GRANADA HILLS - Two young children are fighting for survival at a Mission Hills hospital after nearly-drowning in the backyard pool of their Knollwood area home in the north San Fernando Valley.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 4:42PM on Sunday, August 14, 2011 to 12055 Susan Drive in Granada Hills, where they found the lifeless body of a 2 1/2 year-old boy and his barely breathing triplet sister, who had moments earlier been rescued by their mother from the family's swimming pool.

According to witnesses, the mother had left the boy and girl playing together in a room within the large two-story residence, as she went to check on the third triplet and 7 year old sibling in another part of the home.

After an unspecified period, the mother returned to seek the boy and girl and determined them missing. A brief search of the premises led her to the swimming pool, where she discovered and rescued the submersed pair.

Two teams of LAFD Paramedics worked exhaustively and at the pinnacle of their skill to resuscitate the children. In the few minutes it took to arrive by ambulance at nearby Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, the responders had improved the girl's condition and restored the boy's pulse - giving them a fighting chance of survival, though both remained in critical condition.

With a focus on drowning prevention, the Los Angeles Fire Department was quick to stress the importance of its Pool Safely campaign, while highlighting the effectiveness of bystander poolside CPR that recently saved the life of another San Fernando Valley child.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Near-Drowning of San Fernando Valley Siblings Highlights Water Danger

SYLMAR - A "thunderous explosion" that ripped the roof from a Sylmar business and sent three men to the hospital, remains under investigation by local and State authorities.

A flurry of 9-1-1 calls reporting the explosion commenced at 4:20PM on Tuesday, August 9, 2011, bringing dozens of Los Angeles Fire Department personnel to a normally quiet foothill industrial park at 12349 Gladstone Avenue in the northeast San Fernando Valley.

Arriving quickly, firefighters found missing doors, buckled masonry walls, widely scattered debris and large portions of the roof blown over the parapets of a 50' x 150' section of a 7,400 square-foot one-and-two story building. There was however, no evidence of fire. With paper debris still floating in the air, LAFD crews developed a perimeter for bystander exclusion as they established a command post uphill and upwind of the incident.


Swiftly surveying the scene, firefighters quickly came to the aid of two critically injured men who had apparently been blown from the cinder-block building by the force of the explosion. With early reports of additional victims, an unknown cause - and others who may have been missing, neighborhood firefighters were soon joined by more than one hundred colleagues, including LAFD Hazardous Material and Urban Search & Rescue experts, in a detailed search for the cause and effect of the blast, which was heard and felt over a one-mile area.

The two badly injured men were rushed to trauma centers by LAFD Paramedics, as a methodical examination of the premises found no trapped or missing persons. More than 15 minutes after the search concluded, a man walked up to the command post seeking medical care for unspecified injury from the blast. He was taken in good condition by LAFD ambulance to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.

An estimate of monetary loss to the heavily damaged business, described only as an "alternative fuel and green energy firm", was still being tabulated early Wednesday.

Though the enterprise reportedly used pressure vessels and was involved in the "extraction of hydrogen from water", the specific cause of the explosion remains under active investigation by the Los Angeles Fire Department Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section and Cal/OSHA officials.


Dispatched Units: E98 RA898 RA98 E91 E275 T75 E24 E287 T87 BC12 E77 T98 E298 RA91 RA7 RA77 RA87 EM15 EM14 EM17 BC15 BC10 UR89 E89 T89 E289 UR88 E88 T88 E288 RA889 DC3 E87 SQ87 AR2 AR23 RA75 E39 EL83 AR3 AR10 BC10 EM15

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 'Thunderous Explosion' in Sylmar Sends Three Men to Hospital

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 approximately 9:00 am this morning, on the 6600 block of North Wilbur Avenue in Reseda, a passenger van from the Genesis Adult Day Health Care Facility was involved in a traffic collision with a single passenger auto. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries, but several of the passengers, all of which were seniors (ages ranging 65 - 80 years old) had various complaints of minor aches and pains.

