structurefire photos on Flickr

LAFD Swiftly Tackles Suspicious Fire in South L.A. by Los Angeles Fire Department

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SOUTH LOS ANGELES - It took Los Angeles Fire Department responders less than 12 minutes to fully extinguish a suspicious non-injury fire in a vacant two story home in the 400 block of West 91st Place early February 16, 2020.

LAFD Incident: 021620-0141

Early Morning Fire in Vermont Square by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 2:44AM on December 23, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 120 block of W 52nd St #VermontSquare. Firefighters arrived to find a two-story home with fire showing from the first floor which had spread into the attic. Neighboring structures were also exposed as the 51 firefighters aggressively extinguished the flames in just 34 minutes. One civilian was transported in fair condition.

LAFD Incident: 122318-0169

Public Storage Fire in Sylmar by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 6:58AM on March 19, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 12600 block of W Foothill Blvd in Sylmar for a reported structure fire.

The first fire company arrived to find a two story, Public Storage complex with heavy smoke showing.

Over 80 firefighters extinguished the fire in 43 minutes with no injuries reported. The fire appears to have started on the 1st floor and extended up to the 2nd and through a common void space (similar to an attic) horizontally to additional units. A total of four units on the first floor and five units on the 2nd floor sustained heavy fire damage. A portion of the 2nd story floor burned through. The fire was in one, isolated building (they are not connected) in the complex of storage buildings. Firefighters quickly opened units and accessed the void space from the interior and the roof to stop the spread and save the rest of the units.

LAFD Incident: 031822-1434

Smoke Alarms Save the Residents of a Bel Air Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

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BEL AIR- 107 LAFD Firefighters extinguished the large fire inside a 7,500 sq ft home causing two firefighters to be transported to local hospitals. The occupied residence suffered significant damage, however due to firefighters relentless efforts they stopped the flames from spreading to the adjacent pool house, garage, and nearby brush. Fortunately the residents (homeowner, children, and nanny) were alerted by functional smoke alarms and self evacuated unharmed.

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

LAFD Incident: 020818-1311

Major Emergency Blaze Consumes Building by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 7:48PM on November 25, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 1820 E 48th Place in the Central-Alameda area. The address, site of a Greater Alarm fire two nights prior, included four large, adjoining buildings which housed multiple businesses. Heavy fire was showing from one building, already through the roof upon LAFD arrival.

Truck companies deployed ladder pipes and engine companies flowed wagon batteries while establishing large diameter hand lines. Forcible entry was required to open all the rolling steel doors and give firefighters access to the blaze from the exterior.

An entrenched battle continued through the night with 115 firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Kristina Kepner, working aggressively to defend the adjoining structures. Their efforts prevented the fire from extending and protected numerous businesses.

LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section had an open investigation into the cause of the fire at this address on November 23, 2021 and were on scene to conduct the cause investigation into this fire as well, which remains ongoing.

LAFD Incident: 112521-1480

Flames Destroy Hollywood Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

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HOLLYWOOD - The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned to the 1400 block of North Martel Avenue at 4:42 PM on November 3, 2022 for a structure fire involving a one-story single family home. Firefighters navigated around downed wires on approach, where flames consumed the home. It took 42 firefighters 43 minutes to access, confine, and extinguish the flames, without injury. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

LAFD Incident 110322-1304

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

Boyle Heights Greater Alarm Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:39PM on September 28, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 1600 block of E 1st St for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a one story commercial building, approximately 50' x 100' with heavy fire showing on at least one side. After an initial offensive fire attack met a deep seated fire and difficulty making entry, safety considerations required the transition to a defensive operation. Ultimately, over 100 firefighters fully extinguished the fire in just over two hours with no injuries reported. LAFD Arson section is actively investigating the cause of the fire.

LAFD Incident 092821-1686

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

San Pedro Fire Prevented from Spreading by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 2:31PM on January 19, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 1300 block of W O'Farrell St in San Pedro for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a two story, single family dwelling with a well involved attic fire and extension to the 2nd floor. 29 firefighters extinguished the fire in 29 minutes and prevented it from damaging the adjacent home.

LAFD Incident: 011921-0968

Structure Fire Eagle 42s by Bernie Deyo Photography

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Fire fighters from Eagle, Boise, Meridian, Star and Middleton battle a fully involved 4,000 sqft hillside mansion in Eagle Idaho just outside of Boise.

