction of Battalion Chief Rudy Hill, nearly 30 minutes to fully extinguish the pesky blaze and when it was all over, the water and smoke damage left the 26-unit apartment complex largely, uninhabitable.

The LAFD's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section was called-out to handle the investigation. After meticulously processing the scene, the probable cause was determined to have been an unspecified type and quantity of a combustible liquid, that had been kept in storage directly adjacent to a hot-water heater in that utility room. What resulted, was a fire that charged the hallways with enough smoke to warrant the cutting of several ventilation holes in the roof of the complex. This operation made the conditions tenable for both the residents that were fleeing the building, as well as the Firefighters below, who worked to confine the fire to just one room.

One LAFD member was hospitalized after falling down a flight of concrete steps in the smoke-filled complex. The Firefighter was transported in fair condition and is expected to make a full recovery.

The Department of Water and Power and the Southern California Gas Company were dispatched to the scene to assist and evaluate issues that were reported with both utilities, as a result of the sustained damage. Local Red Cross was also requested and will assist the displaced occupants with shelter for the evening.

The investigation is ongoing and the dollar loss has not yet been calculated.


DISPATCH UNITS:
E201 T1 RA1 E44 RA844 E16 E202 T2 E212 T12 SQ21 EM2 BC1 BC2 E9 E4 E250 T50 E12 DC2 EM11 BC11 T3 E203 E3 UR3 RA803 UR88 BC5 RA2 RA12 EM9 AR1


Submitted by Matt Spence
Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Small Explosion Results in 20 Displaced Residents

On Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 2:35 PM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team and 49 Firefighters, all under the direction of Battalion Chief Manuel Lafarga, responded to a Chemical Investigation at 2250 East Alcazar Street in Lincoln Heights.

First arriving units were quick to gather as much information as was available at the USC Clinical Science Annex. It was discovered that the unidentified substance was isolated to one, single laboratory on the second floor of the two-story facility. The decision was then made by the Incident Commander to safely and quickly evacuate the entire building. However, there were 10 lab workers close enough in proximity to the spill, that warranted brief isolation from the lab. This task was carried-out by Firefighters who all made entry dressed in their appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE's). Subsequently, each of the 10 lab workers and another 14 building occupants (also on the floor at the time of the spill) received body scans with the Hazardous Material Squad's radiological detectors.

As an extra safety measure, a Decontamination Team was also put in place. Thankfully, there were no direct exposures to the spill, all detector readings were within normal limits and no occupants exhibited any signs or symptoms of illness or discomfort. Decontamination, therefore, was not required and all were eventually cleared and released at the scene.

The substance was deemed to be unharmful and of very small quantity (less than 2 ounces). After a meticulous sweep of the entire building and the processing of its occupants, the lab was sealed, the incident declared static and after three hours, was turned over to the Los Angeles County Health and Hazardous Materials Department as well as USC officials.

Adjacent occupancies, while alarmed because of the nature of the incident, were sheltered-in-place briefly, but were not affected due to the strategic management of the incident.

The incident is under investigation.

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Chemical Investigation at Science Annex

On Friday, May 13, 2011 at 4:34 PM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 52 Firefighters all under the direction of Battalion Chief Manuel Lafarga responded to a Structure Fire with Firefighter Injury at 1148 South Mirasol Street in the Hobart area of South Boyle Heights.
 




Firefighters arrived to find a 761 sqft Single Family Dwelling with heavy fire showing, exposing an approximate 500 sqft structure in the rear. Additional resources were immediately requested. Teams of Los Angles Firefighters made swift forcible entry and extended hand-lines to do battle with the well entrenched flames, as their colleagues scaled the roof of the 88 year-old wood frame home to perform vertical ventilation.

Due to the aggressive attack and well coordinated fire-fight, the blaze was fully extinguished in just 21 minutes before any civilians were injured. The residence was equipped with smoke alarm(s), however their functional status and role at the time of the fire could not be immediately determined.

A Tillerman Firefighter was injured while climbing a ladder to the roof, and the base of the ladder slipped on the concrete. The Firefighter fell approximately five to nine feet on his back and suffered a fractured right wrist, bruised ribs and injured back. He was transported to a local hospital in fair condition, where he has since been released home and is recovering.

