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


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

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

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

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Avert Natural Gas Disaster in North Hollywood

On Friday, May 27, 2011 at 1:59 AM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 32 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Dennis Waters, responded to a Structure Fire with Civilian Injury at 10263 Kalua Drive in Sunland.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find smoke showing from a 2,130 square-foot one-story single family home. As firefighters extended hoselines to extinguish with fire, they encountered three adults exiting the residence with serious burns following a senseless effort to battle flames with a garden hose from within the burning living room.


Firefighters promptly rendered care to the injured trio as their colleagues did quick battle with the fire, extinguishing flames in just 14 minutes.

The injured; a man and woman in their early 60's as well as a woman in her early 80's, each sustained painful first- and second-degree burns to their hands, arms and faces with possible respiratory injury from heat and smoke. All three were transported in fair condition to area hospitals by LAFD ambulance.

No other injuries were reported.

Fire loss to the 44 year-old non-fire sprinklered home is estimated at $100,000 ($75,000 structure & $25,000 contents). The cause of this early morning blaze remains under investigation.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Sunland Trio Burned Battling House Fire with Garden Hose

On Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 10:41 PM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 LAFD Foam Tenders, 1 LAFD Water Tender, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 74 Los Angeles Firefighters under the direction of Battalion Chief John Drake, responded to a Traffic Collision with Large Fuel Spill on the northbound Golden State (I-5) Freeway near Glenoaks Boulevard in Sun Valley.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find a semi-truck tanker with twin tank trailer, both laden with gasoline, parked on the right shoulder of the freeway. The trailer was observed leaking large amounts of the volatile motor fuel onto the roadway and across northbound lanes of travel.

According to witnesses, the tandem tanker truck was involved in a collision with another vehicle, causing damage to valves beneath the truck's fully-laden 4,800 gallon capacity trailer.

First arriving LAFD personnel staged their apparatus upwind and uphill from the parked gasoline transporter. With hundreds of gallons of flammable liquid already spilled, firefighters immediately curtailed traffic along the north- and south-bound lanes of the busy interstate highway to prevent ignition and diminish environmental harm.

As law enforcement agencies managed traffic along the miles-long closure that included many on- and off-ramps, transportation officials assisted firefighters who had labored intensely and successfully for nearly an hour, to dike the tide of gasoline before it could enter the storm drain system.

Patrons of a freeway adjacent motel behind a tall sound wall were sheltered in place, as teams of Los Angeles Firefighters stemmed the leaking trailer while applying an absorbent and firefighting foam to ease the cleanup and limit the potential for ignition.

No injuries were reported. There were no formal evacuations.

Following the Los Angeles Fire Department's successful mitigation of the primary hazard, control of the scene was returned to California Highway Patrol, State Department of Transportation and County Health Hazardous Materials officials.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fuel Spill From Tanker Collision Closes Golden State Freeway in Sun Valley

On Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 1:06 PM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 Helicopters, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Water Tender, and additional agencies including: LA County Fire Department, Angeles National Forest, Department of Transportation & Department of Water & Powera total of 60 LAFD Firefighters all under the direction of Battalion Chief John Duca responded to a Greater Alarm Brush Fire at 10718 Stallion Ranch Road in the Shadow Hills area of Sun Valley.

Firefighters arrived to find one-half acre of brush burning up hill and quickly requested additional assistance. Ground crews rapidly began to make their way up steep terrain on both sides of the fire to surround and attack the flames. Three water dropping helicopters provided precise water drops, helping Firefighters on the ground in warm and breezy conditions. As the afternoon battle progressed the fire consumed an additional two acres.

This area nestled between Hansen Dam Recreation Center and Sunland Boulevard consists of moderate brush, hilly terrain, and is surrounded by large ranch style homes. Due to the decisive measures implemented, the afternoon blaze was swiftly confined to just under three acres.

A knockdown was declared in 53 minutes before any homes were damaged and without any one being injured. The cause of the fire was accidental reported to have been started by a welding operation at a perimeter fence.