Greater Alarm Fire in North Hollywood by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 5:09PM on May 28, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 6800 block of N Troost Av for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a one story commercial building with fire showing. Crews immediately initiated an offensive operation with interior fire attack and truck companies on the roof performing vertical ventilation.

Approximately 20 minutes into the incident, a partial roof collapse at the front of the building triggered the transition to a defensive operation. Over 80 firefighters ultimately extinguished the blaze in one hour and 46 minutes with no injuries reported. They contained the fire to the building of origin, defended the exposed buildings from damage. LAFD Arson responded for the investigation per protocol.

LAFD Incident 052822-1075

LAFD Holds Blaze To Three North Hollywood Commercial Structures by Los Angeles Fire Department

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NORTH HOLLYWOOD - LAFD firefighters battled a blaze in three adjacent commercial buildings, fending off electrical hazards and building collapse, to extinguish the inferno in just over 3 hours.

A pile of oily rags were the culprit of a massive commercial structure fire on Lankershim Blvd just before midnight on November 1, 2019. Painting-related chemicals provided for a chemical reaction with the rags they were saturating and produced enough heat for them to spontaneously combust. Firefighters arrived to find fire blowing through the roof of the commercial building. Crews made access to enter the building and began cutting holes in the roof to ventilate the structure. As fire blew out of every hold that was cut, despite their continuous attempts to retreat to a less involved area to continue cutting, the decision was made to pull companies off the roof and out of the structure, and assume a defensive posture. The heavy fire load in the business quickly grew the fire, which spread to two more nearby commercial buildings.

The combined 40,000 square-foot fireball burned for over 3 hours, while 127 firefighters worked the perimeter to "surround and drown" the fire. Firefighters navigated around electrical wires down, and roof and wall collapses during the fight. By nearly 3:00 AM, the flames waved the white flag and gave up, succumbing to the three hour tour of large-diameter hose streams raining down, guided by spotters on the radio with a better vantage point. Ladder pipes, portable monitors, and 2-1/2-inch hand lines were all used in the deluge. The emergency was mitigated, but the work was not done.

Firefighters stayed on scene to overhaul the buildings and the debris pile for days following, while the pile continued to smoke. Plastics and other materials had melted throughout the pile, creating a water-resistant layer that protected hot spots under the surface from hose streams. LAFD tractor companies came out at first light the next morning to turn over the pile. A track loader (Caterpillar 953) and a wheel loader (Caterpillar IT28), driven by LAFD Heavy Equipment Operators, worked for days to continue overhauling the buildings and turn over debris, allowing firefighters to continue to put water on the materials to cool it off. Companies from all over the city rotated shifts during the days after, on "fire watch" to ensure nothing flared up and to continue to apply water while the tractors operated.

Fire investigators from the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section obtained video evidence that enabled them to make the determination that the cause was accidental, due to spontaneous combustion. Near the end of the video from an internal surveillance camera, rags with painting-related chemicals on them (left on a bench) can be seen spontaneously combusting due to a chemical reaction. This is a sobering reminder to properly dispose of oily and chemical-soaked rags properly. Fortunately, no one was hurt during this Major Emergency fire.

LAFD Incident: 110119-1860

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

Firefighters Contain Flames to Just One Winnetka Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

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WINNETKA - Firefighters responded to the 20300 block of West Sherman Way at 10:03 AM to find a one-story home engulfed in flames, threatening neighboring structures. Firefighters rapidly deployed hose lines inside the burning building, while a company assigned to ventilation ascended ladders to the roof. Firefighters skillfully contained the damage to only the original structure, sparing all neighboring homes. Ultimately it took 38 firefighters 21 minutes to extinguish the blaze. All residents safely evacuated and there were no injuries. The residents will be displaced, but will be able to stay with nearby family. The cause is under investigation.

LAFD Incident 020323-0499

Wind Driven Vegetation Fire Extends to Commercial Buildings in Sun Valley by Los Angeles Fire Department

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SUN VALLEY - More than 165 members of the Los Angeles Fire Department were joined by firefighters from the neighboring cities of Burbank and Glendale on November 19, 2022, in a two-and-one-half hour battle against a Santa Ana wind-driven wildfire that quickly consumed nearly two acres of vegetation adjacent to the Golden State (I-5) Freeway at Penrose Avenue, before spreading within and heavily damaging a nearby automotive repair and salvage firm, as well as an adjacent custom cabinetry business in a pair of large adjoining metal-clad one story commercial buildings. No injuries were reported.