Estimated dollar loss totaled $350,000: main house $200,000 ($140,000 structure & $60,000 contents), back house $150,000 ($125,000 structure & $25,000 contents). The cause of the fire is under active investigation.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Los Angeles Firefighter Injured at Structure Fire

On Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 11:02 PM, 16 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, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 116 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Ralph Terrazas, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 3518 East 15th Street in South Boyle Heights.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to discover fire through the roof of a 60' x 125' metal-clad two-story commercial building housing a metal polishing and refinishing firm.

The half-dozen workers within the business when the fire erupted, were able to escape unharmed prior to the Fire Department's arrival.

Firefighters made swift entry to find intense fire in the easternmost portion of the non-fire sprinklered building. Aided by strategic vertical ventilation performed with chainsaws by their colleagues on the roof above, LAFD crews were able to stand their ground against towering flames, eventually driving back the fire and sparing a full 75% of the business from damage.

No injuries were reported.

Fire loss to LAX Wheel Refinishing is estimated at $130,000 ($100,000 structure & $30,000 contents). The cause of this late night blaze remains under active investigation.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - L.A. Firefighters Limit Damage to South Boyle Heights Business

On Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 7:15 AM, 2 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 LAFD Rescue Ambulance, under the direction of Captain I I S. Franco responded to a Auto vs. Pedestrian at 5017 E Novgorod St. in El Sereno.

Firefighters arrived to discover a 46 year old male who had apparently been lying in the alleyway against a residential garage door. A 50 year old female driver, attempting to drive out of the garage, was unaware of the man’s presences and unfortunately drove over the individual. The woman who was very distraught thought it was some type of normal deterrent enabling the car to move and went into a reverse direction, pinning the man. She immediately called for help from bystanders, who then contacted 9-1-1.

Despite the prompt work of LAFD Firefighter/Paramedics, the man was beyond any medical help and was declared deceased at the scene.

The Los Angeles Police Department will be investigating the circumstances surrounding the entire incident. The time and official manner of his death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.

Although this is a tragic accident, this type of incident is a reminder to us all of the need to take special precautions as to the area around any vehicle just prior to operation.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Man Dies After Being Pinned Underneath Vehicle

On Sunday, January 9, 2011, a veteran Los Angeles Fire Department Captain sustained serious injuries when an explosion occured within a burning sedan in the 500 block of Solano Avenue near the Arroyo Seco Parkway in Elysian Park.

The injured Fire Captain was transported to the closest trauma center, where he was admitted for a fractured skull with cerebral bleed, non-life threatening internal injuries and a small partial thickness burn to his right hand.

We are pleased to report that the injured Captain was released from the hospital on January 14, 2011. He is projected to remain off-duty for approximately two months.

On January 12, 2011, the Los Angeles Fire Department disseminated the official LAFD Blue Sheet, a preliminary summary report for this incident, as well as unretouched photos from the scene.

At the conclusion of a detailed investigation, we are now pleased to share the official LAFD Green Sheet, a formal summary report issued by our agency for serious injuries, illnesses, accidents or near-miss incidents involving active duty personnel.

This report is intended as a safety and training tool, to aid in preventing future occurrences and to inform interested parties.

NOTE: Because LAFD Blue and Green Sheets are developed in a short time frame, the information they contain is subject to revision as further investigation ensues and additional information is developed. We therefore strongly suggest linking to this blog post or embedding the source document below to assure you are always reading the most current version.

LAFD Green Sheet 2011-01-09 Incident 1140

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Releases Official 'Green Sheet' Report of Fire Captain Injured in Elysian Park Vehicle Explosion

On Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 9:03 PM, one Company of Los Angeles Firefighters were dispatched to a vehicle fire in the 500 block of Solano Avenue near the Arroyo Seco Parkway in Elysian Park.

While battling the fire, a veteran Los Angeles Fire Department Captain sustained serious injuries when an explosion occured within the burning full-sized sedan. The injured Fire Captain was transported to an area hospital, where he remains in fair condition with a promising outlook.

Embedded below is the official LAFD Blue Sheet for this incident. Blue Sheets are preliminary summary reports issued by our agency for serious injuries, illnesses, accidents or near-miss incidents involving active duty personnel.

We are also pleased to provide unretouched photos from the incident scene.

LAFD Blue Sheet 2011-01-09 Incident 1140

NOTE: The Official LAFD Green Sheet, a companion document to the preliminary report above, was publicly disseminated on February 12, 2011. That document can be found here.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Los Angeles Fire Captain Injured in Elysian Park Vehicle Explosion

On Thursday, December 23, 2010 at 11:48 PM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, a total of 46 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Kwame Cooper, responded to a Structure Fire at 172 South Clarence Street in Boyle Heights.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy fire showing from the front door and side window of a one-story 711 square-foot single family home densely packed and surrounded with personal possessions.

