On Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 10:15 PM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team and a total of 92 Firefighters, all under the direction of Battalion Chief John Duca, responded to a Greater Alarm at 9797 North Glenoaks Boulevard in Sun Valley.

Even against the dark, night sky, a large plume of smoke could be seen enroute to the incident, indicating Firefighters were going to be engaged in a significant battle. First arriving companies confirmed a large outside fire at an auto salvage yard (DBA: Elite Auto). After making swift entry onto the property, Firefighters encountered additional concerns of not only downed power-lines, but also combustible metals, both of which present extreme hazards to personnel because of their volatility.

The command decision was quickly made to deploy large hose streams from both the ground and from aerial ladders in an effort to extinguish the stubborn blaze and to protect the adjacent occupancies from further damage. This large, outside fire burned so fiercely that two structures on the adjacent property (DBA: Elite Auto) sustained moderate damage.

Due to the strategic efforts of the command teams and an aggressive, sustained fire attack by nearly 100 Firefighters, the troops quickly gained the upper hand. The skillful firefight continued and the well-coordinated attack resulted in a knockdown in just over an hour.

The cause of the fire and its origin are under active investigation and the dollar loss is still being tabulated. There were no injuries.

Submitted by Matt Spence

Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Greater Alarm Fire in Sun Valley Quickly Neutralized

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 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.

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Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Blaze Injures 1 Firefighter & Damages Structures Downtown

On Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 1:06 PM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 Helicopters, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Water Tender, and additional agencies including: LA County Fire Department, Angeles National Forest, Department of Transportation & Department of Water & Powera total of 60 LAFD Firefighters all under the direction of Battalion Chief John Duca responded to a Greater Alarm Brush Fire at 10718 Stallion Ranch Road in the Shadow Hills area of Sun Valley.

Firefighters arrived to find one-half acre of brush burning up hill and quickly requested additional assistance. Ground crews rapidly began to make their way up steep terrain on both sides of the fire to surround and attack the flames. Three water dropping helicopters provided precise water drops, helping Firefighters on the ground in warm and breezy conditions. As the afternoon battle progressed the fire consumed an additional two acres.

This area nestled between Hansen Dam Recreation Center and Sunland Boulevard consists of moderate brush, hilly terrain, and is surrounded by large ranch style homes. Due to the decisive measures implemented, the afternoon blaze was swiftly confined to just under three acres.

A knockdown was declared in 53 minutes before any homes were damaged and without any one being injured. The cause of the fire was accidental reported to have been started by a welding operation at a perimeter fence.

Submitted by Cecil Manresa & Erik Scott, Spokesmen

Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Confine Brush Fire Near Sun Valley to Just 3 Acres

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 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 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.
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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 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 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 Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 9:23 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 4 Hazardous Materials Teams, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, Department of Transportation, LAPD, Building & Safety, and 1 Rehab Air Tender under the direction of Assistant Chief Jeffery S. Mottram responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 14435 West Sherman Way in Van Nuys.

Firefighters arrived to find a large, two-story strip-mall with smoke showing from the roof. The 300' X 25' building contained multiple individual business that were closed for the evening.

Firefighters made forcible entry through glass doors into the building to allow Fire Attack teams inside. Simultaneously, Firefighters swiftly took to the lightweight panelized roof to perform vertical ventilation of intense heat and smoke.

Handlines were rapidly deployed inside and a search began to find the source of the smoke, however it proved to be a challenge. Flames were located in the walls on the second floor, toward the rear of the building. Fire discreetly climbed up the walls and viciously spread into a common attic space.

The first arriving 75 firefighters extinguished the bulk of the fire in 34 minutes. However the coordinated effort of 100 firefighters battled continual flare-ups in various locations for over two hours.

No civilians were injured. One firefighter suffered a minor hand injury and was transported to a local hospital in good condition.

Individuals from Building and Safety along with LAFD's Urban Search and Rescue Team evaluated the building for structural stability.

The cause of the fire remains under active investigation, and the dollar loss is still being tabulated.

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Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Extinguish Difficult Commercial Building Fire in Van Nuys

On Monday, January 17, 2011 at 9:37 PM, 14 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 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, Department of Water & Power, and Department of Transportation, under the direction of Battalion Chief Timothy Ernst responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 12500 West Raymer Street in North Hollywood.