LAFD Incident 111922-1522

Five Hospitalized After Panorama City Fire Burns Through Apartments by Los Angeles Fire Department

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PANORAMA CITY - Early Monday morning, firefighters extinguished flames that burned through multiple units of a four-story apartment building, sending five to the hospital.

The Los Angeles City Fire Department was alerted to a structure fire in Panorama City on the 9000 block of North Tobias Street at 6:53 AM on Monday, March 20, 2023. First-arriving crews observed smoke coming from an apartment building that contained three floors of residential units over a ground-level parking garage. Residents had pulled several on-site fire hoses out of occupant-use hose cabinets, which are included as part of the building's fire protection system, and stretched them across the outdoor courtyard in an attempt to hamper the fire's progress.

LAFD Firefighters were met with a densely-occupied 200-unit apartment building with immediate fire-suppression and medical needs. Firefighters advanced long stretches of fire hose toward the involved units, while simultaneously helping residents evacuate to paramedics standing by at collection points outside for medical evaluations, for those that needed help.

It took approximately 100 LAFD personnel 44 minutes to extinguish the flames, while also providing medical care. A total of eleven patients were treated on scene, and five of those transported to local hospitals. One transported patient was in serious condition and the other four were in fair-to-moderate condition. Six patients declined transport and further care. Sadly, one canine was found dead at the scene.

A total of sixteen people from ten damaged units will be temporarily displaced. The American Red Cross responded to assist those displaced families. Firefighters on scene are escorting those residents back into their damaged units to retrieve important belongings and medications.

Per protocol on this type of incident, Fire Investigators are examining the scene in an attempt to determine the cause. This remains an active investigation.

LAFD Incident 032023-0328

LAFD Holds Fire Within Vacant NoHo Business by Los Angeles Fire Department

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NORTH HOLLYWOOD - It took thirty-four members of the Los Angeles Fire Department just 24 minutes in largely defensive operations to access, confine and fully extinguish the stubborn flames of a non-injury fire within a vacant one-story commercial building at 6669 Lankershim Boulevard early February 24, 2023.

LAFD Incident 022423-0023

Major Emergency Fire in South LA by Los Angeles Fire Department

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The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 2:19 PM on April 3, 2021 to 8730 South Crocker Street, where firefighters arrived quickly to find an outside fire that had extended into a 300' x 300' one story row of three or more commercial buildings under what appeared to be a contiguous roof.

Defensive firefighting operations under the command of Assistant Chief Dean Zipperman continued for 4 hours and 4 minutes, until the fire was declared extinguished at 6:23 PM. No injuries were reported.

The expansive structure, initially believed to house only a furniture manufacturing firm, appeared to also contain one or more other firms, including a large marijuana grow operation.

The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.

LAFD Incident: 040321-0852

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

Downtown LA Commercial Fire Hampered By Fire Sprinklers by Los Angeles Fire Department

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LOS ANGELES - LAFD responded to 1620 South Los Angeles Street at 2:44 A.M. on January 18, 2020. A one-story commercial building contained a fire inside being held in check by fire sprinklers. This caused excessive smoke to build up with only minimal growth of the fire. Interior fire attack companies searched for the seat of the fire in very low visibility conditions, while navigating through excessive storage of textiles. Firefighters on the roof cut holes to ventilate the structure, letting some of the thick smoke out into the early morning sky, improving conditions for firefighters inside. Ultimately, 55 firefighters extinguished the fire in 49 minutes, with no reported injuries. The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation.

LAFD Incident 011820-0151

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 Peter Sanders

Fire at Panorama City Walmart by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 6:22PM on March 18, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 8333 N Van Nuys Bl in Panorama City.

Firefighters arrived to find a large four story, commercial building (Walmart) with nothing showing but an evacuation was underway. As crews made their way into the building to investigate, they located a fire on the 2nd floor, in a retail area, being held in check by fire sprinklers.