As teams of firefighters fought their way through pack-rat conditions fueling intense flames within, other LAFD personnel provided medical attention to the home's sole occupant, a man who was able to escape the inferno with only minor smoke inhalation. Fire Department Paramedics were soon also examining a neighbor man who witnessed the fire, for possible smoke exposure.

Fueled by large amounts of combustible storage, the fire took quick hold of and all-but-consumed the attic and key structural elements of the small wood-frame home, as firefighters confined the blaze to the structure of origin, extinguishing the flames in just 34 minutes.

The homeowner and neighbor declined further medical treatment or transportation, and were released at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

The American Red Cross was summoned to provide shelter and human needs assistance to the displaced homeowner.

The presence, functional status and role of smoke alarms within the home could not be immediately determined. The compact 101 year-old building was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

Loss from the fire, which destroyed the residence, has been estimated at $90,000 ($75,000 structure & $15,000 contents). The cause of this late night blaze is categorized as "under investigation".


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Blaze Destroys Densely Packed Boyle Heights Home

On Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 5:11 PM, 17 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Deputy Chief Mario Rueda responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 1736 E LAS VEGAS ST. X PLEASANT Ave in Boyle Heights.
 
Firefighters arrived on scene to a two story multi-resident home with several separate occupancies under a duplex type construction. An LaCo. Fire Department Squad who was already close by, along with LAFD Personnel made a quick forcible entry through two of the structures metal clad doors to face heavy smoke and fire.

Firefighters had to knock down a bulk of the flames in order to reach the second story where it was reported that additional victims may still be trapped. Roof teams on the outside put up a 20 ft ladder, to rescue a 67 year old man who was hanging out of a smoke filled second story window. Personnel on the roof had the unusual operation of making a bridge spanning one duplex to the other in order to cut hole on an extremely steep pitched roof line.

The entire operation, from the knocked down of the fire, to the rescuing of all the building's occupants was successful. Thanks to the quick and decisive work of all the firefighters, 22 victims including one infant were displaced, but alive. Only the 67 year old male was treated and transported to an area hospital for minor injuries.

The American Red Cross was on hand to assist all those residents in need of help. Fire loss was estimated at $ 225.000 ($150.000 structure & $75.000 contents). The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Several Residents Displaced After Devastating Fire

On Sunday, October 31, 2010 at 11:42 PM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 9 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 2 EMS Battalion Captains and 2 Battalion Chief Officers under the direction of Assistant Chief Craig Fry responded to a Physical Rescue Traffic Collision at 2701 Cincinnati Street in Boyle Heights.

Los Angeles Fire Department resources responded to call where a driver of an SUV crashed into a structure with possible trapped victims. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered 1 vehicle which made its way approximately 6-8 feet into single family dwelling. A physical rescue assignment was quickly requested to extricate the victims.



Firefighters utilizing an assortment of tools, while commencing triage of the injured parties, were face with the task of trying to find all the victims in a crowd of people. Rescue crews soon discovered a fatality, a 19y/o female who was apparently in one of the bedrooms at the time of impact. One two week old infant, who was believed to have also been in the same room of impact, was treated and transported in critical condition to USC Medical Center. Four other were also treated and transported, a 61y/o female, 16y/o female, 12y/o female and a 3y/o male, all suffered minor injuries.

It is with great sadness to report that the two week old infant was later pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the medical center. The driver who was taken by LAPD, was later transported to an area hospital for evaluation.

It is still unclear as to what caused the driver to smash onto the side of a home on a residential street always leaving the question, how could something like this happen. With the prime focus now being on, medical care of the injured and emotional support to the victim’s families, an active investigation of the incident will be conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department.

This is a reminder to us all ,that a night of celebration can quickly turn into a night of loss, in the blink of a eye.

(photos)

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Two Lives Lost After Vehicle Smashes into Boyle Heights Home

On Monday, October 25, 2010 at 3:22 PM, 13 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 14 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 Helicopters, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 114 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Deputy Chief Mario Rueda, as well as Los Angeles Police and California Highway Patrol Officers, responded to a Multi-Patient Traffic Collision near 2332 East 1st Street in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to discover a multi-vehicle collision in which one vehicle, an occupied full-sized school bus, had overturned.

