SOUTH LOS ANGELES - Two firefighters were injured battling a major emergency structure fire in a South Los Angeles business on Sunday, August 7, 2011.

As firefighters were responding to the 6:30 PM alarm, a large "loom up" of dark smoke could be seen from blocks away.

Firefighters arrived at 121 West Florence Avenue where they found a row of one-story commercial buildings under a common roof with heavy smoke showing. Shortly thereafter, flames erupted outside the structure and careful attention was given to protecting attached and nearby businesses from flame impingement. Firefighters were strategically placed around the large structure as others forced entry inside to do battle with the intense flames.


Multiple ladders were rapidly tilted against the structure from all angles allowing firefighters assigned to truck companies to reach the roof and begin vertical ventilation using chainsaws. Moderate amount of smoke began pouring out of the holes as the chainsaws sunk in and continued to cut. Firefighters inside searched through the dark to reach the seat of the fire. As the fire ripped through the attic, a portion of the roof collapsed on one side, preventing firefighters to continue to make entry from that area.

Firefighters raced the clock as they worked intensely to stop the spread of the flames and save the adjoining businesses along with their contents.

The fire appeared to have started in southwest side of the commercial building and ran up to the attic where it quickly traveled northeast. A total of four businesses, selling furniture, carpet, mattresses and cabinets were damaged. Shortly thereafter the smoke began to lighten as firefighters started to gain the upper hand, then worked on saving the contents of the business. Due to the aggressive work, an offensive attack was used and there was no need to pull firefighters out into a defensive mode.

The building created additional challenges to firefighters due to having an unusual double roof on the northeast side described as an arch truss with 1x6 straight sheeting below, and a corrugated metal roof approximately six feet above.

A total of 166 Los Angeles Firefighters were able to fully extinguish the flames in just 43 minutes by confining the blaze to the building of origin. An additional 40 personnel were summoned to assist in a complete overhaul of the burned premises during the nearly sixteen hour operation.

One firefighter received second degree burns to his hands and another firefighter was taken ill during overhaul operations. Both men were transported to local hospitals where they were treated and released to remain off-duty.

An initial estimate for fire loss was placed at $1,000,000 ($600,000 structure & $400,000 contents). The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.

Dispatched Units: E233 E33 T33 RA33 RA833 E57 E64 T64 E264 SQ21 EM2 BC13 BC1 E9 E221 T21 E46 E66 E14 E215 T15 E210 T10 DC2 EM9 BC18 T3 E203 E3 RA5 UR88 BC4 E21 T66 E266 RA3 UR3 RM2 EM6 RT40 E210 T10 E65 E26 T9 AR1 EA1 RA848 RA57 RA264 EM9 E85 UR85 RA85 T85 E285 E94 E295 T95 E29 T26 E226 E63 T94 E294 E5 T61 E261 T33 E233 E95

(slideshow) (video)

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

READ MORE - Two Firefighters Injured in South Los Angeles Blaze

LOS ANGELES - A total of thirty-one persons required medical attention during an overnight music festival near Chinatown.

Image of 2010 HARD Summer Music Festival
by Caesar Sebastian

The Saturday, August 6, 2011 HARD Summer Music Festival, advertised more than twenty-five acts appearing on a quartet of stages between 6:00PM and 2:00AM at the Los Angeles State Historic Park, a mile northeast of the Los Angeles Civic Center.

More than two-dozen Los Angeles Fire Department personnel, including LAFD Bicycle Medic Teams were strategically deployed across the 32 acre site for more than ten hours, allowing quick and effective response to the thirty-one persons needing emergency medical services, sixteen of whom were taken to area hospitals by ambulance. Details regarding the age, gender, condition, affiliation and circumstances of those who suffered illness or injury was not immediately available.

The Fire Department did not formally estimate festival attendance, and is not aware of any pre-hospital loss of life at or near the venue.

LAFD Battalion Chief Michael Bowman was quick to credit months of pre-event planning and the Unified Command of local, regional and State officials onsite. He acknowledged the importance of private sector involvement, including that of event organizers, and offered special praise for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which established a special schedule for Metro subway and light rail lines to serve festival attendees.