As firefighters made their interior attack, additional members worked to locate the risers and shut off the water to all sprinklers. Fire sprinklers (exact numbers vary based on the type installed) dispense approximately 15-25 gallons of water per minute, thus shutting of the system is an important part of the salvage operations to minimize water damage.

Store employees proactively evacuated the store when the fire alarm activated and it was underway upon LAFD arrival. Their actions helped to limit potential injuries. Four people (two employees and two customers) were medically evaluated and all declined LAFD hospital transport.

Ultimately, over 70 firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Corey Rose, fully extinguished the fire in 53 minutes. Crews remained on scene for several hours, working to remove the standing water and clear the building of smoke.

LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section responded and are actively investigating the cause. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health responded and formally closed the store for safety purposes.

LAFD Incident: 031822-1434

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.

LAFD Incident: 072420-0570

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

Boyle Heights Greater Alarm Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:39PM on September 28, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 1600 block of E 1st St for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a one story commercial building, approximately 50' x 100' with heavy fire showing on at least one side. After an initial offensive fire attack met a deep seated fire and difficulty making entry, safety considerations required the transition to a defensive operation. Ultimately, over 100 firefighters fully extinguished the fire in just over two hours with no injuries reported. LAFD Arson section is actively investigating the cause of the fire.

LAFD Incident 092821-1686

Greater Alarm Fire in East Hollywood by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:14AM on July 25, 2023 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 570 block of N Normandie Av in East Hollywood.

Firefighters arrived to a vacant to story fourplex with heavy fire showing.

Crews initiated an offensive operation, simultaneously conducted vertical ventilation and interior fire attack.

The incident rose to the Greater Alarm level with over 70 firefighters achieving knockdown in two hours and three minutes.

Two firefighters were transported to the hospital with heat related illness and returned to duty later that day.

LAFD Incident 072523-0706

Wind Driven Vegetation Fire Extends to Commercial Buildings in Sun Valley by Los Angeles Fire Department

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SUN VALLEY - More than 165 members of the Los Angeles Fire Department were joined by firefighters from the neighboring cities of Burbank and Glendale on November 19, 2022, in a two-and-one-half hour battle against a Santa Ana wind-driven wildfire that quickly consumed nearly two acres of vegetation adjacent to the Golden State (I-5) Freeway at Penrose Avenue, before spreading within and heavily damaging a nearby automotive repair and salvage firm, as well as an adjacent custom cabinetry business in a pair of large adjoining metal-clad one story commercial buildings. No injuries were reported.

LAFD Incident 111922-1522

20061218_FIRE - 2812 Moore Crossing_319 by Harry Rowe

Structure Fire - 2812 Moore Crossing

Structure Fire in Marietta, Georgia / Monday, February 13th by steveartist

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Donna and yours truly spotted the smoke while driving home from an appointment. We must have been two miles away at the time and mistakenly thought it was much closer. This shot was made from as close as we could get. Once back home I used Google’s map views to determine that the fire was at the Hamptons of East Cobb, an apartment community northwest of our position near Hwy. 120, a.k.a. Roswell Road.

UPDATE: In the news this morning, the 14th, there’s reporting about the fire. It appears that an entire building (twenty-six units) was burned down. Sadly, one person perished.

Overnight Blaze Gravely Injures Teenager by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 1:18AM on August 25, 2019 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 717 W 52nd Place in South Los Angeles. Firefighters arrived to find a one story, single family dwelling well involved with fire and reports of people trapped.

The volume and intensity of the flames required firefighters to conduct a transitional attack prior to entering the structure for an interior fire attack. The transitional attack involves the application of a straight stream of water from the exterior of the structure that provides a brief ‘break of the fire triangle’ by cooling the environment. This gives firefighters the chance to enter the building to more directly attack the flames.

Within minutes of arriving on scene, the first crews were inside and searching for trapped victims. They quickly located an unresponsive, 17 year old female and brought her out for immediate medical care. With lifesaving treatment underway, she was rapidly transported in grave condition. Three additional members of her family were home at the time of the fire. A 59 year old male suffered non-life threatening burn injuries and was transported to the hospital. A 60 year old female and 40 year old female were not injured. An additional 28 year old female was transported for injuries not related to the fire (from a home a couple doors down).

