On Monday, August 23, 2010 at 3:46 PM, 7 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 54 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief John Duca, responded to a Hazardous Materials Investigation at 8916 Willis Avenue in Panorama City.

Los Angeles Firefighters, dispatched to an odor investigation, arrived quickly at a three story garden-style apartment building to learn of an irritating odor in or near a 3rd floor unit undergoing renovation.

With three persons from the premises initially complaining of respiratory irritation, first arriving crews immediately extracted and isolated the ill, while summoning an LAFD Hazardous Materials response.

Occupants of the 64-unit building were calmly led upwind to fresh air in a well-coordinated fashion that kept them safe yet separate from those who exhibited minor illness following possible fume exposure.

With a Command Post and perimeter established and key building systems secured, LAFD HazMat experts donned protective gear as their colleagues commenced a detailed medical assessment of all five residents now complaining of respiratory irritation.

A comprehensive sweep of the 42,000 square-foot building with sophisticated sensing devices yielded no immediate or escalating hazard.

Following exposure to fresh air and the brief use of medical oxygen, the symptoms experienced by all five residents soon subsided, and each declined offered medical treatment and transportation.

No other illness or injuries were reported.

Though the odor dissipated and its source was undetermined, LAFD responders surmise it may have been related to aerosol insecticide or oven cleaner being used in the apartment undergoing renovation.

At the conclusion of Los Angeles Fire Department operations, residents were allowed to return to their apartments. Pursuant of protocol, the scene was turned over to officials from the Health Hazardous Materials Division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Odor in Panorama City Apartment Brings LAFD HazMat Response

On Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 10:31 PM, 9 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, DOT, DWP, L.A. County Health and a Building and Safety Inspector, under the direction of Assistant Chief Jeffery S. Mottram, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 9044 N. Woodman Av. in the Panorama City area.

First arriving Firefighters on scene found heavy smoke coming from the rear of a 1 story, 100 foot by 100 foot commercial building. Further investigation indicated the fire was in the occupancy located in the center of the small, strip mall type complex. As Firefighters vigorously deployed handlines to gain control of the fire, the multiple heat holes cut by the ventilation team spewed fire, indicating the fire had truly progressed into the attic. The IC was prompted to request additional companies to gain control of the fire. A consideration was made to go defensive with master streams, but the deployment of additional 2-1/2 inch hoselines by Firefighters from the added incoming companies, thwarted the progress of the fire by blasting out the drop ceiling and reaching the seat of the attic fire. Members were alerted that a large portion of the roof was unstable and at 2302 hours the majority of the roof collapsed.

It took 68 Firefighters 37 minutes to achieve a knockdown on the fire. There was one minor injury to a Firefighter who was transported to an area hospital. The cause is currently still under investigation. The estimated dollar loss is $600,000 [$200,000 structure, $400,000 contents]. The occupancies effected were: the AlRight Pawn Shop (point of origin), Pupusas Restaurant and the Iglesia Misionera.

(photos)

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Damages Three Occupancies in Panorama City Strip Mall Complex