The Los Angeles Fire Department has already commenced planning for a future event by organizers of Saturday's festival, the HARD Haunted Mansion, which is scheduled for October 28-29, 2011 at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall south of downtown Los Angeles.

Dispatched Units: CT1 CT2 EM720 RA3 RA9 RA2 EM2 EM722 BC739 RA10 RA20 RA2 RA9

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - L.A.'s 'Hard Summer Music Festival' Sends Sixteen to Hospital

At 6:11 pm this evening, your Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported "hydrant" at the residential intersection of North Edloft Avenue and East Twining Street in the neighborhood of El Sereno. First arriving units were guided to the scene by water being shot approximately 100 feet into the air from a high pressure fire hydrant. The hydrant had been sheared-off by a vehicle, whose driver had apparently lost control. The driver was treated and transported to a local hospital for observation.

Mass amounts of water then began to shower surrounding homes and fill the streets. Access to the hydrant shut-off valve was made difficult to Firefighters not only because they had to endure heavy water, but also due to the large, water-main shut-off valve being located deeper underground than what standard tools on our fire apparatus are capable of accessing. This particular hydrant shut-off valve required specialized tools available only to our partners at the Department of Water & Power (DWP).



As water continued to flow for nearly two hours, approximately 50 Firefighters quickly poured on-scene to assist, along with our specialized Urban Search & Rescue unit and our Heavy Rescue squad. The water flow initially prompted the Incident Commander (IC), Battalion Chief Kevin Pearson, to protect the residents of three homes in the area by sheltering them in place. When it became apparent this would be an extended incident, the IC, under the guidance of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott, made the decision to evacuate these structures to ensure their safety.

When the hydrant was ultimately shut-down, representatives from the Department of Building & Safety quickly moved in to assess and determined the homes had sustained minimal, structural damage. However, a retaining wall at the rear of one of the structures was severely compromised. As a result, one family was unfortunately displaced for at least that evening. The family was assisted by our friends at the local Red Cross.

We are pleased to report there were no additional injuries to any of the families impacted nor to any of our on-scene personnel.

The cause is under investigation and the dollar loss is still being tabulated.


Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 100 Foot Geyser in Residential Neighborhood Displaces Family

LOS ANGELES - An electrical issue is believed to have sparked a swift-moving building fire in the South Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles.

Ninety-two Los Angeles Firefighters were dispatched on Monday, July 11, 2011, following a 12:58 PM phone call from a passerby describing a structure fire at 649 South Anderson Street in an industrial neighborhood a mile-and-a-half southeast of the Los Angeles Civic Center.

LAFD crews arrived quickly to find smoke showing from a well secured 50' x 100' one-story warehouse-like building. Forcing entry through rolling steel doors as chainsaw wielding colleagues ventilated heat and smoke from above, firefighters had the flames under control in just 24 minutes. No injuries were reported.

Los Angeles Police Officers joined LAFD Investigators in further researching the fire and seeking the tenant, for what was declared an accidental fire of an electrical nature. A fire damage estimate was not immediately available.

Dispatched Units: E17 RA616 E202 E2 T2 RA2 E25 E4 T9 EM2 BC1 BC11 E9 E203 E3 T3 E233 T33 E210 T10 E10 E14 SQ21 DC2 EM6 BC13 RA3 UR88 BC5 AR1

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Bring South Boyle Heights Fire Quickly Under Control

SOUTH LOS ANGELES - Doctors in Los Angeles were striving late Monday to save a girl's eyesight following a horrific injury caused by an illegal firework during a private Independence Day celebration.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 10:52 P.M. on Monday, July 4, 2011 to 617 West 42nd Place in South Los Angeles, where they encountered a 12 year-old girl with severe eye damage.

According to witnesses, the girl had been in front of a home using a sparkler - also illegal in Los Angeles, when another person discharged an illegal 'firecracker-like' device near her face, impaling her right eye.