The occupants of the home reported having smoke alarms; however, there was no indication of functioning smoke alarms and they did not report being awoken by the alarms. This tragedy serves as a sober reminder for all our residents to ensure you check the battery on your smoke alarms on a monthly basis and replace them annually. If you need (free) assistance with new smoke alarms, please visit www.mysmokealarm.org.

The Mayor’s Crisis Response Team responded to assist the family through the difficult experience. The cause of the fire is under active investigation by LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS).

LAFD Incident 080257-0090

Use of This Photo Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: Brandon Silverman

Fire Rips Through Van Nuys Mobile Homes by Los Angeles Fire Department

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VAN NUYS - The Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a structure fire consuming two mobile homes and several vehicles at the 7600 block of North Balboa Boulevard at 5:22 AM on December 18, 2022. It took 42 LAFD firefighters just 42 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish fire that destroyed two modular homes, in Space 57 (origin) and Space 56 to the east. Firefighters greatly limited damage to an exposed modular home to the west in Space 58, as well as nearby industrial buildings. No injuries reported. Fire cause under investigation.

LAFD Incident 121822-0335

Rubbish Fire Spreads to Pacoima Pallet Yard by Los Angeles Fire Department

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PACOIMA - At 2:23 PM on Sunday, August 1, 2021, on the 11000 block of North Sutter Avenue, LAFD responded to a rubbish fire that extended to a pallet yard, threatening nearby commercial buildings. Firefighters had the train tracks shut down and quickly doused the pallet yard fire, extinguishing the flames in 31 minutes and skillfully protecting the nearby structures. There were no reported injuries and no extension into the nearby buildings. The cause is under investigation.

LAFD Incident: 080121-0822

Detroit Fire by Bernie Deyo Photography

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Fire Fighters Fight Several working Box alarms all over Detroit in occupied and vacant dwellings

Northridge Rubbish Fire Spreads to Vegetation and Structures by Los Angeles Fire Department

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NORTHRIDGE - LAFD firefighters were summoned to 17357 Chase St at 6:20 P.M. on Thursday, April 30, 2020, for a reported rubbish fire. Crews arrived to find that the fire had spread through grass and trees into a garage and an out building. The railways that passed behind the properties was shut down, as 34 firefighters took 41 minutes to extinguish all of the flames. There were no reported injuries.

LAFD Incident 042920-1078

falling embers by DandyBaby

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This is a close up of a burning house I photographed in December in the northwestern corner of Seminole County, Okla.

Craftsman Home Destroyed by Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 2:08AM on July 14, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in teh 1200 block of S Arapahoe Street in the Pico-Union area of Los Angeles. Firefighters arrived to find a large, two story Craftsman-style vacant home with heavy fire showing. 94 firefighters extinguished this Greater Alarm fire in 38 minutes. The operation shifted from offensive to defensive due to the difficulty accessing fire on the 2nd floor. One the fire was pushed back, crews went back into an offensive mode to move up and fully knockdown the fire. No injuries were reported.

LAFD Incident: 071420-0135

WESTCHESTER FIRE: by County-Wide Fire Photos

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House Fire (8/19/16)

North Hills Fire Contained to Attic by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 6:47PM on August 19, 2017 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 8900 block of N Gaynor to find a single story, single family dwelling with an attic fire. The non injury fire was extinguished in 13 minutes by 45 firefighters.

LAFD Incident: 081917-1208

Downtown Los Angeles Commercial Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 8:42AM on March 10, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 720 S Ceres Ave in Downtown Los Angeles. The first arriving fire company found a one story commercial building with smoke showing.

As firefighters worked to gain entry into the building, the conditions worsened and they faced thick, black smoke, severely limiting visibility. Vertical ventilation conducted by the truck company opened up the roof to find heavy, pressurized smoke emanating from holes cut towards the back of the building. This smoke turned to fire and given the distance from where firefighters entered and the location of the fire combined with the amount of fire present, the incident commander, Assistant Chief Wade White, made the call to move the operation into a defensive mode.

All crews exited the building and came off the roof to rapidly deploy master streams. With multiple ladder pipes and large diameter hand lines flowing, firefighters quickly made progress as the white smoke in the sky dissipated.

The incident then transitioned back into the offensive mode and once the ladder pipes were shut down, an interior fire attack resumed, extinguishing the remaining pockets of fire.

