On Friday, May 6, 2011, The Los Angeles Fire Department’s Urban Search & Rescue Team will be conducting a disaster mobilization exercise that will task emergency responders during an Earthquake scenario. This Urban Search & Rescue team, formally known as California Task Force 1 (CA-TF1), will utilize Hazardous Materials Squads, Rescue and K-9 teams and work in a simulated earthquake environment that has been contaminated by radiation.


CA-TF1 is an elite Urban Search & Rescue team, comprised of two 80-member teams of men and women who are highly trained to conduct search and rescue operations in the most extreme conditions. They have responded across the nation to catastrophic events such as New York City for the 9-11 attacks, Salt Lake City for the 2002 winter Olympic games, the Gulf coast for both Hurricane’s Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike. CA-TF1’s Canine team also responded to the Oklahoma City bombing.


CA-TF1 would like to invite members of the media to learn more about this team and how LAFD is prepared. The Media will be given direct access to rescue locations for filming and interviews starting at 6:30a.m. The scheduled Press Conference will take place at 08:00 a.m.

Friday, May 6, 2011 6:30 a.m - 12:00 p.m.

Location: LAFD US&R Building

5101 N. Sepulveda Blvd.

Sherman Oaks, Ca. 91403

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Demonstrates their Preparedness for Earthquakes & Radiation Incidents

At 9:00AM on Thursday April 8th, the Los Angeles Fire Department Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team will come-to-the-rescue and help cleanup graffiti on the historic Eagle Rock. Why you ask?

Traditional removal methods have been deemed too dangerous for City workers. Therefore LAFDs elite USAR Team will remove this precarious paint from the 150 foot high famous rock as part of our training.

This graffiti cleanup comes from the urging of citizens, Council Member Jose Huizar along with the Department of Recreation and Parks, all of whom will be on hand for this undertaking.

It was hoped that recent rains would have washed away the vandalism from the south side of this well-known rock, unfortunately the down-pour just faded the paint. At a loss of anything else that could be done, efforts turned to the Fire Department for assistance. The LAFD agreed, pointing out that the removal could be used as part of our required training exercises. This creative solution helps restore a cultural landmark at no additional cost to the city.

"We cannot say enough how appreciate we are of the fire department for working with us to make this happen. They said yes the moment we asked them without hesitation."-Councilmember Huizar's Staff.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman

Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD USAR Team Removes Hard-to-Reach Graffiti

On Friday, December 17, 2010 at 4:55 PM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Arson Units, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, under the direction of Battalion Chief Craig Yoder responded to a Structure Fire at 4920 East Stratford Road in Eagle Rock.

Firefighters arrived within four minutes to a one-story single-family-dwelling, fully involved in flames. Due to reports of a man possibly trapped inside, firefighters forced their way into the inferno with hand-lines. Conditions inside the pack-rat filled residence rapidly worsened as signs of impending roof collapse and structural instability forced firefighters out of the structure and to attack the blaze defensively. Shortly thereafter two-thirds of the roof caved in, walls buckled and power wires from a triplex fell.

A total of 46 Firefighters knocked down the blaze in just 22 minutes. Urban Search and Rescue specialists were called to ensure structural stability of the 85 year-old home so firefighters could perform a detailed search through the rubble.

Sadly, after an extensive two hour overhaul, the remains of one victim was found beyond medical help in the rear of the small residence. The deceased is believed to be the only resident, a handicapped elderly male. However a positive identification, as well as the cause, time and manner of the death will be determined by the Coroner's Office.

In examining the fire's aftermath, there was no immediate evidence of a functional smoke alarm within the 85-year old residence, nor was it equipped with residential fire sprinklers. There were no window bars or security doors to impair the victim's escape. Monetary loss from the fire is estimated at $200,000 ($150,000 structure & $50,000 contents). The cause of the fire is under active investigation.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - House Fire In Eagle Rock Claims Life

On Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at 6:40 PM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, Emergency Lighting, DOT, Street Maintenance and a Cal OSHA Inspector, under the direction of Assistant Chief Greg West, responded to a TRENCH RESCUE at 15839 W. Larkspur St. in the Sylmar area.

Firefighters responded to a reported trench collapse and rescue. Firefighters arrived on scene and found a 40 foot long trench, 4 foot wide by 8 foot deep, with 2 workers trapped. One worker was trapped with debris and dirt to his thighs, while the second worker was trapped almost to the chest. An additional USAR company was added to the assignment. One major concern of the IC, was a 12 foot long section of concrete curbing needing stabilization, to not cause additional injury to the patient.

18 minutes into the incident, one worker self extricated with the aid of a shovel provided by Task Force 98 in coordination with the stabilization of the trench walls. The male worker, approximately 63, was assessed with no complaint of injury and transported to an area hospital. With the use of hand tools and a vacuum truck, the debris was removed slowly by the USAR Firefighters. Two hours, 15 minutes into the incident, the second worker was finally extricated from the trench. He was assessed, treated and prepped for transport to an area hospital.


It took 81 Firefighters and Specialty companies 4 hours and 20 minutes to complete the incident. The workers were working on the sewer line at the curbline, in front of the single family dwelling.

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Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Workers Extricated From Collapsed Trench in Sylmar

On Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 3:29 PM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Michael Thomas, responded to a Physical Rescue at 1430 N. Sunset Plaza Dr. in the Hollywood Hills.

Firefighters responded to reports of a car over the embankment in the Hollywood Hills. When Firefighters arrived on scene, they were directed to an area of a yard where the car had plunged through a fence and continued downhill. A company was directed to the street below, where they found the vehicle had finally come to rest against a large Birch tree. Firefighters began stabilization of the vehicle to gain access to the patient. The lone female occupant, 70's, was unconscious and unresponsive. The patient was transported to an area hospital in very grave condition.

Reports from the scene indicated the vehicle left the roadway, went through a fence missing 1 home and plunged downhill approximately 100 feet before coming to a stop a few feet from a second home. The cause of the unfortunate traffic accident will be determined by the local investigating police agency. The LAFD Heavy Rescue 56 and a USAR company assisted the police agency with the retrieval of the vehicle.

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Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Woman Gravely Injured in Hollywood Hills Traffic Accident

On Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:30 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Ronald Jackson, responded to a Cliff Rescue at 3635 N. Vanalden Av. in Tarzana.

Firefighters responded to a reported hiker down in the canyon at approximately 9:30 a.m.. When Firefighters arrived on scene, they found 3 young hikers who indicated they heard someone calling out for help down in the canyon and may have been there over night with possible injuries. A request for aerial assistance by helicopter with hoist capabilities was canceled due to weather.

Firefighters utilized the Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) Team to assist in the rescue. It took Firefighters 20 minutes on foot to locate the hiker. Utilizing an assortment of tools, the hiker was freed from the vegetation. After being assessed by Paramedics for injuries, the hiker was secured in a litter basket and walked out utilizing a low angle, hoist operation. The medical concern of Firefighters was the possibility of hypothermia, from exposure to low overnight temperatures. The hiker was finally at street side by 11:05 a.m.

The hiker, a male 33, stated he had been hiking the previous day, when he slipped and fell down into the canyon. Unable to climb out, he spent the night partially entrapped in brush calling for help.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department would like to stress trail safety. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Hike with a partner or let someone know where you will be hiking. Take sufficient water and a fully charged cell phone. Remember that cell phone coverage in the mountains can be spotty. But most importantly - BE SAFE

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Hiker Rescued After Overnight Ordeal