Submitted by Cecil Manresa & Erik Scott, Spokesmen

Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Confine Brush Fire Near Sun Valley to Just 3 Acres

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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

On Monday, May 2nd, 2011 at 2:02 PM, 9 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Helicopters, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Water Tender, 1 Rehab Air Tender, 1 Glendale Fire Engine & 2 LA County FD Camp Crews, a total of 69 Firefighters all under the direction of Battalion Chief John Drake responded to a Brush Fire at 11111 North Tujunga Canyon Boulevard in Tujunga.

With warming temperatures, drying brush, and recent winds, Firefighters readied themselves for a Brush Fire. They arrived to find a half acre of brush burning slowly but steadily uphill towards a half-dozen homes near Airlie Drive. Additional fire personnel were rapidly requested.


The Fire was predominately driven by topography and a light six-mph wind from the South. The swift arrival of precise water-dropping aircraft, along with Firefighters who labored on the ground by extending hose lays up steep terrain, were able to anchor and halt the four-foot flames just before 3PM.

The blaze was fully extinguished in just under a hour and confined to one acre, before it could destroy nearby homes. Resident's compliance with strict brush clearance regulations contributed to no homes being damaged.


One LA County Camp Crew Firefighter suffered a non-life-threatening injury to his right knee from a rock falling downhill. The cause of the fire remains under an active investigation.

Want to learn more about the Brush Clearance process, click HERE.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Quickly Halt Brush Fire in Tujunga

On Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 3:03 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Charles Butler responded to a Fire Fatality at 4315 North Bluebell Avenue in Studio City.

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

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

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

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

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Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Early Morning Fire Claims One Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No other injuries were reported.

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

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

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

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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

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

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

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

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

Most importantly, burns are preventable...

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

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

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Kitchen Fire Critically Burns Woman In Valley Glen

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

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

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

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

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman

Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Commercial Building Fire In North Hollywood

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

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

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

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



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

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

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


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Veteran Firefighter Injured Tackling Studio City Blaze

On the evening of November 15th, 2010 Fire Engine 77 responded to a 9-1-1 call for a person trapped under a vehicle at the 8000 block of Norris Avenue in Sun Valley. Firefighters arrived on-scene and found a flatbed tow truck with a SUV that appeared to have fallen half way off. A victim's feet were sticking out from underneath the vehicle, the rest of his body was pinned, rendering him unable to breath.

Firefighters quick thinking and the use of a specialized tool led to a rapid rescue. A battery powered Holmatro Rescue Tool was carefully placed under the frame of the vehicle on the drivers side and lifted the SUV enough for firefighters to remove the pinned victim. All this, along with using cribbing to stabilize the vehicle was completed within just two minutes. Firefighters on scene stated, "We feel the victim would not have survived if we did not have this tool". The LAFD has hydraulic powered Holmatro tools placed strategically through out the city, predominately on Truck Companies. However thanks to the generosity of La Tuna Canyon Community Association, Karen Bristing, Deken Jones & Neighborhood Councils this $9,823.00 tool was purchased just 9 months earlier for Engine 77. The donation of this unique tool led to a rapid extrication which along with medical aid rendered from Firefighter/Paramedics greatly improved the patients condition. He reportedly even asked to make a phone call to his boss while in the back of an ambulance on the way to Holy Cross Hospital. We are happy to state the patient was admitted for observation and is labeled in serious but stable condition. The Los Angeles Fire Department stresses the importance of using extreme caution if you ever have to go under a vehicle.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Use Specialized Tool to Save Man's Life

A crash, a flash - a decision to act...

Those who follow LAFD Breaking News via Twitter or the LAFD_ALERT e-mail list may have noted this incident on Sunday morning. Thanks to Susan Abram and her multimedia team at the Daily News, we now have the rest of the story:

Susan Abram, Staff Writer
Daily News

Although police typically find themselves scanning witness videos for bad guys, on Monday they put out an alert for a couple of heroes.

Officers hope to find the good Samaritans who were captured on amateur video as they rescued a 69-year-old man from a burning car after a collision Sunday in Sherman Oaks. The duo was joined by another man armed with a fire extinguisher and a fourth who used a crowbar to try and break the car's windows.




"It could have been much worse if it wasn't for them," said Officer Jose Garcia of the LAPD's Valley Traffic Division.

Police said the classic 1932 Ford was... (read more...)