Thanks to Battalion 12 Chief Officer Command Team's keen awareness while driving through the North Hollywood area, they observed smoke poring out of a 135' X 50' commercial building. Quickly notifying Operations Control Division (LAFD's 9-1-1 dispatch center), additional firefighters immediately responded.

Routine firefighting operations such as Forcible Entry and Fire Attack rapidly commenced. The bulk of the flames were toward the front of the 6,600 square-foot building doing business as Star Marble & Tile. As Truck Companies ordered "all ladders off the truck", firefighters were able to climb their way to the conventional, gable truss roof and perform vertical ventilation. A small diameter hose line was also utilized atop the roof to extinguish flames.

Shortly thereafter, firefighters inside made their way through dark, smoky conditions and located the seat of the fire which was an automobile fully involved in flames. Although almost 100 firefighters responded, the first arriving 51 were able to fully extinguish the blaze in just 16 minutes, before anyone was injured. Dollar loss from the fire has been estimated at $65,000 ($40,000 structure & $25,000 contents). The suspected cause of this late evening blaze is categorized as "arcing".

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman

Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Commercial Building Fire In North Hollywood

On Monday, December 13, 2010 at 7:01 AM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief J. Castro responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 636 N Kingsley Dr. in Southeast Hollywood.

Arriving quickly, the first company discovered heavy smoke showing from one unit on the first floor of a two story apartment type house. Just as fire personnel arrived, reports came in that individuals may still have been trapped somewhere in the structure. Firefighters swiftly went into action on scene, extended handlines, and making forced entry to locate the source of the smoke while initiating a primary search for the possible victims.

The building was well involved with fire, threatening structures just a short distance to the north of the occupancy. Fortunately, one adult female and two teenage females had already made it safely out of the incident, all were treated on scene for minor injuries.

The aggressive and well-coordinated efforts of over eighty Los Angeles Firefighters confined the fire to the structure of origin and brought the flames under control in less than 21 minutes. Fire loss to building is estimated at $45,000 ($25,000 structure & $20,000 contents). The cause of this blaze is still under an active investigation


Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Midmorning Blaze Rips Through Apartment House

On Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 10:53 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, under the direction of Battalion Chief John Miller responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 8835 N. Shirley Ave in Northridge.

The first companies arrived quickly to discover heavy smoke showing from a one story 50' x 100' commercial structure. Firefighters extended handlines and made forcible entry to battle within the commercial building, doing business as a Video Arcade Manufacturer. Interior attack teams had the vigorous task of locating the seat of the fire, while roof teams cut several holes above to release the super heated gas below.

The fire, which was intense, was apparently located on a mezzanine level severing as storage space. Although the flames threatened a structure across a shared foyer, the fire load was confined only to the building of origin. The aggressive and well-coordinated efforts of 88 Los Angeles Firefighters brought the flames under control in just over 37 minutes.

There were no reports of anyone being inside the structure and no injuries to any personnel during this incident. Damage to the non-occupied building is estimated at $350,000 ($250,000 structure & $100,000 contents). The cause of this blaze has is still under an active investigation by Fire Officials

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Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Rips Through Building In Northridge

On Friday, October 1, 2010 at 5:46 PM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Greg Gibson responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 219 West 7th Street in the Fashion District of downtown L.A.

Firefighters responded to an Automatic Alarm at a 12-story High-Rise building and within two minutes it was modified to a Structure Fire. As Companies arrived on scene, there were reports of smoke alarms activated and water flowing from sprinklers. Firefighters rapidly made their way through the light smoke on the third floor and performed a drop-bag operation to obtain hose-lines. A small fire on an outside balcony was quickly extinguished in just 18 minutes. There was minimal content damage, but extensive de-watering was required. Additional Firefighters performed a detailed search on all floors of the 87,000 sq-foot building to ensure no one was in need of rescuing. There were no injuries nor was anyone displaced. Thanks to the diligent firefighting and salvage efforts of the 71 Los Angeles Firefighters, the estimated dollar loss was limited to only $3,000 ($1,000 structure and $2,000 contents). The cause of the fire in this 95 year-old building is under active investigation, but does not appear to be arson at this time.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman

Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Quick Knock-Down of High-Rise Fire in Fashion District

On Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 2:14 AM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Officer Command Team and 1 Rehab Air Tender under the direction of Battalion Chief Fred J. Mathis responded to an explosion at 1127 West Wilshire Boulevard in Pico/Union.