When approximately 50 LAFD Firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Jeffery Mottram, had finished processing the scene, this mid-morning collision had produced a total of 15 patients. Eight of those patients were treated and transported to local hospitals for further evaluation. Seven others were treated and released at the scene. The driver of the other involved auto was one of those transported in fair condition with minor injuries.

Battalion Chief Ray Gomez was in charge of the medical component of this incident, where at one point, he managed 10 rescue ambulances that had been ordered, anticipating both a large number of patients and extensive injuries. Fortunately, not all resources were needed.

The damage to the involved vehicles was still being assessed and the cause of the accident is under investigation.

Dispatched Units: E273 T73 E93 RA93 RA909 E293 T93 E100 RA100 E104 RA104 RA84 RA72 RA105 RA906 RA818 RA898 EM17 EM15 EM14 BC10 DC3

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Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Accident Involving Transport Van Sends Senior Passengers to Hospital

CHATSWORTH - A grass fire on Independence Day in the northwest San Fernando Valley reported to have injured one or more persons, may have been sparked by illegal fireworks.

Fifty-five Los Angeles Fire Department personnel - including four LAFD helicopters, were summoned at 9:32 P.M. on Monday, July 4, 2011, to 10619 Andora Avenue in Chatsworth, where residents reported a grass fire at nearby Stoney Point, an iconic landmark and municipal park popular with hikers and revered by climbing enthusiasts.

According to witnesses, a thunderous explosion occurred before fire erupted near the site's massive outcroppings. Arriving quickly by ground and air, Los Angeles Firefighters hiked up steep and winding trails in the darkness to confine the wildfire, as LAFD helicopters flanked the blaze that scorched less than a half-acre of tinder-dry brush in the 43 minutes it took to fully extinguish the flames.

Despite an exhaustive search of rugged terrain across the 76-acre site nestled between the Simi Hills and Santa Susana Mountains, firefighters were unable to find one or more persons that a witness said were burned in the fire. In seeking the those injured, firefighters discovered and took custody of a large cache of fireworks found atop the towering cliffs.

The specific cause of the blaze remains part of an active investigation by Los Angeles Police and Fire Department Investigators. Those with information about the event are asked to call the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section at (213) 485-6095.


Dispatched Units: E107 E296 E87 T96 BC14 E496 BC15 E72 H4 H6 H1 H3 E106 E104 E103 BP8 AR2 RP88

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Illegal Fireworks Suspected Following Chatsworth Blaze

On Friday, May 27, 2011 at 1:59 AM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 32 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Dennis Waters, responded to a Structure Fire with Civilian Injury at 10263 Kalua Drive in Sunland.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find smoke showing from a 2,130 square-foot one-story single family home. As firefighters extended hoselines to extinguish with fire, they encountered three adults exiting the residence with serious burns following a senseless effort to battle flames with a garden hose from within the burning living room.


Firefighters promptly rendered care to the injured trio as their colleagues did quick battle with the fire, extinguishing flames in just 14 minutes.

The injured; a man and woman in their early 60's as well as a woman in her early 80's, each sustained painful first- and second-degree burns to their hands, arms and faces with possible respiratory injury from heat and smoke. All three were transported in fair condition to area hospitals by LAFD ambulance.

No other injuries were reported.

Fire loss to the 44 year-old non-fire sprinklered home is estimated at $100,000 ($75,000 structure & $25,000 contents). The cause of this early morning blaze remains under investigation.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Sunland Trio Burned Battling House Fire with Garden Hose

Three civilians died and ten Los Angeles firemen were injured on the drizzling Sunday morning of February 8, 1976, when engine trouble forced the pilot of a Mercer Enterprises DC-6 charter aircraft to attempt an emergency landing at Van Nuys Airport.

Losing power, the four engine aircraft - with only a flight crew aboard, pancaked onto the Woodley Golf Course near the airport. The aircraft skipped a quarter-of-a-mile across the fairways, smashed through a starter's shack and stopped near Victory Boulevard and Havenhurst Avenue.