A team of six LAFD crew members worked in unison to stabilize the injury while providing emotional care to the patient and her family, then quickly transported the girl to Children's Hospital Los Angeles, where a team of experts awaited to provide her care.

Los Angeles Police Officers will investigate circumstances of the injury. The personal use of any firework, including so-called "safe and sane" devices has been illegal in the City of Los Angeles since World War II.

Dispatched Units: E14 RA833 RA15

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - L.A. Firework Injury Places Girl's Eyesight at Risk

TERMINAL ISLAND - A 37 year-old longshoreman was taken to the hospital on Thursday evening, June 30, 2011, after possible exposure to a substance spilled at a freight yard in the Port of Los Angeles.

Twenty-eight Los Angeles Fire Department personnel - including an LAFD Hazardous Materials Squad, under the command of Battalion Chief Raymundo Gomez, were summoned at 6:52 P.M. to the Yusen Terminal at 701 East New Dock Street on Terminal Island.

The worker, who complained of a headache and general malaise, told first-arriving LAFD Paramedics that his symptoms commenced immediately after noting a substance on the ground near a sealed 20' cargo container.

Though no evacuations were necessary, harbor-area protocol brought the interagency response of personnel from the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Port Police, Long Beach Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard and L.A. County Fire Department Health Hazardous Materials Division.

LAFD Hazmat experts opened the locked cargo container to find it half-filled with 55-gallon drums containing Hydrogen Peroxide. Following a methodical investigation of nearly two and a half-hours, they determined that the freight was intact, and that pint of 'resin-like' liquid seen on the ground was not associated with the suspect container and of no escalating hazard.

The ill dock worker was taken by LAFD ambulance in good condition to the Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in San Pedro for further evaluation, as a private on-site cleanup firm removed the yet-identified substance under the guidance of health officials.


Dispatched Units: E40 RA36 E48 T48 E248 SQ48 RA848 BC6 EM6 RA112

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD HazMat Responds When Dock Worker Takes Ill

On Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 0:24 AM, 6 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 39 Firefighters all under the direction of Battalion Chief Mark Akahoshi responded to a Structure Fire at 8115 South Mariposa Avenue in South Los Angeles.





View Larger Map

Firefighters arrived to find a 1,738 square-foot one-story Single Family Dwelling with heavy fire showing. Firefighters commenced an aggressive interior attack with hose-lines on the well entrenched flames, as additional colleagues cut strategic 'heat-holes' on the clay tiled roof allowing heat, smoke and gases to escape.

Due to the well-coordinated work of all on scene, the fire was fully extinguished in just 22 minutes before spreading to nearby structures or injuring any civilians. The flames were quickly confined to the living room and attic of the 77 year-old residence.

However, a Firefighter assigned to the Roof Division Truck Company was seriously injured after falling off the roof at the start of Overhaul operations, ensuring the fire was completely out. Attempting to get off the roof onto a ladder when the base of it became unstable causing the Firefighter to fall to the ground. He fractured multiple ribs and sustained a contusion to his lung, but was released from a local hospital on May 22, 2011.

The cause of this early morning blaze was incense burning unattended. The dollar loss is tabulated at $50,000 ($35,000 structure & $15,000 contents).

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighter Injured at Structure Fire in South LA

On Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at 4:34 PM, 13 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 6 Arson Units, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 106 Los Angeles Fire Department Personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Richard Rideout responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 2410 South 6th Avenue in the West Adams area of Los Angeles.


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


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


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

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

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

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


Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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

On Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at 12:31 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 5 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 41 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Kevin Pearson, responded to a Civilian Fatality Fire at 10926 South Wilmington Avenue in Watts.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find a small structure affixed to the rear of a one-story home fully involved in fire, with intense flames extending to an immediately adjacent office/travel trailer, and simultaneously threatening an occupied two-story duplex to the north.

Swift action by first arriving firefighters prevented the fire from extending to the duplex, as they aggressively battled flames, confining them to the rear of the one-story home and trailer.

During a primary search, LAFD crews discovered a lifeless adult male within the trailer. Beyond medical help, he was declared dead at the scene. It was not immediately clear if the trailer had served as the man's domicile.