Over 90 firefighters achieved a knockdown in 40 minutes with no injuries reported. The 4,536sq foot, nearly 100 year old building, housed an artist’s studio/metal fabrication business and was ‘red-tagged’ (deemed unsafe to occupy) by the LA Department of Building and Safety.

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

Use of This Photo Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: Gary Apodaca

LAFD Incident: 031022-0396

Attic Fire in DTLA Commercial Building by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 1:59PM on Tuesday 1 August, 2017, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1000 block of S Santee St.

Firefighters arrived to find a two story, commercial building with heavy smoke showing from the 2nd floor. Additional resources were requested, raising the incident to a Greater Alarm status.

As fire attack crews made entry and the truck began vertical ventilation operations on the roof, a raging attic fire was discovered. The fire extended to the 2nd floor and firefighters quickly extinguished that section of the fire.

The battle against the attic fire continued, working to hit all corners of the attic to knockdown the stubborn blaze. 90 firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Surgey Tomlinson, achieved complete knockdown in 34 minutes. All occupants were clear of the structure and no injuries were reported.

LAFD Incident 080117-0772

Photo by: LAFD Brandon Silverman

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.

LAFD Incident: 072420-0570

Firefighters Battle in Thick Black Smoke to Extinguish Residential Flames by Los Angeles Fire Department

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VALLEY GLEN - Los Angeles City Firefighters responded to the 6500 block of North Mary Ellen Avenue at 4:52 PM on August 23. 2022 to find a home with very heavy black smoke showing. Fifty-eight firefighters battled for forty-four minutes in the very hot and extraordinarily smoky structure in order to extinguish the flames. One neighboring structure also sustained damage due to flame impingement. One civilian (non-life-threatening) and two firefighters (heat exhaustion) were transported to the hospital during the incident. The cause is under investigation.

LAFD Incident 082322-1184

Downtown Commercial Fire Preventing From Advancing by Los Angeles Fire Department

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On May 6, 2023 at 5:45PM the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 640 block of S San Pedro Street in Downtown Los Angeles. The first arriving fire officer reported finding a two story commercial building with an outside fire which was extending into the building. He requested three additional task forces and the firefighters initiated an offensive operation.

Facing both rolling steel and heavy duty security doors, firefighters used rotary saws to cut their way into the building. Once inside, fire attack found the fire extending to just the area at the front of the building. The 38 firefighters on scene (prior to the assignment of the additionally requested fire companies), operating under the command of Battalion Chief Nicholas Ferrari, quickly got water on the blaze and achieved a full knockdown in 30 minutes. The fire was held at the front of the building and prevented from extending back through the structure.

One male firefighter sustained a non-life threatening leg injury while working to gain access to the building. He was transported to the hospital for care.

The fire was determined to have originated outside and extended into the building. A thorough search of the structure found no occupants inside.

Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD Photo | John McCoy

LAFD Incident: 050623-1278

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

Woodland Hills Greater Alarm Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:40PM on May 9, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 6400 block of N Independence AV in Woodland Hills for a reported structure fire.

Crews arrived to find heavy smoke showing from a one story, commercial (concrete tilt-up) building.

The fire intensified rapidly and with fire now showing through the roof, the incident transitioned to a defensive operation.

Firefighters knocked back the bulk of the fire and returned to offensive mode to reach the final pockets of fire. Ultimately, 74 firefighters extinguished the fire in 69 minutes with no injuries reported. LAFD Arson responded to investigate the cause of the fire.

LAFD Incident: 050922-1835

LAFD Firefighters Hold Damage To One Building and Spare Two Others in Westlake by Los Angeles Fire Department

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WESTLAKE - When an early morning blaze ripped through a vacant structure, firefighters battled the fire on multiple fronts and successfully saved a four story apartment building and large church.

At 2:46AM on July 10, 2023 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to 2422 W 7th St in Westlake. Firefighters arrived to find a two story (residential over commercial) building with smoke showing from the 2nd floor.

While the incident commander requested additional resources, firefighters initiated an offensive operation. They were met with forcible entry challenges including rolling steel doors and several large security doors, requiring multiple firefighters with rotary saws. As they made entry, the truck companies ascended aerial ladders to coordinate a vertical ventilation operation.

