structurefire photos on Flickr

Stubborn Commercial Fire in Pico-Robertson by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:32AM on July 24, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 9041 W Pico Blvd. Firefighters arrived to find a 100’ x 50’ commercial building with heavy smoke showing.

Firefighters quickly threw ground ladders to the building, took a fire attack line inside and ascended the aerial ladder to initiate vertical ventilation. After working an aggressive, offensive attack for 28 minutes the conditions continued to deteriorate and the Incident Commander made the call to move to a defensive operation.

With master streams applying copious amounts of water into the structure, using the collapsed roof as a way to access the pockets of fire, crews gained the upper hand. 115 firefighters, working under the command of Assistant Chief Dean Zipperman, extinguished this Greater Alarm structure fire in two hours and 13 minutes. One firefighter was transported to the hospital for a non-life threatening heat related illness.

While no evacuations of the area were required, there was one home to the rear of the fire unit which was blanketed with the smoke. An elderly couple was sheltered in place and two paramedics stayed with them to ensure they were safe. They did not require any medical treatment and the home remained free of smoke.

One of the operations firefighters conduct at structure fire is called, Salvage. This entails covering, removing or otherwise protecting contents of a structure, as best as possible, from suffering damage during an emergency. This usually happens inside of a home; however, at this incident firefighters took the initiative to cover three vehicles with tarps. The cars were right in the middle of the fire ground and would likely be dinged or damaged in some way.

The initial stages of the cause investigation, by LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section, revealed evidence of a possible drug operation in the structure. The investigation remains active and on-going.

Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD Photo | Tom Johnson

LAFD Incident: 072420-0570

Winnetka Fire Injures One by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 9:32PM on March 16, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 6900 block of N Corbin Av in Winnetka. Firefighters found a one story, single family dwelling with fire showing. Crews engaged in an aggressive interior fire attack and rooftop ventilation. One occupant was found with burns and transported to a local hospital. It took 35 firefighters just 16 minutes to extinguish the flames. Red Cross was notified to assist with approximately five displaced residents.

LAFD Incident: 031622-1644

Fireworks Starts Fire in Sylmar by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 7:40PM on July 4, 2023 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported vegetation fire in the 13500 block of W Borden St in Sylmar.

Firefighters arrived to find a fire burning in the yard of a single family dwelling. Crews quickly initiated a fire attack and extinguished the flames with no injuries reported.

The fire, started by the use of illegal fireworks, damaged a total of six vehicles and a tree.

LAFD Incident 070423-1378

Major Emergency Commercial Fire Downtown by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 6:32PM, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to 815 S Central Av to find a 6,000 square-foot one story, L-shaped commercial building with heavy fire showing through the roof.

Conditions quickly dictated a transition to defensive firefighting operations and firefighters rapidly employed ladder pipes, portable monitors and 2 ½ inch hand lines, attacking the fire from all angles.

The open building housed multiple vendors and contained large, bulky storage which created a heavy fire load, driving the intense flames. A large quantity of chili peppers burning in the structure added an irritant to the smoke; yet another factor for the crews to face. While the bulk of the fire was contained in just over an hour, the fire extended into the attic, camping out in locations difficult to reach with the exterior water application.

Over 190 firefighters, led by Deputy Chief Daren Palacios, waged battle for nearly two hours before gaining the upper hand. Firefighters contained the flames to the unit of origin and protected adjacent businesses from harm.

Once the bulk of the fire was extinguished, demobilization began and some units were released. Firefighters remained on the incident throughout the evening to continue addressing hot spots and ensure the safety of the community.

LAFD Incident 031217-1087

Man Injured, Eight Others DIsplaced by Pacoima Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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PACOIMA - One resident sustained serious burn injuries, and eight other persons were rendered homeless but uninjured, when flames erupted at a one-story home in the 12800 block of Mineola Street on May 13, 2020. It took 45 Los Angeles Firefighters just 23 minutes to fully extinguish the blaze.

