HOLLYWOOD - Sadly a man was found deceased tonight inside a residence that was on fire.




The Los Angeles Fire Department was called at 8:29 PM on Thursday, July 21, 2011 to

739 North Mariposa Avenue in Hollywood, where they found heavy smoke showing from the second story of a single family dwelling.

The first of 44 firefighters initially dispatched to the scene quickly extended hoselines inside the 3,269 square-foot residence, extinguishing the flames in just 16 minutes – only to discover a 69 year-old male. Beyond medical help, he was determined dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

The bulk of the flames were in one room on the second story, which was described as "packrat” like conditions. There were no smoke alarms present within the residence. Monetary loss from the blaze in the 98-year old non-fire sprinklered home is estimated at $45,000 ($25,000 structure & $20,000 contents).

A positive identification of the dead man, as well as the precise cause, time and manner of his death, will be determined the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner.

The cause of the fire remains the focus of a joint investigation by Los Angeles Fire and Police Department Investigators.

Dispatched Units: E52 RA52 E6 RA6 E235 T35 E227 E27 T27 T20 E220 EM14 BC5 BC11 E29 AR2 DC2 AR23 AR17

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Man Found Dead in Hollywood House Fire

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 Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 2:53 PM, 8 Fire Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, all under the direction of Division Chief Michael Little, responded to a Brush Fire in the Cahuenga Pass Area near the 101 freeway.

A small column of smoke ascending from the hillside area alerted passing motorists to a growing grass fire. Firefighters encountered approximately one quarter acre of grass burning uphill with little wind, approximately one half mile south of Barham Boulevard and Cahuenga Boulevard. As additional Firefighters arrived they were deployed to attack the hot flanks of the fire in an attempt to control the perimeter of fire and provide protection for any near by structures.

Over 32 Firefighters were strategically deployed for a quick aggressive attack on the sides of the fire and were able to gain control and extinguish the flames in 23 minutes. Due to favorable weather conditions and an aggressive, well coordinated attack on the fire, no structures were damaged. There were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire was unintentional and undetermined.

Submitted by Diana Igawa & Erik Scott, Spokespersons
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Grass Fire Near Cahuenga Pass

On Monday, June 6, 2011 at 3:45 AM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team,  2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Emergency Air Unit, a total of 95 Firefighters all under the direction of Assistant Chief David Yamahata responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 1400 South Kenmore Avenue in Pico-Union area of Downtown Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived to find a two-story center-hallway apartment with heavy smoke pouring out from a penthouse door. The 24 unit, 84 year-old building was unoccupied due to being tented for termite control. Firefighters swiftly extended ground ladders to the roof of the 10,000 square foot building to perform strategic vertical ventilation with chainsaws, as their colleagues deployed hose-lines into units to halt the spread of flame. The majority of the fire originated in a bathroom, however flames rapidly ran up walls and into the attic. The blaze was fully extinguished in just 34 minutes before anyone was injured. The cause appeared to be electrical components in the ceiling of one unit. Approximately four units sustained the bulk of the damage. The dollar loss is still being tabulated.

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

READ MORE - LA Firefighters Battle Apartment Blaze in Pico-Union

On Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 0:22 AM, 18 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Arson Units, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 6 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Rehab Air Tender, 1 Emergency Air and 137 total firefighters, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 1238 East Olympic Boulevard in the Wholesale District.


 
Firefighters arrived to find a row of one-story commercial buildings covering 8,722 square-feet with heavy fire showing from two units. Worker's outside of the non-occupied business flagged down Firefighters and assisted access, eliminating the need of forcible entry. Additional resources were quickly called and large hose streams were deployed to attain maximum water-flow on this blaze.

The contents of this fire were highly combustible as the occupancy was a party-supplies company dealing largely in pinatas and other paper decorations. Firefighters were quickly forced into a defensive attack due to intense flames compromising the integrity of the structure, resulting in a full collapse of the roof other than the arch-trusses.

Complete extinguishment of the 90 year-old sprinklered building was obtained in one hour and 26 minutes, before anyone was injured. The cause of this early morning blaze was contributed to sparks from workers repairing rolling steel doors. The dollar loss is still being tabulated.