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department join Los Angeles Police Officers in hailing these far-from-bystanders for their selfless response. If you have additional information about the collision, or can help us recognize these brave members of our community, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Traffic Division by calling (818) 644-8000.

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UPDATE: We're pleased to learn that 4 of the 5 good Samaritans have been identified. Please join us in praising these brave men, as we read more from the Daily News... (read more...)

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Raw Video: Good Samaritans Save Life in Sherman Oaks Crash

On Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 6:29 AM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 72 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Jose S-Cronenbold, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 4822 Tilden Avenue in Sherman Oaks.

Los Angeles Firefighters responded quickly to discover an apparent one-story single family home thoroughly involved with fire. With reports of one or more persons trapped by the blaze, first arriving firefighters commenced a profoundly aggressive and well-coordinated interior attack with hoselines on the well entrenched flames.


With both speed and skill, additional firefighters laddered what proved to be a combination one- and two-story residence, the uppermost portion at the rear of the home an apparently non-professional addition.

Rooftop firefighters used power saws and hand tools to deftly ventilate thick, superheated smoke from the wood frame and stucco structure, in an effort to minimize oppressive conditions for fire attack and search teams below.

Additional firefighters soon provided emergency medical care to a 58 year-old man, a 50 year-old woman and a 12 year-old girl who had escaped the inferno with varying injuries - each verbalizing that a teenage male from their family remained trapped by the raging fire.

In a relentless search of the 3,000+ square foot building with zero visibility and oven-like conditions, a team of firefighters discovered a narrow metal spiral staircase leading to a level above the first floor.

Climbing glowing hot steps and searing hand rails in multiple attempts, firefighters found the missing 14 year-old male pulseless and non-breathing with severe full-thickness burns. After being carried down the serpentine steps and outside to waiting colleagues, the teenage boy was provided CPR and Advanced Life Support by veteran LAFD Firefighter/Paramedics at the scene.

The first arriving 70 firefighters confined the fire to the structure of origin, fully extinguishing the flames in just 37 minutes.

The 58 year-old male resident was determined to have second- and third-degree burns to his right forearm and second degree burns to his right foot, reportedly in an attempt to reenter the home prior to the Fire Department's arrival. The preteen girl experienced progressive respiratory distress after smoke exposure.

The rescued teen male - in grave condition, as well as the man and preteen girl, each in serious condition, were taken by LAFD Ambulance to nearby Sherman Oaks Hospital for primary care.


The 50 year-old woman who escaped the flames without obvious physical injury declined medical treatment and transportation, as did a neighbor with respiratory concerns who was later referred to his private physician.

Also sustaining potentially debilitating though non-life threatening injury in fire attack and rescue efforts were four Los Angeles Firefighters. Three sustained painful second-degree burns to hands and extremities, and were taken to the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital, while the fourth was taken to an area hospital for a significant knee injury.

Each of the aforementioned LAFD personnel were treated as outpatients and released to remain off-duty.

In examining the fire's aftermath, there was no immediate evidence of a functional smoke alarm within the home. Though no window bars or security doors were present to impair egress, the design, size and placement of windows and other key architectural elements of the home's questionable addition, could have easily hampered and possibly prevented the teenage boy's escape.

The 86-year old building was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

Monetary loss from the fire is estimated at $440,000 ($350,000 structure & $90,000 contents). The cause of this early morning fire remains under active investigation.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Sherman Oaks Inferno Injures Residents and Firefighters

On Saturday, July 24,2010 at 7:10 PM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Peter Benesch responded to a Civilian Fatality Structure Fire at 11594 W. Riverside Dr. in Valley Village.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Adult Female Found Dead During Fire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Swift Moving Blaze Consumes Studio City Hillside Home

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

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


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

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

No injuries were reported.

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

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

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

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - San Fernando Valley Blaze Displaces Eight

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

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


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Forcing the front door of the smoke charged residence open with effort, firefighters discovered a motionless adult male behind the door, and swiftly moved him to fresh air. Finding no pulse on the breathless man, firefighters immediately provided cardiopulmonary resuscitation before transferring his care to an arriving LAFD Paramedic team.

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

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

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

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

The cause the blaze remains under active investigation.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Man Gravely Injured in North Hollywood Blaze

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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