LAFD Incident 051320-0967

Old Methodist Church Fire by DandyBaby

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This was right after the flames exploded from the building. The flames reached up to six stories during these few minutes. This is a fire in Seminole, Oklahoma, United States. This building has a long history. I believe it was built in the 1920s. The fire was attributed to arson. I was so proud of the guys. The SFD arrived within 4 minutes and they saved everything that surrounded the building, including a pawn shop, church, and residence, all without any injuries. Unfortunately, the building could not be saved. The building burned January 7. The fire was reported at 2:02 a.m. and was already engulfed. Once the fire ventilated itself, it was over.

Encino Vacant Structure Destroyed by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 7:28PM on March 13, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 9400 block of N Sepulveda Blvd in Encino. 47 firefighters extinguished a well involved structure fire in 32 minutes. As this building was the site of a previous burn, the roof was already well ventilated and it was a defensive operation only.

LAFD Incident: 031321-1127

LAFD Prevents Burning Hillside Home from Sparking Brush Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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TARZANA - At 6:24 PM on Monday, August 2, 2021, LAFD responded to the 19600 block of West Valdez Drive, where a two-story hillside home was engulfed in flames, with fire starting to ignite nearby brush. Firefighters began the attack in defensive mode (from the exterior only), and later transitioned to offensive (inside the structure) to finish tracking down all of the fire within. Ultimately, it took 57 LAFD firefighters 33 minutes to extinguish the flames and keep a larger brush fire from ignition. The family escaped unharmed, but four will be displaced. No reported injuries.

LAFD Incident: 080221-1355

Abandoned North Hollywood Restaurant Goes Up In Flames by Los Angeles Fire Department

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NORTH HOLLYWOOD - On the morning of October 26, 2022, the Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 6261 North Laurel Canyon Boulevard in North Hollywood.

The first arriving firefighters discovered heavy, pressurized smoke coming from a 100' x 100' vacant one-story commercial building. Knowing this structure was the site of a previous burn, the Incident Commander quickly directed all companies to fight the fire from the exterior only, referred to as "Defensive." As the fire rapidly developed and flames burst through the roof, several additional task forces were requested, along with specialty companies (i.e. USAR, RS3, Heavy Equipment, etc.) and Fire-cause Investigators.

With no reports of occupants inside, firefighters patiently applied large amounts of water from heavy streams, including ladder pipes and large-diameter hand lines. The building sustained substantial collapse, further speaking to the wisdom of defensive operations being used on this incident.

Over 100 LAFD personnel were able to extinguish the flames in two hours and five minutes, without injury. LAFD's remote-control firefighting robot, RS3, was called in to do work in excessively dangerous areas, and LAFD heavy equipment (excavators) will be used to uncover smoldering debris. Smoke may be seen in the area for an extended period of time during this work.

Arson Investigators were called to the scene to attempt to determine the fire's cause. They arrived and received word of ten other fires (including rubbish, autos, etc.) within less than a mile of the incident, that will be included in the scope of their investigation, which remains active. LAFD brought in two Fast Response Vehicles to provide a mobile solution and rapid extinguishment of the smaller fires, while keeping the fire engines on the large fire or available to respond to new emergencies. Two individuals have been detained for questioning. One was released and one was booked for "arson of property" (Penal Code 451-D). LAFD will release further information as it becomes available.

LAFD Incident 102622-0278

Two Vacant Structures Burn in Boyle Heights by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 8:14PM on March 14, 2017 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 2300 block of E Chavez Av #BoyleHeights to find two vacant structures well involved. This non-injury fire was knocked down by 82 firefighters in 26 minutes.

LAFD Incident 031417-1428

©Photo by Rick McClure

Inferno At Northridge Utility Yard Leads To Power Outage by Los Angeles Fire Department

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The Los Angeles Fire Department was notified at 6:53 PM on July 8, 2017 of an explosion heard in the 18900 block of Parthenia Street in Northridge, where firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy flames and a towering column of thick, dark smoke from within the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) energy transmission site known as Receiving Station J.

A vat containing as much as 60,000 gallons of mineral oil, reportedly used as a cooling agent for high-voltage equipment, was heavily involved with fire and believed to be fully energized.

LAFD Assistant Chief Patrick Butler conferred with LADWP experts to electrically isolate the fire and assure the safety of nearby residents, utility workers and firefighters - as well as preclude greater harm to citywide utility service, before leading 74 firefighters to battle the flames directly with large volumes of water and firefighting foam. The inferno was fully extinguished in just 2 hours, and there were no injuries.