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

READ MORE - LA Firefighters Battle Blaze in Downtown Wholesale District

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


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

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

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

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

READ MORE - Fire Rips Through Furniture Store Near Atwater Village

On Sunday, May 29, 2011 at 1:25 AM, 14 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Emergency Air, 1 Emergency Lighting, 1 Rehab Utility, 1 Rehab Air Tender, DWP and LAPD all under the direction of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 1171 East 10th Street in the Wholesale District of downtown Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived to find a large outside fire exposing the rear of two buildings, a tall warehouse connected by a division wall to a one-story building separated into an approximate half dozen, 50' x 100' individual stores containing party supplies.

Firefighters made forcible entry with rotary saws through multiple rolling steel doors into the warehouse to allow fire attack teams inside the unoccupied structure. Simultaneously, their colleagues swiftly took to the conventional bridge truss roof to perform vertical ventilation. Firefighters utilized heavy hose streams and ladder pipe operations to pour large amounts of water in the open lots where additional products were intensely burning, however the fire attack remained offensive. Flames also damaged one section of power lines, pole to pole, causing them to fall.

The first arriving 110 firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze in one hour and eight minutes before any civilians were injured. One Firefighter assigned to a Truck Company suffered back injury and was transported to a local hospital in fair condition.

The total dollar loss is estimated at $195,000 ($120,000 property and $75,000 contents). The cause of the early morning blaze remains under active investigation.

(slideshow)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Blaze Injures 1 Firefighter & Damages Structures Downtown

On Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 8:47 PM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Emergency Air Unit all under the direction of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott responded to a Structure Fire at 1000 Elysian Park Avenue in Echo Park.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived to find a moderate amount of lazy smoke drifting across the Top Deck of Dodger Stadium. Firefighters swiftly made their way through crowds of baseball fans while additional colleagues entered the Stadium from an aerial ladder truck.

A small fire comprised predominately of paper goods was located inside an approximate 20' x 20' storage room, made of cinder block construction.

Some fans seated in the Top Deck were calmly moved to another area due to residual smoke, but there was no need for a formal evacuation of the stadium, and play was not stopped. Dodger's staff addressed the public stating "Attention Please: There was a small fire in a confined area that is under control and contained. The Los Angeles Fire Department is onscene and there is no need to evacuate."

Due to the prompt response of 42 Los Angeles Firefighters the flames were confined to the area of origin and fully extinguish in just 20 minutes before anyone was injured. Careful preservation was given to protecting Dodger property and gas powered blowers were strategically utilized to direct remaining smoke away from fans.

The estimated dollar loss is $20,000 ($5,000 property and $15,000 contents). The cause of the fire is under active investigation.

(Home Video)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Rapidly Extinguish Flames At Dodger Stadium

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 Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 8:43 AM, the Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned by law enforcement officials to commence a post-fire investigation at the Temple Israel of Hollywood at 7300 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood.

In a media statement, the Los Angeles Police Department described a burglary during which a small fire was set in a temple classroom. The fire was reportedly extinguished prior to the Police Officer's arrival. There were no injuries, and damage to the synagogue school was described as minimal.

Pursuant of protocol, the multi-agency House of Worship Arson Task Force was deployed, bringing local specialists from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation to join Investigators from the Los Angeles Police and Fire Departments.

With concurrence of the investigation team, the Los Angeles Fire Department released video and still images of the suspect.




The following statement and booking photo was issued by the Los Angeles Fire Department on April 20, 2011:

The Los Angeles Fire Department’s Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section as the lead agency of the House of Worship Arson Task Force which includes members from the Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives have made an arrest in connection with the Temple Israel of Hollywood, 7300 Hollywood Blvd., arson incident which occurred on Thursday, April 14, 2011.

Arson & Burglary Suspect Dmitriy Sheyko
Click here or on image to view, share or download

The suspect, Dmitriy Sheyko is currently in custody and has been charged with the Temple Israel of Hollywood burglary and arson incident, as well as several additional intentional fires in the Hollywood Hills. The additional fires occurred on the night of April 17, 2011, at a construction site that was in close proximity to where Sheyko had been detained by Los Angeles police officers conducting a burglary investigation.

Today, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office reviewed the facts of the case as presented by LAFD and LAPD Investigators, which resulted in the filing of 19 felony counts against Sheyko. The charges filed include multiple counts of burglary, arson and the use of a destructive device. Bail has been set at $3,000,000.