First-arriving Los Angeles firefighters thought they heard voices in the smashed cockpit. As a firefighter prepared to use a rotary saw to cut into the cockpit, other firefighters laid a foam blanket and stood by with foam and water supply lines.

The saw, striking a stainless steel fitting ...

We encourage you to learn more about this incident, and view dramatic photos of this and other significant LAFD events by visiting the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Archive at:

http://lafire.com


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 35 Years Ago Today: Firemen Engulfed in Flames after DC-6 Crashes near Van Nuys Airport

On Friday, January 21, 2011 at 3:57 AM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 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 84 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Craig Yoder, responded to a Confined Space Rescue at 4501 West Colorado Boulevard in the Atwater Village area of Los Angeles.

Responding to a report of persons unconscious within the 269,000 square-foot Baxter Healthcare Corporation blood plasma fractionation facility, first arriving Los Angeles Firefighters swiftly established a perimeter, command post and safe staging location as they donned protective gear to enter the facility.



Joined quickly by additional firefighters, and with an LAFD Hazardous Materials Squad and LAFD Urban Search & Rescue Team on the way, firefighters discovered and rescued an adult male found pulseless and non-breathing.

Nearby the man, but trapped within the confines of a cylindrical vessel, firefighters discovered a pair of his coworkers unconscious.

According to witnesses, the three men had been cleaning and/or maintaining high-technology medical equipment when they were suddenly overcome. The exact sequence in which the men collapsed has yet to be confirmed.

As LAFD personnel moved the first lifeless worker to an area of safety for advanced medical care, firefighters utilized strength and ingenuity to safely extract the pair of unconscious men through a 24" diameter portal atop the permanently mounted four-foot-tall by five-foot-wide tank in which they were imperiled.

The two critically ill men rescued from the tank, and their gravely ill colleague - who had his pulse and blood pressure restored by the skilled effort of LAFD Paramedics - were rushed alive to a trio of nearby hospitals. Though Los Angeles Police Officers later informed LAFD that one of the men had died, it was not immediately clear which had succumbed.

While LAFD Hazardous Materials experts determined a significant presence of ethanol in the area where the men collapsed, it was not immediately clear what role the substance had played, in whole or in part, in the worker's demise or his colleague's being rendered unconscious.

No other employee or responder injuries were reported.

Pursuant of protocol, Investigators from the Los Angeles Police Department and Cal/OSHA responded to the scene to commence their respective death and injury investigations. The aforementioned agencies will be working closely with the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner to positively identify the decedent, and to determine the precise cause, time and manner of his death.

Questions regarding the presence, need or injured men's use of safety equipment and approved worksite procedures remain within the purview of Cal/OSHA officials.

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

READ MORE - LAFD Performs Confined Space Rescue at Atwater Village Medical Firm

On Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 9:00 AM, Los Angeles Firefighters quickly responded to a reported Structure Fire in Valley Glen. Upon making entry into an apartment unit, they found a kitchen fire that had already been extinguished. Unfortunately, an adult female suffered critical burns to her face, neck and arms while in the kitchen. When attempting to help, the victim's husband suffered moderate burn injuries to his hands.

The Los Angeles Fire Department and the National Fire Protection Association would like to share some staggering statistics:

Each year approximately 3,000 Americans die as a result of home fires and burns, and more than 200,000 are seen in our nation’s emergency rooms for burn injuries.

Burn injuries are commonly caused by flame, scalds or contact with a hot surface. Burns are painful and can result in serious disability, disfigurement - even death.

Most importantly, burns are preventable...

• Turn pot and pan handles away from the front of your stove, and use the rear burners when possible.
• Maintain a 3-foot 'kid-free' zone around your stove and wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking.
• Keep hot foods and liquids away from tables and counter edges so they cannot be pulled or knocked over.
• Never hold a child in your arms while preparing hot food or drinking a hot beverage.
• Use extreme caution with items that get hot such as curling irons, oven, irons, lamps, heaters.
• Never leave a child alone in a room with a lit candle, portable heater, lit fireplace or stove, or where a hot appliance might be in use.