The resultant power outage at a time of intense summer heat affected the communities of Northridge, Winnetka, Reseda, Lake Balboa, Tarzana, North Hills, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, West Hills, Canoga Park and Woodland Hills according to LADWP officials, leading to scores of LAFD service calls including many elevator rescues.

Fire damage to the facility, and any effect it may have upon utility service will be determined by LADWP. The cause of the blaze is considered accidental, and attributed to a mechanical malfunction per utility officials

LAFD Incident: 070817-1383

Town of Colonie Emergency Services Air Support Unit (Mobile Air) by Derek J. Ewing

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On scene of a structure fire in Colonie, NY

Structure Fire LAFD 91s by Bernie Deyo Photography

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Fully involved garage and about 1/3 of the house in LAFD 91s first in, heavy smoke and fire where visible by fire onscene units.

Box Truck Fire Downtown by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 8:01PM on January 14, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 1140 block of S Central Ave in Downtown Los Angeles for a reported structure fire. In 34 minutes, 26 firefighters extinguished a fully involved box truck, which extended to the attic of the exposed two story commercial building, with no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident: 011422-1630

Large Garage Fully Involved by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:50PM on January 19, 2019 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded toa reported structure fire in the 13800 block of W Polk Street in #Sylmar. Firefighters found a two story, metal clad garage fully involved in fire and extending to a 1 story garage directly behind it. 48 firefighters achieved full extinguishment in 36 mins with no injuries reported. The main residence was not damaged.

LAFD Incident: 011919-1692

Greater Alarm Fire Sweeps Through Vacant Medical Clinic In Downtown L.A. by Los Angeles Fire Department

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - It took more than one hundred members of the Los Angeles Fire Department less than one hour in largely defensive operations, to fully extinguish a greater alarm blaze involving a vacant one story formal medical clinic in the 1800 block of South Main Street early June 7, 2021. No injuries were reported.

LAFD Incident: 060721-0109

Abandoned North Hollywood Restaurant Goes Up In Flames by Los Angeles Fire Department

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NORTH HOLLYWOOD - On the morning of October 26, 2022, the Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 6261 North Laurel Canyon Boulevard in North Hollywood.

The first arriving firefighters discovered heavy, pressurized smoke coming from a 100' x 100' vacant one-story commercial building. Knowing this structure was the site of a previous burn, the Incident Commander quickly directed all companies to fight the fire from the exterior only, referred to as "Defensive." As the fire rapidly developed and flames burst through the roof, several additional task forces were requested, along with specialty companies (i.e. USAR, RS3, Heavy Equipment, etc.) and Fire-cause Investigators.

With no reports of occupants inside, firefighters patiently applied large amounts of water from heavy streams, including ladder pipes and large-diameter hand lines. The building sustained substantial collapse, further speaking to the wisdom of defensive operations being used on this incident.

Over 100 LAFD personnel were able to extinguish the flames in two hours and five minutes, without injury. LAFD's remote-control firefighting robot, RS3, was called in to do work in excessively dangerous areas, and LAFD heavy equipment (excavators) will be used to uncover smoldering debris. Smoke may be seen in the area for an extended period of time during this work.

Arson Investigators were called to the scene to attempt to determine the fire's cause. They arrived and received word of ten other fires (including rubbish, autos, etc.) within less than a mile of the incident, that will be included in the scope of their investigation, which remains active. LAFD brought in two Fast Response Vehicles to provide a mobile solution and rapid extinguishment of the smaller fires, while keeping the fire engines on the large fire or available to respond to new emergencies. Two individuals have been detained for questioning. One was released and one was booked for "arson of property" (Penal Code 451-D). LAFD will release further information as it becomes available.

LAFD Incident 102622-0278

Venice Blaze Destroys Two Homes by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 10:44 PM on October 2, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 400 block of Carroll Canal in the Venice neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived to find a three story home (under renovation/new construction) fully involved in fire and exposing adjacent homes.