Anyone who believes that they recognize this individual as being tied to any other crimes or fires are encouraged to contact Arson Investigators at the Los Angeles Fire Department Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section at (213)485-6095.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Officials Identify and Release Booking Photo of Hollywood Temple Arson Suspect

Please join the Los Angeles Fire Department in conjunction with the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation in an honorary awards luncheon for 24 Los Angeles Fire Department members. This ceremony will highlight their distinguished acts of bravery and courage. 

WHO:             Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Chief Millage Peaks

                     City of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

DATE:           Thursday, March 3, 2011

TIME:             Ceremony begins at 11:30 am

LOCATION:  Hollywood Palladium 6215 W. Sunset, Blvd. Hollywood, CA  90028

The Los Angeles Fire Department acknowledges these acts of bravery and courage through four different awards:

Medal of Valor is awarded to a sworn member of the Department who has demonstrated bravery at great personal risk to his or her own life, beyond a doubt and clearly above the call of duty, whether on or off duty.

Medal of Merit is awarded to a sworn member, distinguished by performing an act where if not taken, would have resulted in serious injury or present imminent danger to life.  The member must have demonstrated a conspicuous act of bravery with calculated personal risk to his or her own life.

Letter of Special Commendation is awarded to any department member who has performed an act during emergency or non-emergency conditions requiring initiative and /or ability worthy of recognition.

Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a retired sworn member of the department who exemplifies the true spirit of “Service to the Community” through his or her actions while on active duty and as a retired member.

MEDIA PARKING AVAILABLE IN LOT OFF OF ARGYLE AVE.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman

Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Honors Acts Of Bravery And Courage

On Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 11:19 PM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Arson Unit, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 7 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Assistant Chief Ralph Terrazas responded to a Fire With Firefighter Injury at 1546 N. Viewsite Dr. in Hollywood HILLS.

Firefighters arrived to find light smoke and fire, which appeared to be on the outside of a multi level hillside single family dwelling. As firefighters were investigating, attempting to find the origin, it was determined that the fire was within the walls and possibly extending into the attic. After an intense search, the flames began to engulf a portion of the structure. Several minutes into the fire fight an Emergency Traffic Alert was issued warning all fire personnel on scene of a partial structural collapse. A second alert "Firefighter Down" was immediately transmitted for three firefighters who were reported trapped or missing after the collapse. Fire crews began to conduct a rescue operation looking for their injured comrades.

Two of the firefighters were immediately rescued; a third who remained trapped under heavy amounts of debris needed an extended physical rescue, with power tools and chain saws before being treated and transported from the scene to an area hospital.

All of the injured individuals were removed from the building by fellow Firefighters and transported to Cedar Sinai Medical Center. Sadly the trapped firefighter suffered severe injuries and is listed in grave condition. A second firefighter suffered a fractured ankle requiring surgery and continued stay for observation. Four other Firefighters suffered minor injuries, two from LAFD, and two others from LACoFD, were treated and released from the Hospital. All four are expected to fully recover.

It took the Los Angeles Fire Department 1 hour 40 minutes for a complete knockdown of the flames. All residents safely made it out of the building, and there were no other injuries reported during this incident.
The estimated damage is reportedly $250,000 ($200,000 Structure & $50,000 Contents). The cause of the fire and the circumstances of the injuries are currently under investigation.

Submitted by Devin Gales,Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Four Firefighters Trapped In Hollywood Hillside Blaze

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 Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 5:47 PM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, a total of 40 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Wade White, responded to a Structure Fire with Civilian Injury at 1630 South Bentley Avenue in Westwood.



Firefighters arrived quickly to find what appeared to be a balcony fire on the uppermost floor of a U-shaped 3 story garden-style apartment building. As they bolted up stairwells and through hallways to the apartment of fire origin, firefighters calmly guided several residents to 'shelter in place' pending an assessment of the blaze.

Near the involved apartment, firefighters were met by a severely burned man, whom they immediately removed to safety as they tackled the flames, which were extinguished in less than ten minutes.

In halting words, the burned man advised responders he had been awakened by one of the properly functioning smoke alarms within his apartment, alerting him to a burning couch in an adjacent room - which like the rest of his apartment, was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

Rather than simply escape his apartment, the man unwisely attempted to move the flaming sofa to a nearby balcony. In doing so, he was swiftly enveloped in fire, sustaining painful second- and third-degree burns to his hands, arms, torso and face, as well as thermal injury to his upper respiratory system.