As additional LAFD personnel were summoned, a swift triage effort was undertaken to assist and medically assess the school bus driver and as many as 50 teenage bus occupants from nearby Roosevelt High School, none of whom were trapped or had life-threatening injury.

One person found nearby however, and later determined to be a pedestrian, had sustained fatal injury and was declared dead at the scene.

A pair of young adult males from a sedan that reportedly struck the bus, were taken into police custody while receiving pre-hospital medical care, as Firefighter/Paramedics concurrently identified 18 students from the bus in need of non-emergency ambulance transport.

The eighteen students with minor injuries, and the school bus driver - in fair condition, were taken to eight regional hospitals that had been proactively alerted by LAFD responders. A pair of Los Angeles Fire Department air ambulance helicopters placed on stand-by at Roosevelt High School, proved not to be needed.

Using a dedicated Metro transit bus, firefighters not directly involved in caring for the injured coordinated swift and orderly transportation of as many as 30 students to the Hollenbeck Community Police Station, where a reunification center was established.

In the reunification center, City of Los Angeles Crisis Response Team volunteers continued the emotional support efforts established by firefighters, as parents and guardians were calmly reunited with the students.

Despite earlier declarations of non-injury, two students at the reunification center complained of acute pain, and were taken with parental concurrence to area hospitals, bringing the total ambulance transported patient count to 23 (1 bus driver, 18 student bus riders from the incident site, 2 young males from the sedan in custody, and later 2 student bus riders from the reunification center).

No other injuries were reported.

A positive identification of deceased pedestrian, as well as the time, cause and manner of their death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner.

Pursuant of statewide protocol for occupied school buses involved in student injury collisions, the California Highway Patrol will be the lead agency in a detailed incident investigation.

(photos)

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Pedestrian Dies, 20 Students Hospitalized Following Boyle Heights School Bus Collision

On Monday, September 20th, 2010 at 10:43 PM, 13 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 5 Division Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Emergency Air Tender and Los Angeles County Fire Department Personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief David Yamahata responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 3666 East Whittier Boulevard in South Boyle Heights.



Firefighters quickly arrived to a one-story commercial building with heavy fire showing and promptly ordered additional assistance. The unoccupied building, doing business as East LA Wholesale Beverages is located at the border of the Los Angeles County Fire Department's service area, and that agency also responded.

Fire Entry Teams made forcible entry into the 100’ X 100’ main building, which was separated by a division wall with a rolling steel door from a 50’ X 50’ attached shed like portion. Firefighters made an aggressive interior attack with hand-lines and fought their way through scorching heat, thick smoke and boxes of merchandise to locate the origin of the flames. Additional firefighters laddered the conventional roof of the building and commenced strategic vertical ventilation, with fire blowing through the holes they cut.

Due to the diligent effort of just under 100 LAFD Firefighters on scene and with the assistance from 20 Los Angeles County Firefighters, the stubborn blaze was extinguished in one hour and eight minutes. No additional structures were damaged and no injuries were reported. The dollar loss is estimated at $1.7 million ($200,000 structure and $1.5 million contents). The cause of the fire is under active investigation.

(photos)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Late Night Fire Rips Through Building In Boyle Heights

On Monday, July 26, 2010 at 6:35 AM, 20 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 10 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 8 Arson Units, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 LAFD Heavy Equipment Operators, 1 LAFD Emergency Air Unit, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 153 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel, as well as responders from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Investigators from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), all under the direction of LAFD Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire with Civilian Fatalities at 821 South Esperanza Street in South Boyle Heights.

Firefighters arrived swiftly to discover heavy smoke showing from a one story 100 x 100, lightweight constructed commercial building.

Entry teams used several tools in an attempt to force their way into the structure through a series of security doors. Due to the building’s lack of structural integrity, volume of fire and concerns for firefighter safety, the Incident Command Team shifted from an offensive firefighting strategy to that of a defensive firefighting strategy.


After a bulk of the flames was knocked down, entry teams as well as roof team were able to mount an aggressive attack on the blaze. The structure, doing business as a tire and muffler shop, had tires and other auto parts stored on the roof and in several locations within the occupancy. The fire, which was difficult to fight, was skillfully confined to only the building of origin.

One victim, who had reportedly, attempted to extinguish the flames on his own, suffered 1st and 2nd degree burns over 40% of his body before being rescued by firefighters and paramedics.