Over 100 firefighters battled for one hour and 20 minutes to extinguish the blaze. Two homes (the address of origin and an adjacent home) were destroyed while three additional homes sustained damage to the eves from the ember cast.

LAFD Arson section responded, per protocol for an incident of this size, and the investigation is ongoing.

LAFD Incident 100222-1620

Large shed fire in 74's Due by LeafsHockeyFan

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Feb 4, 2017. Stations 74, 2 and 6 were dispatched for a structure fire on the Maryland side in the Avalon Park neighborhood. Units arrived to find a large shed well involved with fire that was threatening two homes in close proximity. Assistance was requested from the next 3 closest fire stations which brought units from Stations 16, 5 and 7.

9011 S. SAN PEDRO ST. by Rick McClure

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FIREFIGHTERS FROM TF64, RA64, RA864, AND E33 TOOK ABOUT 10 MIN TO CONTROL THIS FULLY INVOLVED GARAGE.

PHOTO by RICK McCLURE

Chatsworth Fire Sends Two LAFD Firefighters to Hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department

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CHATSWORTH - It took 122 Los Angeles Firefighters just 81 minutes to win a relentless battle with wind-whipped flames accidentally sparked by a propane fueled barbecue, that damaged four condominium units under a common roof in the 22100 block of James Alan Circle on July 4, 2017. Two LAFD firefighters sustained non-life threatening injury in the fierce firefight. © Photo by Rick McClure

LAFD Incident: 070417-1009

Structure Fire LAFD 73s by Bernie Deyo Photography

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Fire Fighters from Truck 73 doing some roof work to open up a few heat holes for the guys inside.

The world is on fire. #fire #apartmentfire #night #fisheye #clouds #apartment #apartmentbuilding #highlandpark #highlandparkfd #highlandparkmi #highlandparkmichigan #structurefire by SNWEB.ORG Photography, LLC.

via Instagram ift.tt/1OmOjMD

Midnight Blaze in South Los Angeles by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 10:55PM on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 1700 block of E 57th Street for a reported structure fire. The first arriving companies found a large (approximately 300’ x 500’) pallet yard with heavy fire showing. Additional resources were quickly requested as crews moved into the defensive mode.

Firefighters went to work on all four sides of this incident, conducting fire attack against several outbuildings in the compound of the yard while simultaneously establishing master streams to drown out the pallet fire. Downed, high voltage power lines created an additional safety hazard for crews to work around.

116 LAFD firefighters, assisted by several companies from Los Angeles County Fire Department, working under the command of Assistant Chief Antoine McKnight, declared a knockdown of the fire in one hour and four minutes, with no injuries reported. No residential homes outside of the compound were damaged.

This was a Major Emergency status structure fire and thus, per protocol, LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) responded and are actively investigating the cause of the fire.

LAFD Incident: 050520-1481

Chatsworth Fire Sends Two LAFD Firefighters to Hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department

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CHATSWORTH - It took 122 Los Angeles Firefighters just 81 minutes to win a relentless battle with wind-whipped flames accidentally sparked by a propane fueled barbecue, that damaged four condominium units under a common roof in the 22100 block of James Alan Circle on July 4, 2017. Two LAFD firefighters sustained non-life threatening injury in the fierce firefight. © Photo by Rick McClure

LAFD Incident: 070417-1009

Sylmar Attic Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 2:05PM the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 13500 block of W Hubbard St in #Sylmar. 87 firefighters handled the well involved attic fire in 26 minutes with no injuries.

LAFD Incident: 011019-0908

Sun Valley Major Emergency Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:30PM on November 7, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 8100 block of N Sunland Bl in Sun Valley. Firefighters arrived to a two story, commercial building (site of previous burn) with heavy fire showing. In a mostly defensive operation, 87 firefighters battled flames with at least four ladder pipes and several other heavy streams in operation on the commercial building for over two hours before safely achieving a knockdown.

LAFD Incident 120721-1589

Non-Injury Fire Consumes Hyde Park Carport and Vehicles by Los Angeles Fire Department

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HYDE PARK - The Los Angeles City Fire Department prevented injury or serious damage to adjacent apartment buildings when a fast-moving fire of undetermined origin destroyed a carport and consumed several parked vehicles in the 3100 block of West 59th Street shortly after midnight October 31, 2020.