No other injuries were reported.

Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated. A positive identification of the decedent, 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 this post-midnight blaze remains the focus of an active investigation by Los Angeles Fire and Police Department Investigators.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Involving Watts Trailer Claims One Life

On Monday, April 11, 2011 at 1:25 AM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 4 Arson Units, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 57 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel - as well as the House of Worship Arson Task Force, all under the direction of LAFD Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott, responded to a Structure Fire with Civilian Injury at 10822 South Broadway Street in South Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover smoke showing from a 50 x 80 foot two-story apartments over commercial building, with the first floor converted to a church.


The fast moving fire in an enclosed stairwell and hallway that led to the building's eight upstairs apartments was swiftly extinguished, but not before a 54 year-old male resident sustained injury or sudden illness in an attempt to escape the smoky fire. He was taken by LAFD Ambulance to the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in critical condition.

Five other persons, including three adults and two children were assisted from the smoke-charged structure by firefighters. Later examined by LAFD Paramedics, they declined treatment or transportation. Responders were quick to credit properly functioning smoke alarms as giving these residents a head start on escaping the fire with minimal or no injury.

Though the building was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers, the rapid notification and response of firefighters prevented flames from moving beyond the stairwell and hallway. As such, the apartment units remained tenable after the fire for those who were uninjured.

While there was no immediate evidence of fire damage to the first floor tenant "New Life Christian Church", protocol dictated that the House of Worship Arson Task Force be notified.

Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated. The cause of this early morning blaze is considered suspicious and remains under active investigation.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Man Critical Following South L.A. Apartment Fire

On Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 3:04 PM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 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 Jose S-Cronenbold, responded to a Hazardous Materials Investigation at 8840 Vanalden Avenue in Northridge.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly in response to an "alarm ringing" notification from a security company, to declare liquefied natural gas vapor leaking from atop a 12,000 gallon vessel at a municipal fleet refueling and parking facility.

The findings escalated the incident to a Hazardous Materials Investigation, bringing additional LAFD personnel to to scene, including the Department's closest Hazardous Materials Task Force.

Establishing a perimeter and Command Post upwind from the leak, first-arriving firefighters determined the vapor to be dissipating vertically without imminent or escalating hazard.

The leaking container, one of three similarly sized upright and adjacent cylinders within the City of Los Angeles facility in an industrial neighborhood, had reportedly been in use after having been filled within the previous 2 days.

Working closely with the Plant Manager who had been summoned to the scene, LAFD HazMat experts deftly manipulated one or more valves adjacent to the tank to stem the vapor flow within 2 hours of arrival.

No injuries were reported.

Pursuant of protocol, the Health Hazardous Materials Division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department will handle the investigation to conclusion.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Hazmat Team Stems Gas Leak in Northridge

On Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 7:39 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 91 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Jerome Boyd, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 525 North Sycamore Avenue in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find no immediate evidence of fire at the front of a three-story condominium complex built over parking.

Swiftly entering enclosed hallways on the second floor of the converted apartment building that were charged with thick smoke, firefighters fought their way to the seat of the fire in a second-floor unit to the rear, where they commenced a tenacious attack on the flames.

Eyewitness cell phone video
Firefighters confined the bulk of fire to the second-floor condominium of fire origin and the unit directly above. They extinguished the blaze in just 33 minutes.

No injuries were reported.

Six persons were displaced by the flames, including four men, one woman, an infant and three pet animals. They were provided placement and human needs assistance by volunteers from the American Red Cross.

A preliminary fire loss has been estimated at $100,000 ($80,000 structure & $20,000 contents). The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire in Fairfax District Condominium Displaces Six

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

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

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

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Quickly Extinguish House Fire In Arlington Heights

On Monday, March 7, 2011 at 6:33 AM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 41 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel, as well as one Engine Company from the Los Angeles County Fire Department responding in Automatic Aid, all under the direction of LAFD Assistant Chief Craig Fry, responded to a Civilian Fatality Structure Fire at 1674 East 115th Street in Watts.

