On Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 8:01 PM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 3 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 85 Firefighters all under the direction of Battalion Chief Stephen Ruda responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 7705 Densmore Avenue in West Van Nuys.

The first arriving Firefighters found a 100' x 100' one-story Commercial building with one unit well involved in flames. An assertive Fire Attack was initiated as flames began burning through the roof. Upon his arrival Chief Ruda performed a rapid size-up and determined that additional Firefighters would be needed to battle the intense blaze.

As hand lines were aggressively deployed in an interior attack, a Strip Ventilation technique was performed by roof division companies with chain saws to release hot gases and smoke. With a well coordinated and swift attack, Firefighters began to get a handle on the blaze. Their relentless effort and teamwork contained the flames to only one unit.

A knockdown was obtained in 27 minutes before anyone was injured. The cause of the evening fire was determined accidental and started via spontaneous combustion from oily rags left in a plastic trash container. The Dollar loss is estimated at $100,000 ($50,000 structure and $50,000 contents).

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

READ MORE - Firefighters Battle Commercial Building Fire in West Van Nuys

On Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 11:43 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 87 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Scott Mottram, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 15540 Cabrito Road in Van Nuys.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover smoke showing from a 275' x 120' one-story L-shaped commercial building.

Forcing entry through a trio of rolling steel and personnel security doors that served the building's five tenants, firefighters encountered stubborn fire solely within "Morning Sun" an artisan woodworking firm.

Aided by an aggressive fire attack and strategic vertical ventilation, flames were held within the one business.

Despite the building's lack of fire sprinklers, firefighters limited damage to only $75,000 ($50,000 structure & $25,000 contents), as they brought flames under control in just 30 minutes.

There were no injuries.

The cause of this late night blaze remains under investigation.

(photos)

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Causes $75,000 Damage to Van Nuys Woodworking Firm