LAFD Incident: 103120-0012

Over 30 Businesses Saved in Van Nuys by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 2:44PM on October 12, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 7056 N Van Nuys Blvd in Van Nuys. The first fire company arrived to find a one story, vacant commercial building (7,600 square feet built in 1957) well involved in fire.

After initially deploying an offensive fire attack, the incident commander quickly transitioned to a defensive operation due to the extent of fire involvement. As crews established hand lines, a collapse zone of 30’ was implemented at the front of the building due to concern about the stability of the façade. Approximately 20 minutes into the incident, an ‘Emergency Traffic’ radio alert was issued informing all on the fire ground of the full collapse of the façade. All firefighters were safely outside the collapse zone and continued their operation without delay.

The building to the North (on the Bravo side) abutted the fire building while there was a small separation with the building to the South (on the Delta side). Despite the close proximity of the two exposures and the heavy fire present, firefighters battled and succeeded in defending the structures from fire damage – saving over thirty businesses.

It was a long, extended operation due to the amount of fire and challenges in safely access all areas of the building. The RS3, Robotic Fire Fighting Vehicle was deployed to apply high volumes of water (master streams) more deeply into the building than was safely possible by firefighters. The combination of hand lines, ladder-pipes, RS3 and the team of over 85 firefighters, working under the command of Assistant Chief Corey Rose, fully extinguished the fire in over four hours.

One firefighter was transported to the hospital in fair condition with heat exhaustion. There were no other injuries reported.

Per protocol, LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) responded and is actively investigating the cause of the fire.

LAFD Incident 101222-1068

Major Emergency Structure Fire in Woodland Hills by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 9:10PM on July 3, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 6000 block of N De Soto Av for a reported structure fire.

The first arriving fire company found a large, one story commercial (vacant) building with heavy fire showing through the roof.

Firefighters immediately initiated a defensive operation and quickly determined the entire building was fully involved in fire.

With multiple ladder pipes flowing and large diameter hand lines deployed around the structure, firefighters battled for over an hour to quell the blaze. Their efforts ensure the neighboring buildings were not damaged. There were no injuries reported and there is an on-going cause investigation.

LAFD Incident 070322-1566

Firefighters Battle Major Emergency Fire in Downtown Los Angeles by Los Angeles Fire Department

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DOWNTOWN - More than 170 Los Angeles Fire Department responders fiercely battled stubborn flames for more than an hour, when a non-injury major emergency structure fire consumed the one story rear portion of combination one- and two-story commercial building at 1120 South Main Street on February 22, 2022.

LAFD Incident 022222-1526

Stubborn Commercial Fire in Pico-Robertson by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:32AM on July 24, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 9041 W Pico Blvd. Firefighters arrived to find a 100’ x 50’ commercial building with heavy smoke showing.

Firefighters quickly threw ground ladders to the building, took a fire attack line inside and ascended the aerial ladder to initiate vertical ventilation. After working an aggressive, offensive attack for 28 minutes the conditions continued to deteriorate and the Incident Commander made the call to move to a defensive operation.

With master streams applying copious amounts of water into the structure, using the collapsed roof as a way to access the pockets of fire, crews gained the upper hand. 115 firefighters, working under the command of Assistant Chief Dean Zipperman, extinguished this Greater Alarm structure fire in two hours and 13 minutes. One firefighter was transported to the hospital for a non-life threatening heat related illness.

While no evacuations of the area were required, there was one home to the rear of the fire unit which was blanketed with the smoke. An elderly couple was sheltered in place and two paramedics stayed with them to ensure they were safe. They did not require any medical treatment and the home remained free of smoke.

One of the operations firefighters conduct at structure fire is called, Salvage. This entails covering, removing or otherwise protecting contents of a structure, as best as possible, from suffering damage during an emergency. This usually happens inside of a home; however, at this incident firefighters took the initiative to cover three vehicles with tarps. The cars were right in the middle of the fire ground and would likely be dinged or damaged in some way.

The initial stages of the cause investigation, by LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section, revealed evidence of a possible drug operation in the structure. The investigation remains active and on-going.

Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD Photo | Tom Johnson

LAFD Incident: 072420-0570

Major Emergency Commercial Fire Downtown by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 6:32PM, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to 815 S Central Av to find a 6,000 square-foot one story, L-shaped commercial building with heavy fire showing through the roof.

Conditions quickly dictated a transition to defensive firefighting operations and firefighters rapidly employed ladder pipes, portable monitors and 2 ½ inch hand lines, attacking the fire from all angles.

The open building housed multiple vendors and contained large, bulky storage which created a heavy fire load, driving the intense flames. A large quantity of chili peppers burning in the structure added an irritant to the smoke; yet another factor for the crews to face. While the bulk of the fire was contained in just over an hour, the fire extended into the attic, camping out in locations difficult to reach with the exterior water application.

Over 190 firefighters, led by Deputy Chief Daren Palacios, waged battle for nearly two hours before gaining the upper hand. Firefighters contained the flames to the unit of origin and protected adjacent businesses from harm.

Once the bulk of the fire was extinguished, demobilization began and some units were released. Firefighters remained on the incident throughout the evening to continue addressing hot spots and ensure the safety of the community.

LAFD Incident 031217-1087

Firefighters Evacuate Businesses and Residences While Fighting Downtown Blaze by Los Angeles Fire Department

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DOWNTOWN - Los Angeles City Firefighters battled a Downtown structure fire, which began as a large outside rubbish fire which spread to several businesses in a row of commercial buildings, that had occupied residential units across the second floor.

Firefighters responded to the Flower District of Downtown Los Angeles at 3:12 PM on June 22, 2023, to find heavy fire involving outside storage in the rear behind a long 2-story building, with residential units over a row of commercials, with heavy fire showing. The Incident Commander called for waves of additional firefighters, and placed companies in all involved units on the first floor, second floor, roof, and outside to the rear.

The fire appeared to have originated as an exterior fire to the rear, with flames rapidly spreading inside the first floor commercial space, and threatening to burn more units horizontally. Firefighters assisted with evacuations, and performed a rapid and systematic search of all units, and halted the horizontal spread. Fortunately, no victims were trapped.

Ultimately, it took 148 firefighters one hour and thirty-five minutes to extinguish the blaze. The fire unit of origin was a venue rental business, who loaned out supplies for

weddings, and social events, therefore there was a heavy fuel load inside that fueled the fire.

As always, we mourn the loss of the approximately four commercial units downstairs and four residential units directly above suffered damaged, but remain thankful that this incident did not end up being significantly worse. Red Cross responded to assist approximately 30 residents who were displaced. Thankfully, only one person (a 28-year-old female) was transported to the hospital in fair condition, and a second (a 50-year-old male) was evaluated and declined transport (both had symptoms of smoke inhalation). Arson investigators responded to determine fire origin, per protocol.

LAFD Photo by Gary Apodaca

LAFD Incident 062223-1024

HOUSE FIRE WITH FATALITY by Rick McClure

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44 Los Angeles firefighters took just 15 minutes to knockdown a blaze in a single family residence. One elderly female suffered smoke inhalation and unfortunately, her husband persihed in the fire. Photo by Rick McClure

Fire Rips Through Van Nuys Industrial Building by Los Angeles Fire Department

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VAN NUYS - A persistent battle by 40 members of the Los Angeles Fire Department led to a relatively quick (23 minute) extinguishment of a commercial fire at an upholstery shop and auto shop on the 14700 block of West Bessemer Street on May 29, 2023.

LAFD Incident 052923-1135

Hillcrest Incident by Zack Warburg

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Shortly after 5:00 units from Santa Barbara City and County Fire responded to a reported structure fire on Hillcrest Rd. Upon arrival Engine 7 found a fire that had extended into the walls around the chimney.

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Fire Consumes Downtown Los Angeles Smoking Supply Firm by Los Angeles Fire Department

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LOS ANGELES - It took 164 Los Angeles Firefighters more than two hours to extinguish stubborn flames in a central city smoking supplies business just south of Little Tokyo on September 12, 2016.