Provided prompt on-scene care by a team of LAFD Paramedics, he was transported to the nearby Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in serious condition. Following stabilization at that facility, it was anticipated the man would require prolonged specialty care at a regional burn center.

No other injuries were reported.

Property loss from the fire is estimated at $10,000 ($5,000 structure & $5,000 contents).

The cause of this small but devastating fire has been categorized as accidental, and attributed to a heating source placed too close to combustible furnishings.

(video)

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Westwood Man Severely Injured in Attempt to Move Burning Couch

On Friday, January 21, 2011 at 6:39 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 32 Los Angeles Firefighters under the direction of Battalion Chief Joseph Klein, responded to a Structure Fire at 1324 Sutherland Street in Echo Park.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy fire showing from a 1,412 square-foot hillside single family home.



Navigating through a slim curbside gate and trio of narrow outside staircases to gain access, firefighters muscled hoselines and later ground ladders to battle intense flames that had taken hold of the front portion of a 106-year-old wood frame structure.

As the aggressive fire attack ensued, firefighters were pleased to learn that the home's five occupants had exited the building with minimal injury, prior to the Fire Department's arrival.

One of the residents however, had foolishly reentered the building in an attempt to reclaim possessions, sustaining smoke inhalation as well as first-degree burns to his neck and arms. In good condition following treatment by LAFD Paramedics, the man declined ambulance transport before being released at the scene.

Despite the diligent efforts of 32 Los Angeles Firefighters, one pet cat perished in the blaze. The well-coordinated assault on the flames held direct fire damage to a large front patio, adjacent bedroom, attic and dormer, with firefighters bringing flames under full control in just 17 minutes.

No other injuries were reported.

The three men and two women who lived separately within the home escaped only with their night clothes. They were assisted with temporary housing and human needs by volunteers from the American Red Cross.

There was no immediate evidence of functional smoke alarms within the home, as required by law. Firefighters later determined that the home's occupants owed their survival solely to the happenstance that one resident was awakened by the sound of fire, and was able to alert others.

Loss to the non-fire sprinklered home is estimated at $95,000 ($75,000 structure & $20,000 contents). The cause of this early morning blaze is categorized as accidental, and attributed to the careless discarding of smoking materials on the patio that ignited combustible furnishings.

(video)

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Five Echo Park Residents Narrowly Escape Inferno

On Friday, January 21, 2011 at 3:57 AM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 84 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Craig Yoder, responded to a Confined Space Rescue at 4501 West Colorado Boulevard in the Atwater Village area of Los Angeles.

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

No other employee or responder injuries were reported.

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

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

(video)

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

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

On 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 Friday, January 7, 2011 at 10:43 PM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Richard Rideout responded to a Structure Fire at 1183 S. Hoover St. in Korea town.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover heavy smoke showing from one of the lower units, of a two story four-plex. Firefighters skillfully forced entry through the well secured structure, while extending hoselines into the home's entry way to do battle within.

Fire crews were immediately notified that occupants were still somewhere in the unit and may be trapped. As they aggressively fought the flames, a simultaneous search for victims went underway. Fire teams soon discovered one adult female and one adult male without vital signs of life. Firefighters immediately initiated basic and advanced life support measures while rushing them both to an area hospital in grave condition.

Other personnel on scene continued a systematic search of the smoke charged home, locating an additional victim who was treated and transported in stable condition for smoke inhalation. 53 firefighters mounted a bold and decisive attack on the fire, confining it to the one unit, and extinguishing the flames in 31 minutes. Unfortunately, and despite the prompt work of Los Angeles Firefighter/Paramedics and hospital staff, an adult female was declared deceased shortly after arriving at the hospital. Seeking to offer additional comfort to grieving friends and neighbors, the LAFD mobilized to provide compassionate assistance to those closest to the victim.

Ten individuals were displaced as a result of this incident, and the American Red Cross was called in to assist those residents who stand in need. The monetary loss from a fire can not truly be weighed in the wake of the loss of life, however the dollar loss of this incident is still being tabulated. There were no other injuries reported. A positive identification of the deceased, as well as the cause, manner and time of her death will be determined by Coroner's officials. The cause of the fire remains under an active investigation.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Four-Plex Catches Fire Claiming One Life