The structure was found to be vacant and undergoing demolition. With fire towards the back of the structure quickly growing in both size and intensity, and a lack of structural support due to demolition, conditions became too dangerous for a continued interior attack. At approximately 20 minutes into the firefight, the incident commander ordered all firefighters off the roof and out of the building, transitioning to a defensive operation.

Two large structures flanking the fire unit were at high risk of fire extension; a four story apartment building to the east and a multi-building church to the west,which wrapped around the rear of the fire building. While LAFD crews quickly deployed ladder pipe operations and large diameter hand lines to attack the fire from the exterior, additional units focused on defending each exposure while safely evacuating the adjoining apartment building.

Over 90 firefighters, under the leadership of Assistant Chief Melford Beard, battled intense flames for 94 minutes before successfully achieving a knockdown of the blaze, with no injuries reported. Their dedicated efforts greatly limited damage to the two exposed structures, with the apartment building sustaining only smoke and water damage to units facing the fire. The 11 affected residents were able to quickly secure nearby shelter, and did not require assistance from the American Red Cross. The church complex sustained fire damage to the section at the back of the fire building. Crews prevented the fire from moving through that building and putting the entire complex at risk.

As per protocol for an incident of this magnitude, LAFD Arson Investigators responded to the scene, and are conducting an ongoing investigation.

LAFD Incident 071023-0152

Downtown LA Commercial Fire Hampered By Fire Sprinklers by Los Angeles Fire Department

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LOS ANGELES - LAFD responded to 1620 South Los Angeles Street at 2:44 A.M. on January 18, 2020. A one-story commercial building contained a fire inside being held in check by fire sprinklers. This caused excessive smoke to build up with only minimal growth of the fire. Interior fire attack companies searched for the seat of the fire in very low visibility conditions, while navigating through excessive storage of textiles. Firefighters on the roof cut holes to ventilate the structure, letting some of the thick smoke out into the early morning sky, improving conditions for firefighters inside. Ultimately, 55 firefighters extinguished the fire in 49 minutes, with no reported injuries. The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation.

LAFD Incident 011820-0151

LIGHT BAR by scott dolman

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I like where the focus is here

10 Units Damaged and Dozens Saved by Los Angeles Fire Department

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Heavy fire billowed out of a townhouse and extended into the apartments behind it, damaging multiple units before firefighters got the upper hand and saved the rest of the building.

At 2:52PM on March 5, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 8800 block of N Cedros Ave in Panorama City. The first arriving fire company found fire showing from the 1st floor of a two-story townhouse (8839 Cedros) extending up to the 2nd floor. As fire attack made their way into the structure, they quickly saw the fire was already into the exposed building (8849 Cedros) at the rear of the fire unit.

Due to active fire in both buildings, the incident commander immediately requested additional resources and this incident rose to the Greater Alarm level (between 7 – 15 fire companies on scene).

Fire attack made quick progress against the flames in the townhouse in 8839 Cedros, limiting the fire to one unit which was fully involved and minor extension into the adjacent townhouse.

Meanwhile, in the two –story O-shaped apartment building to the rear (8849 Cedros) firefighters were both inside fighting fire in two units and on the roof working to stop an entrenched attic fire from spreading through the building.

Under the command of Assistant Chief Corey Rose, the dedicated efforts of the 96 firefighters on scene fully extinguished the fire in both buildings at the one hour and 11 minute mark. They limited damage, especially in 8849 Cedros, defending the rest of the complex through ventilation and aggressive firefighting tactics.

Fortunately, functioning smoke alarms alerted some occupants and all (from both buildings) were able to safely exit with no injuries sustained.

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety deemed seven units unsafe for occupancy (red-tagged) while three were yellow-tagged (limited occupancy).

All occupants of the two buildings were evacuated and an evacuation group officer ensured everyone was able to safely gain access into their units (if able) to get needed belongings for the night. The Los Angeles Region American Red Cross responded to continue providing for any immediate assistance needed. S.A.V.E. (Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency) cards ($250), provided by the California Fire Foundation, were given to those affected residents to help with basic necessities.

The LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section responded for the investigation per protocol for a Greater Alarm incident. The cause of the fire is officially deemed “Undetermined, with more than one accidental cause”. The fire was not incendiary (purposely started).

LAFD Incident: 030521-0857

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