LAFD Incident: 091216-1383

Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD Photo | Harry Garvin

Attic Fire Held by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 12:52 on January 1, 2020 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 10300 block of S Antwerp St for a reported structure fire. 38 firefighters extinguished the non-injury attic fire in 13 minutes.

LAFD Incident: 010120-0128

Firefighters Save Multi-Family Dwelling from Westlake Blaze by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 3:52PM on February 26, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1500 block of W 8th Street in the Westlake community. Firefighters arrived only four minutes later to find an outside fire extending into a one story, craftsman style dwelling and exposing a two story four-plex.

With multiple structures at risk, additional companies were requested and the incident reached the Major Emergency level.

Two separate fire attack and roof ventilation operations ensued while more firefighters checked an exposed commercial building built onto the back of the craftsman. A well entrenched attic fire quickly extended to the commercial add-on and created more flames which lapped up the eaves of the four-plex and took root in it's attic as well.

While the truck companies on the roof of the four-plex worked to ventilate and extinguish the attic fire, crews on the inside conducted salvage operations to protect the contents from water damage. Their combined efforts were successful and the fire was contained to only a portion of the attic and did not damage the living spaces below.

The craftsman and attached commercial building sustained the heaviest damage.

The 105 firefighters, operating under the command of Assistant Chief Timothy Ernst, fully extinguished the fire in all three structures in 31 minutes. One firefighter was transported for non-life threatening burn injuries limited to one arm.

Per protocol, the LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism section is actively investigating the cause of the fire.

Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD Photo | Cody Weireter

LAFD Incident: 022621-0978

Over 30 Businesses Saved in Van Nuys by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 2:44PM on October 12, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 7056 N Van Nuys Blvd in Van Nuys. The first fire company arrived to find a one story, vacant commercial building (7,600 square feet built in 1957) well involved in fire.

After initially deploying an offensive fire attack, the incident commander quickly transitioned to a defensive operation due to the extent of fire involvement. As crews established hand lines, a collapse zone of 30’ was implemented at the front of the building due to concern about the stability of the façade. Approximately 20 minutes into the incident, an ‘Emergency Traffic’ radio alert was issued informing all on the fire ground of the full collapse of the façade. All firefighters were safely outside the collapse zone and continued their operation without delay.

The building to the North (on the Bravo side) abutted the fire building while there was a small separation with the building to the South (on the Delta side). Despite the close proximity of the two exposures and the heavy fire present, firefighters battled and succeeded in defending the structures from fire damage – saving over thirty businesses.

It was a long, extended operation due to the amount of fire and challenges in safely access all areas of the building. The RS3, Robotic Fire Fighting Vehicle was deployed to apply high volumes of water (master streams) more deeply into the building than was safely possible by firefighters. The combination of hand lines, ladder-pipes, RS3 and the team of over 85 firefighters, working under the command of Assistant Chief Corey Rose, fully extinguished the fire in over four hours.

One firefighter was transported to the hospital in fair condition with heat exhaustion. There were no other injuries reported.

Per protocol, LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) responded and is actively investigating the cause of the fire.

LAFD Incident 101222-1068

Heavy Fire Damages North Hollywood Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:33AM, Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 6600 block of N Ampere Av in North Hollywood. With heavy fire and smoke showing upon arrival, 45 firefighters gained knockdown and defended an exposed building in 25 mins. No injuries reported and two pet dogs located safely.

LAFD Incident: 080117-0532

Commercial Fire in South Los Angeles by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 6:39PM on April 1, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 200 block of E Washington Blvd. Firefighters knocked down a fully involved commercial fire in 23 minutes with no injuries. LAFD Arson investigating the cause.

LAFD Incident: 040118-1072

Chatsworth Auto Fires Quickly Extinguished by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 12:29AM on February 26, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 21100 block of W Superior Street in Chatsworth for a reported structure fire. Crews arrived to find multiple autos fully involved in fire, exposing a building. Their quick work ensured the building was not damaged and no injuries were reported.

LAFD Incident: 022621-0021

Attic Fire in North Hills by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:40AM on November 8, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 16300 block of W Ballinger St in North Hills. 29 firefighters achieved knockdown in 23 minutes in this non-injury fire.