Firefighters responded to an automatic alarm at Samaritan Medical Tower, a 15-story commercial high-rise building. As Firefighters assessed the building they noticed the lobby glass doors were blown out, ceiling tiles were broken inside, and there was a large power outage. Even though there were signs of an explosion, there were no signs of a fire. Concerned with the potential of a bomb threat, additional assistance was requested including LAPD, DWP, Haz-Mat and USAR. After the possibility of a bomb threat diminished, and the structural integrity of the 64 year-old building was ensured, Firefighters were able to safely reenter the building. Smoke was noticed, and a small but stubborn fire was battled on the first-floor.

Firefighters performed a lengthy and detailed search through the 175,000 sq-foot building, fortunately no victims were found and no one was injured. Just after two and a half hours, 88 Firefighters declared a Knockdown. The dollar loss is estimated at $200,000 ($150,000 structure and $50,000 contents). The cause of the fire was from an underground vault explosion.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Explosion In Downtown LA

On Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 7:15 PM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 4 Arson Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Assistant Chief David Yamahata responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 528 E. Washington Bl. in Washington Blvd Corridor.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and fire coming out from a Church in a local neighborhood just outside downtown Los Angeles. A large column of smoke and flames were visible from the street surrounding the incident, with a school and local businesses just a stone throw away. As fire teams mounted a strategy, a significant amount of the flames had to be suppressed before the initial fire attack team could enter the building.

Roof teams quickly made their way up ladders to the top of the structure to cut ventilation holes to release the smoke and super heated gases. Fire crews aggressively advanced hose-lines, to begin extinguishing the flames, but were immediately met with an additional challenge of protecting adjacent structure from the heat. The fire consumed the attic of the church, causing roof compromise and great concerned for the safety of all the firefighters. The Incident Commander ordered all members to transition into a defensive exterior fire fight, but was soon called right back in to an offensive attack.

Two single family dwellings caught fire and posed more of a workload for all personnel at the scene. Due to the quick and decisive work, both adjacent structures received very little fire damage. A nearby blue line track had to be shut down during the entire fire operation to ensure the safety of all those at the scene.

It took approximately 80 firefighters just 41 minutes to achieve a knock down without injury. No civilians were reported to have been in either one of the buildings at the time of the incident. There were no injuries to any of the firefighters. Two adults and three children were displaced, as The American Red Cross was called in for assistance.

The cause of this fire will be under an active investigation by Los Angeles Fire Department Arson Investigators, as well as the multi-agency House of Worship Task Force.


UPDATE
An investigation was conducted by the House of Worship Arson Taskforce, which includes (LAFD, LAPD, ATF, and FBI). Subsequently a Ricardo Aguilar Martinez was arrested the next day and charged with two counts of arson. Mr. Martinez accepted a plea agreement and was convicted on one count of arson 451 (b) PC and was sentence to three years in State Prison.  Upon his release from prison, Martinez must register as a convicted arsonist.


Submitted by Devin Gales & Erik Scott, Spokesmen
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Church Caught Ablaze Along The Washington Blvd Corridor

On Monday, August 9, 2010 at 4:57 PM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 4 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 LAFD Water Tender , LA City Park Rangers, 2 LA County Helicopters, 4 LA County Hand Crews, 1 Glendale/Burbank Strike Team under the direction of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott responded to a Greater Alarm Brush Fire at 5 fwy at Ventura fwy in Griffith Park.


Firefighters arrived to find 1 acres of medium to heavy brush burning alongside the hills near the 5 freeway ½ mile from the L.A. Zoo. Although the fire was originally difficult to get to, and with winds speeds around 8 mph, ground crews quickly used hand lines to reach the flames. Water dropping helicopters were quickly called in to action to assist in attacking the fire from above. Firefighters continued to reach the head of the fire though rough terrain, holding the blaze to less than 5 acres.

The nearby Zoo remained open and out of harms way during the incident, with no evacuations issued. There were no threats to any structures or civilians involved during the incident.