Sadly, today a woman is in the hospital fighting for her life. By using the tips above, you and your loved ones can greatly reduce the chance of receiving a serious burn injury.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Kitchen Fire Critically Burns Woman In Valley Glen

On Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 10:32 AM, 7 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 13 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott responded to a Hazardous Materials Investigation at 1530 South Olive Street in the South Park area of Downtown.

Firefighters arrived to a five-story modern building over parking, attached to a smaller two-story building, to investigate a smell of an unusual odor. Some individuals inside this medical clinic stated the odor smelled similar to natural gas. With six persons from the premises initially complaining of generalized sickness, the medical facility doing business as Eisner Pediatric & Family Medical Center, wisely began its own evacuation of the 25 year-old building. First arriving firefighters immediately extracted and isolated the ill, while summoning an LAFD Hazardous Materials Team.

LAFD HazMat experts donned protective gear as their colleagues commenced a detailed medical assessment on the growing number of patients. A total of 75 firefighters secured the scene, ensured the ventilation systems were shut down and that there was no immediate life-threatening hazard in either of the two buildings. Firefighter / Paramedics rendered medical aid to a total of 18 patients, 17 of which were transported to various local hospitals in stable condition. Medical complaints of most patients were non-life-threatening generalized sickness, such as nausea and weakness.

Great care was taken by Los Angeles Fire Department's extensively trained and equipped HazMat team, whom remained on-scene for over two and a half hours to safely determine that there was no serious threat or escalating hazard. Though the odor dissipated and its source was undetermined, a small amount of Mercaptan, which is added to natural gas to provide its disagreeable odor, was detected in the area.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Haz-Mat Investigates Odor That Hospitalizes 17

On Thursday, November 4th, 2010 at 8:40 AM, 3 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 1 Battalion Chief, under the direction of Battalion Chief D. Spence responded to a Multi Patient Medical Incident at 4410 South Mckinley Avenue in South Los Angeles.

Firefighters quickly responded to George Washington Carver Middle School for a possible overdose, where they found eight students that became ill after eating an unknown type of chocolate. Three boys and five girls, ranging from 12-14 years-old were in the Nurses Office complaining predominately of increased heart rate and blood pressure. Firefighter Paramedics along with the school nurse evaluated the students and determined they should be further analyzed by a doctor. Four ambulances transported two patients each to L.A. County USC Medical Center. We are glad to report that they were in good condition. Exactly what was ingested and if it had an illegal substance in it is was not determined on scene. Further information will come from school officials.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 8 Students Transported To Hospital After Eating Chocolate

On Monday, November 1, 2010 at 6:44 AM, 7 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit and 1 EMS Battalion Captain, a total of 47 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Joseph Klein, responded to a Structure Fire with Civilian Injury at 553 South Windsor Boulevard in the Windsor Square area of Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find smoke showing from a large 3 story single family home. Immediately entering the 11,205 square-foot residence, firefighters discovered and assisted a 74 year-old woman in exiting the smoke charged building.

As crews searched within the massive home, additional firefighters circling the nearly half-acre lot soon discovered three men - including one wheelchair bound, in distress on a second floor balcony. Raising a 35' ground ladder and climbing to the stranded men's location, a pair of firefighters rapidly determined the trio could be safely sheltered in place as LAFD crews tackled flames and strategically abated the smoke.

Within minutes, firefighters were able to safely utilize an interior stairway to evacuate the men, bringing them to waiting Paramedics. The two younger males, ages 38 and 40 declined medical treatment or transportation.

The 65 year-old man who had been utilizing the wheelchair, as well as the woman earlier assisted by firefighters, were taken to area hospitals in fair condition for examination of smoke exposure.

 
The stubborn flames were confined within the deep recesses of the walls and ceiling of the first floor kitchen, and extinguished in just 38 minutes.

No other injuries were reported.

