At approximately 9:00 am this morning, on the 6600 block of North Wilbur Avenue in Reseda, a passenger van from the Genesis Adult Day Health Care Facility was involved in a traffic collision with a single passenger auto. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries, but several of the passengers, all of which were seniors (ages ranging 65 - 80 years old) had various complaints of minor aches and pains.

When approximately 50 LAFD Firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Jeffery Mottram, had finished processing the scene, this mid-morning collision had produced a total of 15 patients. Eight of those patients were treated and transported to local hospitals for further evaluation. Seven others were treated and released at the scene. The driver of the other involved auto was one of those transported in fair condition with minor injuries.

Battalion Chief Ray Gomez was in charge of the medical component of this incident, where at one point, he managed 10 rescue ambulances that had been ordered, anticipating both a large number of patients and extensive injuries. Fortunately, not all resources were needed.

The damage to the involved vehicles was still being assessed and the cause of the accident is under investigation.

Dispatched Units: E273 T73 E93 RA93 RA909 E293 T93 E100 RA100 E104 RA104 RA84 RA72 RA105 RA906 RA818 RA898 EM17 EM15 EM14 BC10 DC3

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Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Accident Involving Transport Van Sends Senior Passengers to Hospital

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


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

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

No persons were injured.

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

laanimalservices.com

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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

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

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

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

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

No injuries were reported.

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

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


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

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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

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

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

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

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Cross Country Runners Hospitalized From Heat Injuries

On Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 7:27 AM, 17 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 2 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 3 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 9750 W. Wanda Park Dr. in Benedict Canyon.

Firefighters arrived quickly to the vicinity of Benedict Canyon, for reports of a large column of smoke in the brush area of the hills. Crews continued to search for the source, while making there way up through very narrow roads, to a long drive way. They quickly discovered heavy smoke coming from a two story 10,000 square foot residence.

Firefighters made entry into the home but were driven back by intense heat and voluminous flames that filled the structure. As personnel began to douse the fire they were met with the challenge of an extremely low water supply. Due to the small roadways, equipment had to be hiked up the long and steep drive way before any additional personnel could join the fight.

Transitioning to a defensive attack and with the closest hydrant being over 1500 feet away, water had to come from another source. Thanks to the fast thinking of the first arriving engine company, who were able to siphon water from a pool located on the premises, until a more permanent water supply could be established. Firefighters could now re-enter the structure and commence an offensive attack of the flames.

Because of the amount of brush around the building, slight winds and concern for flying embers, an LAFD helicopter was assigned for aerial reconnaissance and command support. Fire attack teams as well as roof teams tenaciously fought the fire and were able to limit the spread to additional parts of the home. A total of 115 LAFD personnel vigorously battled for 1 hour and 47 minutes before completely knocking down the flames. Sadly, three firefighters were injured during the incident, all were treated and released from the hospital, and all are expected to make a full recovery. No civilians were injured.

Fire damage has been estimated at $950,000 ($750,000 structure & $200,000 contents). The cause of this early morning blaze was categorized as “undetermined”.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Large Residence Burns In Benedict Canyon

On Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 0:30 AM, 14 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Assistant Chief Jeffery S. Mottram responded to a Structure Fire at 6550 N Van Nuys Bl. in Van Nuys.

Firefighters arrived with swiftness to a 100' x150' foot commercial strip mall, fully involved with heavy smoke and fire showing. Personnel were immediately met with flames coming from every angle, as they initiated an assault. Fire attack teams quickly deployed hand lines in an effort to stop the spread of fire thru common walls and attics. Roof teams aggressively cut holes on the top of the structure to release super heated gases from below.

The fire began to grow fierce and a decision was by Chief Mottram to pull all teams out of the structure and commence a defensive attack. As the incident grew the building became more and more unstable. Additional hand lines were set in place to facilitate protection of the adjacent structures, as well as heavy hose lines at the front door to hit the bulk of the fire.

Although, the blaze ripped through the structure and consumed a majority the building’s contents, firefighters performing vertical ventilation as well as an aggressive ground attack, confined the fire to its surrounding origin.

It took 106 firefighters well over two hours to call for a complete knock down, there were no injuries reported. Fire loss to the non-occupied structure is estimated at $1,500,000 ($1,000,000 structure & $500,000 content). The cause of the blaze has not been categorized yet.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - A Fierce Blaze Devours Commercial Strip Mall

On Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 10:18 PM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 5 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Dennis Waters responded to a Structure Fire With Civilian Fatality at 10609 N Halbrent Ave in City of San Fernando.
Firefighters arrived quickly to discover fire showing from the rear of a one-story single family home. As fire personnel made forcible entry, they encountered heavy smoke and flames before extinguishing the blaze in less than 10 minutes.

During their attack, firefighters discovered an 82 year-old male and 79 year-old female, down in separate locations in the home. Both occupants were rescued out of the smoke filled structure without any visible signs of life. The victims were immediately treated and transported in critical condition to Holy Cross hospital, sadly both patients were beyond help and were pronounced dead shortly after arriving.

The home was not equipped with legally required smoke alarms, nor a carbon monoxide detector or residential fire sprinklers. There were no security doors, window bars or obvious non-fire factors to impede the victims from exiting the home.

The blaze was extinguished by 41 Firefighters in less than 10 minutes and the cause is under investigation by LAFD Arson Investigators and the Los Angeles Police Department. Monetary loss from the fire is estimated at $150,000 ($100,000 structure & $50,000 contents).

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Claims The Life of Two Souls

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

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

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

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

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

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

No human injuries were reported.

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

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Battle To Save Pets in Animal Hospital

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Canoga Park Apartment Explosion Leaves Dozens Displaced

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

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

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

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

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

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Task Force Investigates Fire At Church In Tarzana

On Friday, September 18, 2009 at 2:35 AM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief John Duca responded to a structure fire with civilian fatality at 18424 West Saticoy Street in the community of Reseda.

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

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

Submitted by Melissa Kelley
Los Angeles Fire Department

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

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

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

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

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

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

Submitted by Devin Gales
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 8 Acres Burn In Bell Canyon

On Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 8:43 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, L.A. County Health Haz Mat, the Red Cross, DOT and assistance of the LAPD Bomb Squad & Supervisor, responded to reports of an EXPLOSION at 19227 W. Ingomar St. in the Reseda area.

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

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

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

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Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Residential Fire Reveals Ammunition Storage in Reseda

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

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


It took crews 10 minutes to extinguish the blaze.

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

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

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


Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Storage Near Wall Heater Sparks Woodland Hills Blaze

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

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

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

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

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

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Hiker Rescued After Overnight Ordeal