A total of 77 LAFD firefighters along with the assistance of multiple agencies, worked diligently to bring the fire to full containment in just one hour and eight minutes. The cause of the blaze is yet to be determined by Fire Department Officials.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 5 Acre Brush Fire Near La Zoo

On Friday, July 23, 2010 at 5:59 PM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 LAFD Rescue Ambulance, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 3 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Rudy Hill responded to a Greater Alarm Brush Fire at South Bound 110 fwy at Hill St. in Lincoln Heights/Solano Canyon.

Firefighters arrived to find a column of smoke and 1/4 acres of medium to heavy brush burning. The incident started alongside the steep hills near the 110 freeway, just outside Dodger Stadium.

Although the fire was slow moving, command teams quickly assessed the need for helicopters, as ground crews were unable to reach the bulk of the flames due to steep terrain. Three LAFD water dropping helicopters were put into action, holding the blaze in check from the air, while firefighters below continued the fight on the ground.

As more companies were called into action, additional personnel were strategically placed, halting the fire from its advance.

With relatively slow wind speeds being 13 mph, a relative humidity of 35%, and the temperature at 86 degrees, firefighters were able to knock down the flames in less than 1 hour. Due to the strong efforts of 71 firefighters, this fire was completely extinguished with no threats to civilian or any structures.

Thanks to the quick work of all the crews at the scene, only 3 acres was consumed by this blaze. Happily the Dodger game which was about to begin near by, was able to start on time with no interruption from the smoke. The cause of the fire is still being investigation by LAFD Fire Officials.



Submitted by Devin Gales,Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 3 Acres Burns Near Dodger Stadium

On Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 at 10:00 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Rehab Air Tender under the direction of Assistant Chief David Yamahata responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 1107 North Bronson Avenue in Hollywood.

In response to multiple 9-1-1 calls, Firefighters quickly responded to a one-story metal-clad commercial building with heavy smoke and fire showing. Firefighters commenced a fierce interior attack through the smoke filled 100' X 150' structure that was loaded with movie props. This 54 year-old building was doing business as "C.P. Three Prop House" (C.P. is in reference to cinema props). Additional Firefighters were requested as it became difficult to access the seat of the fire, which was located at the north wall of the structure (D-side of the building). Truck companies remained on the triple gable roof, and were able to continually evaluate smoke and ventilators to guide the firefighters inside the structure to the source of the fire.

A total of 91 Firefighters battled the stubborn flames for one hour and 22 minutes before confining the flames entirely within the 22,319 square foot occupancy. Happily no civilian or Firefighter were reported injured during this incident. The dollar loss is still being tabulated and the cause of this late night blaze remains under an active investigation.

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Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire At Hollywood Movie Prop House

On Thursday, July 8th, 2010 at 10:56 PM, 14 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 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, under the direction of Assistant Chief David Yamahata responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 4844 West Jefferson Boulevard in the Jefferson Park area.

 
Firefighters arrived quickly to find a 75' X 100', two-story commercial building, doing business as L.A. Shoji & Decorative Products Inc, with smoke and fire showing. Additional firefighters were immediately requested.

This 10,000 square foot building had offices on two-stories in the front and a large one-story screen manufacturing facility in the rear that was separated by a wall with a rolling steel door.

As Firefighters focused on rapidly advancing hose lines for an interior attack, the roof team began aggressive ventilation. Flames shot through each hole cut by Truck Companies on the arched truss roof. As the blaze grew, Firefighters were able to strategically stand on the bearing wall that separated the manufacturing facility for support. However, the gallant efforts of the firefighters on the roof and interior were halted due to worsening conditions.

Within 30 minutes, all members were cleared from the structure and the Incident Commander ordered Firefighters to commence a Defensive attack. Shortly there after, there was a partial roof collapse toward the rear of the building.

Firefighters began using large handlines and ladder pipes capable of delivering copious amounts of water. Due to the intense effort of all on scene, the bulk of the damage remained in the manufacturing facility where the fire originated and no injuries occurred. The first arriving 111 firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze in one hour and 12 minutes.

The 74 year old building was cordon off due to it's structural integrity being compromised and having significant exterior cracks.

Monetary loss from the blaze is still being tabulated and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Late Night Structure Fire Blazes in Jefferson Park