First-due Los Angeles City and County Firefighters arrived quickly and simultaneously to discover the inside of a one-story 1,330 square-foot single family home fully involved with fire.



Forcing entry into the residence, firefighters encountered intense flames among "pack rat" storage of personal belongings, yet pushed on relentlessly to search all parts of the fire and smoke-charged three bedroom home for a woman reportedly trapped in the inferno.

It was during this initial assault on the flames that firefighters discovered the lifeless body of an adult female within the structure. Beyond medical help, she was declared deceased at the scene.

The well coordinated firefight - including strategic vertical ventilation, confined the blaze within the home, allowing for extinguishment of the flames in just 24 minutes.

No other injuries were reported.

Along with the excessive storage that potentially hampered occupant escape, firefighters determined the building was fitted with window security bars "non-compliant" with the City's quick-release safety standard.

There was also no evidence of smoke alarms within the home as required by law. The 93 year-old wood frame building was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

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

Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated.

Having ruled out an intentional act, Los Angeles Fire Department Investigators continue to look into the cause of a blaze they consider to be accidental in nature.

(video)


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Identifies Dire Factors in Fatal Watts Fire

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

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

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

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

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

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

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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

On Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 1:14 PM, 19 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Arson Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 6 Division Chief Officer Command Teams, under the direction of Assistant Chief Ralph Terrazas responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 3850 West Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard in the Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw area of Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover heavy smoke and fire showing from a 75' x100' commercial building. Fire crews mounted a swift and offensive attack while making strong headway to locate the origin of the flames. Interior attack teams and support teams established a staging area, to optimize a strategic assault that would confine the fire to a rear section of the second floor.

Firefighters using handlines, along with, strong teamwork and precise vertical ventilation, finally found the area where the flames were concentrated. The Incident Commander called for additional companies, as well as issuing an emergency alert, for all operations to shift to a defensive mode of attack.

The fire soon extended through the roof causing air conditioning units and other equipment from the top to begin falling through the structure. A second emergency alert was made, that one Los Angeles Firefighter was reported to be down, possibly injured on the second floor of the building. Although the firefight was still ongoing, swift attention was given to assist the fallen member, who was quickly found and taken out of the structure.

Apparently a portion of the falling roof and some of the ceiling fell on the firefighter. He sustained non-life threatening injuries and was later transported to Cedars Sinai Medical Center in stable condition, with expectations of a full recovery.

It took 153 firefighters to confine the fire entirely within the occupancy of origin, achieving a knockdown in 1 hour and 36 minutes. After a complete search, the building was declared vacant and no civilians were injured during the fight.

Although efforts were made to minimizing damage to the vacant structure, the entire second floor was heavily burned. It is still unclear as to how this fire broke out, and will remain as an active investigation by LAFD Officials

(photos)

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Destroys Second Story Of Vacant Building

On Saturday, January 1, 2011 at 6:56 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 86 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Kevin Pearson, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 8765 South McKinley Avenue in Watts.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy fire to the rear of and threatening a 25' x 100' residential duplex under construction.

The swift moving flames had consumed a van parked within an attached garage and heavily damaged that structure, before spreading to the unoccupied duplex, which was framed internally with dimensional lumber and externally wrapped in preparation for siding or stucco.

Despite a well coordinated attack that brought flames under control in just 23 minutes, the partially-constructed duplex, as well as the van and garage were destroyed by fire.

There were no injuries reported.

Loss to the van, garage and unoccupied duplex is estimated at $150,000. The fire was determined to be a deliberate act, and remains under active investigation by the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Watts Fire Destroys Van, Garage & Duplex Under Construction

On Sunday, December 12, 2010 at 2:14 PM, 20 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Arson Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 4 Helicopters, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 2170 South Century Park East in Century City.

Firefighters quickly arrived to a 21-story residential highrise to find fire blowing out of one unit on the 20th floor. Occupants had already began to properly evacuate the 480 unit building in an orderly fashion.