The relationship between the four persons assisted by Los Angeles Firefighters could not be immediately ascertained. Pursuant of protocol, the LAFD did not formally determine or publicly release their identities.

Loss from the fire is estimated at $200,000 ($150,000 structure & $50,000 contents). The early morning blaze originated in the kitchen area, and is considered to have been accidental in nature.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire in Windsor Square Home Sends Two to Hospital

On Sunday, October 31, 2010 at 11:42 PM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 9 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 2 EMS Battalion Captains and 2 Battalion Chief Officers under the direction of Assistant Chief Craig Fry responded to a Physical Rescue Traffic Collision at 2701 Cincinnati Street in Boyle Heights.

Los Angeles Fire Department resources responded to call where a driver of an SUV crashed into a structure with possible trapped victims. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered 1 vehicle which made its way approximately 6-8 feet into single family dwelling. A physical rescue assignment was quickly requested to extricate the victims.



Firefighters utilizing an assortment of tools, while commencing triage of the injured parties, were face with the task of trying to find all the victims in a crowd of people. Rescue crews soon discovered a fatality, a 19y/o female who was apparently in one of the bedrooms at the time of impact. One two week old infant, who was believed to have also been in the same room of impact, was treated and transported in critical condition to USC Medical Center. Four other were also treated and transported, a 61y/o female, 16y/o female, 12y/o female and a 3y/o male, all suffered minor injuries.

It is with great sadness to report that the two week old infant was later pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the medical center. The driver who was taken by LAPD, was later transported to an area hospital for evaluation.

It is still unclear as to what caused the driver to smash onto the side of a home on a residential street always leaving the question, how could something like this happen. With the prime focus now being on, medical care of the injured and emotional support to the victim’s families, an active investigation of the incident will be conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department.

This is a reminder to us all ,that a night of celebration can quickly turn into a night of loss, in the blink of a eye.

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Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Two Lives Lost After Vehicle Smashes into Boyle Heights Home

On Monday, October 25, 2010 at 3:22 PM, 13 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 14 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 Helicopters, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 114 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Deputy Chief Mario Rueda, as well as Los Angeles Police and California Highway Patrol Officers, responded to a Multi-Patient Traffic Collision near 2332 East 1st Street in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to discover a multi-vehicle collision in which one vehicle, an occupied full-sized school bus, had overturned.

As additional LAFD personnel were summoned, a swift triage effort was undertaken to assist and medically assess the school bus driver and as many as 50 teenage bus occupants from nearby Roosevelt High School, none of whom were trapped or had life-threatening injury.

One person found nearby however, and later determined to be a pedestrian, had sustained fatal injury and was declared dead at the scene.

A pair of young adult males from a sedan that reportedly struck the bus, were taken into police custody while receiving pre-hospital medical care, as Firefighter/Paramedics concurrently identified 18 students from the bus in need of non-emergency ambulance transport.

The eighteen students with minor injuries, and the school bus driver - in fair condition, were taken to eight regional hospitals that had been proactively alerted by LAFD responders. A pair of Los Angeles Fire Department air ambulance helicopters placed on stand-by at Roosevelt High School, proved not to be needed.

Using a dedicated Metro transit bus, firefighters not directly involved in caring for the injured coordinated swift and orderly transportation of as many as 30 students to the Hollenbeck Community Police Station, where a reunification center was established.

In the reunification center, City of Los Angeles Crisis Response Team volunteers continued the emotional support efforts established by firefighters, as parents and guardians were calmly reunited with the students.

Despite earlier declarations of non-injury, two students at the reunification center complained of acute pain, and were taken with parental concurrence to area hospitals, bringing the total ambulance transported patient count to 23 (1 bus driver, 18 student bus riders from the incident site, 2 young males from the sedan in custody, and later 2 student bus riders from the reunification center).

No other injuries were reported.

A positive identification of deceased pedestrian, as well as the time, cause and manner of their death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner.