LAFD Incident: 110818-0660

Firefighters Evacuate Businesses and Residences While Fighting Downtown Blaze by Los Angeles Fire Department

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DOWNTOWN - Los Angeles City Firefighters battled a Downtown structure fire, which began as a large outside rubbish fire which spread to several businesses in a row of commercial buildings, that had occupied residential units across the second floor.

Firefighters responded to the Flower District of Downtown Los Angeles at 3:12 PM on June 22, 2023, to find heavy fire involving outside storage in the rear behind a long 2-story building, with residential units over a row of commercials, with heavy fire showing. The Incident Commander called for waves of additional firefighters, and placed companies in all involved units on the first floor, second floor, roof, and outside to the rear.

The fire appeared to have originated as an exterior fire to the rear, with flames rapidly spreading inside the first floor commercial space, and threatening to burn more units horizontally. Firefighters assisted with evacuations, and performed a rapid and systematic search of all units, and halted the horizontal spread. Fortunately, no victims were trapped.

Ultimately, it took 148 firefighters one hour and thirty-five minutes to extinguish the blaze. The fire unit of origin was a venue rental business, who loaned out supplies for

weddings, and social events, therefore there was a heavy fuel load inside that fueled the fire.

As always, we mourn the loss of the approximately four commercial units downstairs and four residential units directly above suffered damaged, but remain thankful that this incident did not end up being significantly worse. Red Cross responded to assist approximately 30 residents who were displaced. Thankfully, only one person (a 28-year-old female) was transported to the hospital in fair condition, and a second (a 50-year-old male) was evaluated and declined transport (both had symptoms of smoke inhalation). Arson investigators responded to determine fire origin, per protocol.

LAFD Photo by Gary Apodaca

LAFD Incident 062223-1024

Building Saved in Koreatown by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 5:24AM on October 20, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 700 block of S Normandie Av in Koreatown. Firefighters arrived to a four story, center-hall apartment building with people exiting through the front doors. Although no fire or smoke was visible, crews immediately deployed into fire attack and roof ventilation operations and located fire in the basement. Further investigation located pockets of fire in walls on the first and second floors.

Firefighters strategically opened sections of walls to extinguish fire while determining the extent of the fire's spread. The size of the building (54,152 square feet) and potential for a working attic fire led the Incident Commander Assistant Chief Kwame Cooper to request additional units and raise this to a Major Emergency status.

The efficient and precise efforts of the firefighters successfully prevented a dangerous attic fire and limited damage to the building. The structure, built in 1926, contained 76 units and occupants were evacuated with only one resident requesting medical evaluation by LAFD paramedics but did not require ambulance transport.

106 firefighters achieved knockdown in one hour and 30 minutes. While the cause of the fire is under active investigation by LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) (based on protocol for a Major Emergency structure fire) it appears the fire originated in a first floor utility room and traveled to the basement via a light well and then through the walls to the attic.

Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD Photo - Erik Scott

LAFD Incident: 102018-0259

High Rise Fire Sends Two to Hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 12:37PM the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the Sheraton Hotel at 10600 W Universal Place. Firefighters ascended to the 9th floor to find a fire in one room being held in check by sprinklers. They extinguished the fire and conducted a search, finding an adult male employee in the adjacent room. The floor was under construction with no guests in place. The patient transported in grave condition and one male firefighter transported in fair/serious condition with non-traumatic illness.

LAFD Incident 083017-0830

Photo by: LAFD David Ortiz

Firefighters Save Critical Parts of Building at Major Emergency by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 8:08PM, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to 4020 S Compton Av in South Los Angeles to find a large food processing plant with a fire originating in the kitchen equipment and rapidly spreading through the duct work in the attic. The fire evolved into a Major Emergency fire with a defensive operation. Firefighters made a tremendous save, protecting half of the building and saving critical business papers and computers. The full story www.lafd.org/news/relentless-effort-firefighters-prevents...

LAFD Incident: 040317-1422

Strip Mall Fire Stopped by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 9:47PM, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 13600 block of W Vanowen St. Over 95 firefighters stopped this fire from destroying multiple units and achieved full extinguishment in just over an hour.

LAFD Incident: 052517-1441

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