In accordance with the LAFD's well-established High-Rise Incident Command System, Firefighters secured the lobby, fire control room, stairwells and established a liaison with on site staff of 44 year-old building. With detailed knowledge of the structure gained during fire prevention and tactical pre-plan inspections, Firefighters carrying as much as 100 pounds of equipment each began the strenuous task of climbing 20 flights of stairs. With support teams readily staged on the floors below them, Firefighters assigned to fire attack aggressively assaulted the fire with handlines, confining the flames to the non-sprinklered unit of origin before it spread. Also Fire Department helicopters were staffed remotely as 'Airborne Engine Companies'.

A total of 141 Firefighters assisted in fully extinguishing the blaze in just 23 minutes and performed a detailed search through this contemporary styled structure. There were no injuries to Firefighters, however three adult female civilians suffered non-life threatening injuries, two of which required transportation to local hospitals.

Following extinguishment, dozens of Firefighters worked for several hours assisting building officials with salvage operations and water removal from the 18th through 20th floors. Dollar-loss from the blaze is being tabulated and the cause is under investigation.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Stop High-Rise Blaze From Spreading

Pending favorable weather, the Los Angeles Fire Department will conduct a pair of 'live fire' training exercises early the next two mornings at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). These special drills for firefighters are scheduled to occur between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM PST on Wednesday, December 8 and Thursday, December 9, 2010.

There are no provisions for media or public access.

Historically, smoke from this Federally mandated training has been visible more than 30 miles from the airport. We wish to emphasize there is no cause for public alarm.

Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139 requires all Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) personnel to attend a live fire training drill at least once per year.

LAFD Airport Rescue Fire Fighters serving at LAX and Van Nuys Airport use Los Angeles International Airport's $3.75 million state-of-the-art training facility to hone their lifesaving skills. This training site, located at the southwest corner of the 5.6 square mile airport grounds, was built using airport funds. It is designed to support the rigorous demands of the Los Angeles Fire Department while meeting strict aviation and environmental regulations.

Before commencing these live fire drills, LAFD members carefully monitor climate conditions. Drills are conducted in strict adherence to standards designed to maximize safety and minimize environmental concerns. These factors are confirmed with the LAX Control Tower before the final 'go-ahead' is given.

These periodic live fire drills at LAX generally take place between 3 and 6 AM, but may be postponed at the last minute due to abrupt changes in climate or as a result of Fire Department or aviation concerns.

 
We are pleased to note that all water, fuel and firefighting foam used at this LAX training facility is captured. After going through a complex series of 'scrubbers', water is tested to assure it meets strict clean water standards before being discharged to the Hyperion Treatment Plant.

Passengers and air crews should use LAX and Van Nuys Airports with confidence, knowing that highly trained members of the LAFD are always ready to protect them.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Training at Los Angeles International Airport

On Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 5:41 PM, 18 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 12 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Arson Units, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Emergency Air, 1 Emergency Lighting, 1 Rehab Air Tender, 1 Bulldozer Team, and 1 Volunteer Service Utility under the direction of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 158 East 58th Street in South Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived on scene in less than four minutes to find a large 1-story commercial building well involved in fire. Additional assistance was quickly requested as firefighters aggressively made their way inside the inferno, arming themselves with large 2 1/2" hose lines. The 4,880 square-foot building ventilated itself as 20' high flames roared through the roof. Within ten minutes the Incident Commander ordered all firefighters to get out of the 53 year-old structure and fight defensively due to the integrity of the building being compromised. Shortly thereafter the roof collapsed. Additional life threatening hazards endangered firefighters as transformers from power lines exploded, electrical wires sagged toward the ground, and the loading dock filled with water.

Just under 150 firefighters surrounded the building, pouring copious amounts of water into it while protecting nearby businesses. The devastating blaze was confined predominately within the business of origin. One adult male firefighter suffered possible heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was admitted for observation, but remained in good condition. Two civilians expressed minor medical complaints and were evaluated, however did not require transport to a hospital. The cause of the fire is under active investigation and the dollar loss of this furniture manufacturing business is still being tabulated.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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