A second victim who had left the scene earlier returned with severe burns to his upper body. The first victim a 61 y/o male is listed in critical condition while the second victim a 33 y/o male was treated at the scene.

Both victims were apparently within the building at the time of the incident and were able to escape with their lives. The two men were transported to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. It is unclear as to why the men and possibly others were inside the business at that hour.

During continued operations and despite the prompt and valiant efforts of all 153 personnel at the scene, firefighters later discovered two unconscious, non-breathing adults without vital signs of life. Both were declared deceased at the scene.

The ages and genders could not be immediately determined and no other victims were found.

The stubborn fire was finally knocked down 1 hour after the initial call.

Pursuant of protocol, Investigators from the Los Angeles Fire and Police Departments were summoned for a joint investigation, later joined by members of the ATF's Los Angeles Field Division and National Response Team.

A positive identification of the deceased, as well the cause, time and manner of their deaths will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Claims Two Lives, Critically Injures Two Others

On Friday, July 23, 2010 at 5:59 PM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 LAFD Rescue Ambulance, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 3 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Rudy Hill responded to a Greater Alarm Brush Fire at South Bound 110 fwy at Hill St. in Lincoln Heights/Solano Canyon.

Firefighters arrived to find a column of smoke and 1/4 acres of medium to heavy brush burning. The incident started alongside the steep hills near the 110 freeway, just outside Dodger Stadium.

Although the fire was slow moving, command teams quickly assessed the need for helicopters, as ground crews were unable to reach the bulk of the flames due to steep terrain. Three LAFD water dropping helicopters were put into action, holding the blaze in check from the air, while firefighters below continued the fight on the ground.

As more companies were called into action, additional personnel were strategically placed, halting the fire from its advance.

With relatively slow wind speeds being 13 mph, a relative humidity of 35%, and the temperature at 86 degrees, firefighters were able to knock down the flames in less than 1 hour. Due to the strong efforts of 71 firefighters, this fire was completely extinguished with no threats to civilian or any structures.

Thanks to the quick work of all the crews at the scene, only 3 acres was consumed by this blaze. Happily the Dodger game which was about to begin near by, was able to start on time with no interruption from the smoke. The cause of the fire is still being investigation by LAFD Fire Officials.



Submitted by Devin Gales,Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 3 Acres Burns Near Dodger Stadium

On Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 8:08 PM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Arson Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Rudy Hill responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 532 North Cummings Street in the Boyle Heights area.

Within three minutes the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived on scene to find a 50’X100’ two-story four-plex with smoke and fire showing from the first floor, then swiftly summoned additional help. Firefighters forced entry through security gates to enable hand-lines to be extended while simultaneously performing vertical ventilation to battle the well-entrenched blaze.

The flames ran through the center hallway and burned three separate units on the first floor and lapped up to the second story. 75 Firefighters extinguished the early evening, stubborn blaze in 37 minutes.

Smoke Alarms were present in the 4,896 square-foot building, but their functional status and role in alerting occupants could not be immediately determined. There were no window security bars or obvious non-fire factors to impede egress from this 83 year old building.

Unfortunately this very hot blaze injured three people. One adult male Firefighter and an adult female civilian suffered burns and were transported to local hospitals in minor condition, and an adult male civilian suffered burns to the face and respiratory tract and was taken to a hospital in critical condition. An additional 10 adults and 10 children were displaced but were housed at Fire Station 2 where Firefighters and Council Member Jose Huizar comforted the families and provided hot cocoa and ice cream to the children while they awaited relief from the American Red Cross.

Monetary loss from the fire is estimated at $195,000 ($145,000 structure & $50,000 contents). The cause is undetermined.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Early Evening Blaze Injures Three

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 1:34 PM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Hazardous Materials Teams, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Rudy Hill responded to a HAZ-MAT at 6515 S. Mckinley Ave in South Los Angeles.

The first company arrived quickly and subsequently encountered several small containers that had spilled, during a maintenance operation outside of a structure. Workers were apparently attempting to place an unknown substance from a smaller container into a larger one.

Further investigation revealed the unknown substance to be some sort of acid base product. Firefighters quickly went into action, evacuating approximately 12 individuals who were offered comfort and reassurance while being calmly sheltered in a safe location during the incident. LAFD hazardous materials experts were called in to identify the substance while all personnel stayed at a safe distance.

One fork lift operator was exposed to the substance and was medically evaluated by Firefighter/Paramedics and released at the scene. A total of 69 firefighters were on hand for this incident.