Pursuant of statewide protocol for occupied school buses involved in student injury collisions, the California Highway Patrol will be the lead agency in a detailed incident investigation.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Pedestrian Dies, 20 Students Hospitalized Following Boyle Heights School Bus Collision

On Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 4:15 PM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Fireboats, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 50 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Michael Thomas, responded to a Hazardous Materials Investigation at Berth 303 on Terminal Island in the Port of Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived quickly to investigate an odor aboard the recently docked APL Sweden, a 909-foot long cargo ship of Liberian registry.

The seven crew members and other dock workers were swiftly evacuated upwind from the fully loaded vessel, as a safety perimeter and the Joint Command of LAFD, U.S. Coast Guard, Port Police and Homeland Security officials was established.

The odor, first believed to be associated with a gallon or more of liquid discovered near a shipping container, was instead determined by LAFD Hazardous Materials experts to be emanating from a pair of twenty-foot cargo containers nearby.

Nearly two hours into the incident, eight earlier evacuated port workers complaining of respiratory irritation and nausea joined their colleague who had first noted the odor, in being assessed by LAFD Paramedics. Three of these nine men, all described as in good condition, were ultimately taken to area hospitals via LAFD Ambulance for a more thorough medical evaluation.

With the assistance of longshoremen operating a dockside crane, the twin cargo containers loaded with Xylenol were skilfully wrapped in impervious sheeting in a diaper-like fashion, before being loaded onto a trailer under the watchful eye of responders.

Great care was taken by Los Angeles Fire Department personnel to assure that no product leaked into harbor waterways or created an escalating hazard.

The containers were gingerly transported to a remote section of the port, where a privately-contracted hazardous material management firm was to handle the matter to conclusion under the observation of the Health Hazardous Materials Division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Three Workers Sickened by Fumes in Port of Los Angeles

On Sunday, October 3, 2010 at 3:04 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Arson Units, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Richard Combs responded to a Structure Fire at 804 West 85th Street in South Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived to find a one story apartment complex with heavy smoke coming from one unit. As crews began to mount an attack they discovered one area of the living room well involved with fire. A mother and father as well seven children had just escaped from the structure prior the flames growing in intensity.

Fire personnel placed handlines in operation and made entry to battle within the residence, while roof teams cut holes above, releasing the super heated gases.

Even though the fire caused a significant amount of damage to the residence, firefighters were able to confined the flames to just the area of origin. It took 45 firefighters only 21 minutes to call for a knockdown.

The family of nine were all treated and transported to area hospitals for minor injuries, with the exception of the father who suffered critical burns. Thankfully all escaped the early morning blaze with their lives and are all expected to recover.

The American Red Cross was called into action as this family will be displaced after leaving the hospital.

There were no visible smoke alarms within the building at the time of the incident. The estimated dollar loss is $100,000 ( $50,000 structure and $50,000 contents). The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical in nature and is categorized as accidental.


Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Family of Nine Escapes Early Morning Fire

On Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 3:56 PM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 8 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief John Miller responded to a Mult-Patient Medical Incident at 6201 North Winnetka Avenue in Woodland Hills.

Firefighters arrived at Pierce College, where 800 students and coaches gathered from multiple High Schools for a cross country track meet. Due to intense physical exertion and extreme temperatures, 12 suffered heat related illnesses. Most of those evaluated by Firefighter/Paramedics, were athletes. In addition to providing emergency medical care, a total of 45 Firefighters scoured the three mile track to ensure no runners had fallen ill and were left behind. In all, ten females that were 16 to 17 years-old, required transportation to various local hospitals. Medical complaints were predominately minor in severity, however two patients suffered temporary altered-level-of-consciousness. The incident lasted just under two hours.

The Los Angeles Fire Department stresses the importance of staying hydrated and not exercising alone, especially during extreme temperatures.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Cross Country Runners Hospitalized From Heat Injuries

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

A crash, a flash - a decision to act...

Those who follow LAFD Breaking News via Twitter or the LAFD_ALERT e-mail list may have noted this incident on Sunday morning. Thanks to Susan Abram and her multimedia team at the Daily News, we now have the rest of the story:

Susan Abram, Staff Writer
Daily News

Although police typically find themselves scanning witness videos for bad guys, on Monday they put out an alert for a couple of heroes.