It was later determined that the substance was illegal and the LAPD Haz-Mat was called in for further investigation.The cause of the incident remains under investigation and the estimated damages is still being assessed.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 12 People Evacuated After Haz- Mat Spill

On Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 11:40 PM, 13 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 91 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief James Gaffney, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 3525 East Emery Street in South Boyle Heights.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find fire showing through the roof vents and skylights of a 150' x 150' one-story commercial building.

Forcing entry into the secured structure with hand and power tools, firefighters made an aggressive and well-coordinated assault on the fire, extending handlines to the core of the furniture manufacturing firm, as their colleagues performed strategic vertical ventilation of the arched truss roof above.

Timely and effective teamwork by dozens of firefighters prevented flames from extending horizontally beyond the core of the building, sparing the bulk of the business from severe fire damage.

The flames were extinguished in just 26 minutes, and no injuries were reported.

Fire loss to Yesenia's Upholstery is estimated at $800,000 ($300,000 structure and $500,000 contents).

The cause of the blaze was determined to be electrical in nature.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Chars Furniture Factory in South Boyle Heights

On Friday, February 5, 2010 at 3:16 PM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Rudy Hill responded to a Structure Fire with Civilian Injury at 4716 East Klamath Place in the South El Sereno area.

As firefighters were en route through pouring rain they received a message stating, "Person reported to be trapped inside." They arrived to find smoke billowing out of the rear of the one-story single family dwelling and were relieved to find all occupants standing out front of the house.

Firefighters aggressively used hand-lines to attack the blaze, conducted a search-and-rescue operation to ensure no one was left behind, and performed strategic vertical ventilation to release thick black smoke and heat.


View Larger Map and Pre-Fire Image

Meanwhile Paramedic Firefighters in front of the house treated two of the occupants. A four year-old male suffered smoke inhalation and a 65 year-old male suffered first degree burns, both were transported to L.A. County USC Medical Center in stable condition.

During firefighters search-and-rescue efforts, they also found one lifeless pet dog within the home. Without vital signs of life, the animal proved to be beyond their assistance and was declared deceased at the scene.

Thirty four firefighters extinguished the flames in the 920 square-foot structure in less than eighteen minutes. Monetary loss from the fire is estimated at $130,000 ($85,000 structure & $45,000 contents). It is unknown if the 86 year-old home had smoke alarms and the fire's cause remains under active investigation.

Submitted by Spokesman Erik Scott
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Structure Fire Leaves 2 Injured & 1 Dog Deceased

On Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 1:51 PM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 4 Arson Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 39 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel, responded to a Critical Burn Injury at 2106 North Lincoln Park Avenue in the Lincoln Heights area of Los Angeles.

Firefighters responding to a reported Structure Fire arrived quickly to find the small fire out, but a critically burned man at the front door of a small rear-yard structure converted to living space.


View Larger Pre-Fire Image (you can also click, grab zoom the image above)
The 71 year-old male, who sustained 3rd degree circumferential burns to the upper half of his body, was skilfully treated by LAFD personnel before being transported in grave condition by LAFD Paramedic Ambulance to the Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center.

An Investigation Team from the Los Angeles Fire Department's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section carefully examined the scene and spoke with witnesses. LAFD Investigators surmise the man's clothing ignited while attempting to quench a small fire within the living unit, and are categorizing his life-threatening injuries as accidental in nature.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - L.A. Man Gravely Burned When Clothes Catch Fire

On Friday, September 25, 2009 at 2:34 PM, 14 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, and 1 civilian CERT Coordinator under the direction of Battalion Chief Rudy Hill responded to a Brush Fire at 400 East Avenue 43 in Montecito Heights.

Firefighters arrived to find a half acre of grass burning along a hill threatening houses above and below. Hand lines were immediately deployed to suppress the flames and a full brush assignment with helicopters and additional engines was requested to provide structure protection to the residences. Firefighters not only had to battle fire through the grass and in structures, but downed power lines posed additional threats not to mention the triple digit temperatures.

Battalion Chief Hill stated, “One two-story garage with a converted room on the second story was well involved with fire and also two other out buildings suffered damage."

A knockdown was obtained by 91 firefighters in just 33 minutes at 3:07 p.m. The dollar loss was totaled at $170,000 ($125,000 for the structure and $45,000 for the contents). The cause was accidental. No injuries were reported and no evacuations were necessary.

Submitted by Erik Scott
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Greater Alarm Brush Fire in Montecito Heights