Officers hope to find the good Samaritans who were captured on amateur video as they rescued a 69-year-old man from a burning car after a collision Sunday in Sherman Oaks. The duo was joined by another man armed with a fire extinguisher and a fourth who used a crowbar to try and break the car's windows.




"It could have been much worse if it wasn't for them," said Officer Jose Garcia of the LAPD's Valley Traffic Division.

Police said the classic 1932 Ford was... (read more...)

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department join Los Angeles Police Officers in hailing these far-from-bystanders for their selfless response. If you have additional information about the collision, or can help us recognize these brave members of our community, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Traffic Division by calling (818) 644-8000.

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UPDATE: We're pleased to learn that 4 of the 5 good Samaritans have been identified. Please join us in praising these brave men, as we read more from the Daily News... (read more...)

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Raw Video: Good Samaritans Save Life in Sherman Oaks Crash

On Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 6:29 AM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 72 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Jose S-Cronenbold, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 4822 Tilden Avenue in Sherman Oaks.

Los Angeles Firefighters responded quickly to discover an apparent one-story single family home thoroughly involved with fire. With reports of one or more persons trapped by the blaze, first arriving firefighters commenced a profoundly aggressive and well-coordinated interior attack with hoselines on the well entrenched flames.


With both speed and skill, additional firefighters laddered what proved to be a combination one- and two-story residence, the uppermost portion at the rear of the home an apparently non-professional addition.

Rooftop firefighters used power saws and hand tools to deftly ventilate thick, superheated smoke from the wood frame and stucco structure, in an effort to minimize oppressive conditions for fire attack and search teams below.

Additional firefighters soon provided emergency medical care to a 58 year-old man, a 50 year-old woman and a 12 year-old girl who had escaped the inferno with varying injuries - each verbalizing that a teenage male from their family remained trapped by the raging fire.

In a relentless search of the 3,000+ square foot building with zero visibility and oven-like conditions, a team of firefighters discovered a narrow metal spiral staircase leading to a level above the first floor.

Climbing glowing hot steps and searing hand rails in multiple attempts, firefighters found the missing 14 year-old male pulseless and non-breathing with severe full-thickness burns. After being carried down the serpentine steps and outside to waiting colleagues, the teenage boy was provided CPR and Advanced Life Support by veteran LAFD Firefighter/Paramedics at the scene.

The first arriving 70 firefighters confined the fire to the structure of origin, fully extinguishing the flames in just 37 minutes.

The 58 year-old male resident was determined to have second- and third-degree burns to his right forearm and second degree burns to his right foot, reportedly in an attempt to reenter the home prior to the Fire Department's arrival. The preteen girl experienced progressive respiratory distress after smoke exposure.

The rescued teen male - in grave condition, as well as the man and preteen girl, each in serious condition, were taken by LAFD Ambulance to nearby Sherman Oaks Hospital for primary care.


The 50 year-old woman who escaped the flames without obvious physical injury declined medical treatment and transportation, as did a neighbor with respiratory concerns who was later referred to his private physician.

Also sustaining potentially debilitating though non-life threatening injury in fire attack and rescue efforts were four Los Angeles Firefighters. Three sustained painful second-degree burns to hands and extremities, and were taken to the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital, while the fourth was taken to an area hospital for a significant knee injury.

Each of the aforementioned LAFD personnel were treated as outpatients and released to remain off-duty.

In examining the fire's aftermath, there was no immediate evidence of a functional smoke alarm within the home. Though no window bars or security doors were present to impair egress, the design, size and placement of windows and other key architectural elements of the home's questionable addition, could have easily hampered and possibly prevented the teenage boy's escape.

The 86-year old building was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.

Monetary loss from the fire is estimated at $440,000 ($350,000 structure & $90,000 contents). The cause of this early morning fire remains under active investigation.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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