structurefire photos on Flickr

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

Major Emergency Fire in Downtown LA by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At midnight on June 10, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1900 block of S Staunton Av in Downtown Los Angeles. It developed into a Major Emergency structure fire in the defensive mode. 70 minutes after receiving the call, the 59 LAFD personnel assigned fully extinguished flames in the approx 100' x 250' 1 story concrete tilt-up building (unknown tenancy) No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under active investigation

LAFD Incident: 061020-0001

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

Sherman Oaks Home Destroyed in Early Morning Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 5:39AM on February 28, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 13300 block of W Chandler Blvd in Sherman Oaks. Firefighters arrived to find a large (approximately 10,000sq ft), two story, single family dwelling with fire showing through the roof. Over 80 firefighters made an aggressive, offensive attack but the well-developed fire on the 2nd floor caused a partial roof collapse and extended down into the floor joists, causing the floor to burn through. Full extinguishment was achieved in one hour and 12 minutes with no injuries reported. The home appeared to be either newly constructed or under-going renovations and was not occupied. LAFD Arson Section responded and is actively investigating the cause.

LAFD Incident 022822-0286

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

LIGHT BAR by scott dolman

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I like where the focus is here

LAFD Saves More Than 30 Businesses From Van Nuys Blaze by Los Angeles Fire Department

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VAN NUYS - At 2:44PM on October 12, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 7056 Van Nuys Boulevard. 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 abutted the fire building while there was a small separation with the building to the south. 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

Sun Valley Fire Destroys Vacant Supermarket by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 3:11AM on July 22, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 8025 N Vineland Ave in Sun Valley. Two Los Angeles Police Department officers on patrol saw a rising smoke plume and located the fire to find it raging. They radioed in the location and went to check the doors to see if anyone was inside. The 82,000 square foot structure, built in 1958, was vacant and boarded up so they safely retreated to await the fire department.

When the first fire companies arrived, they found heavy fire at the back of the building had extended forward. The incident commander quickly implemented a defensive operation with crews on all four sides of the structure. Truck companies deployed ladder pipes and engine companies put large diameter hand lines in place. Over 100 firefighters battled the fire for 95 minutes before Assistant Chief John Drake declared a knockdown.

Due to roof collapse, the building was filled with debris and prevented firefighters from conducting a visual search for any potential victims. Human Remain Detection K9 teams responded and made their way up, over and through the detritus to provide a more thorough search of the area. There were no victims located and no injuries reported to firefighters or civilians.

The LAFD Tractor Company utilized the RS3 Robotic Firefighting Vehicle to safely reach pockets of fire remaining in areas too unstable for firefighter-staffed hand lines. They also used an excavator and skid steer with grapple bucket to pull down unstable sections of the building (for safety) and overhaul the large debris piles.

Due to the size of the incident, the LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section responded. After completing their investigation, the official cause is 'undetermined'.

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

LAFD Incident: 072221-0162

Mobile Home Fire in Sylmar by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 2:53AM on 8 June, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 15000 block of N Glenoaks Blvd. Firefighters extinguished a fully involved mobile home in 20 minutes with no injuries. Sadly one pet dog and cat died in the fire.

LAFD Incident 060818-0130

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

Structure Fires NEU by CAL FIRE_Official

Structure Fires Throughout the Nevada Yuba Placer Unit

Early Morning Baldwin Hills Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 4:365AM on May 11, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 5000 block of W Obama Bl for a reported structure fire. Crews arrived to find heavy fire showing from a two story, garden-style apartment building. 66 firefighters extinguished the fire in 29 minutes with no injuries reported.

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

LAFD Incident: 051122-0194

Third Street Fire in Downtown Los Angeles by Los Angeles Fire Department

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 1:50 AM on June 8, 2021 to the 200 block of East 3rd Street in Downtown Los Angeles, where firefighters arrived quickly to find a century-old commercial building engulfed in flames.

One hundred-fifty firefighters under the command of Assistant Chief Ernst confined the fire to a 200' x 50' three-story commercial building, saving nearby multi-story residential structures. Firefighters battled for over three hours to knock down the bulk of the flames. The structural integrity of the building was too compromised for firefighters to enter and finish extinguishment. Heavy machinery was brought in to move debris and uncover the many remaining hot spots. Firefighters stayed for most of the day to monitor the smoldering debris and continue to apply water when possible.

There were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.

Volunteers from the American Red Cross assisted unhoused persons whose tents were destroyed by fire, while Inspectors from the City's Department of Building & Safety examined the fire building to determine its structural integrity and potential for repair. Monetary loss from the fire is still being tabulated.

LAFD Fire Investigators have concluded their investigation and the cause will remain "undetermined." Evidence confirmed that the fire began inside the structure and is not related to the individuals in tents outside the structure. Due to the compromised structural integrity of the fire unit and partial building collapse in the probable area of ignition, investigators were unable to determine anything further.

LAFD Incident: 060821-0089

Flames Destroy Hollywood Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

West Hills Isolated Attic Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 7:20PM on April 14, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 8500 block of N Eatough Av in West Hills.

Firefighters arrived to find a two story, single family dwelling with smoke showing from the attic.

With the interior clear on both floors, the isolated attic fire was extinguished in 24 minutes with no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident 041422-1499

Pacoima Home Fully Involved by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 2:21AM on September 14, 2019 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 13100 block of W Eustace St in Pacoima for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a vacant single family dwelling well involved in fire. Despite initial unconfirmed reports of a person trapped inside, no injuries were reported and no victims located. 28 firefighters extinguished the blaze in 19 minutes, defending the adjacent homes from damage.

LAFD Incident: 091419-0125

Structure Fires NEU by CAL FIRE_Official

Structure Fires Throughout the Nevada Yuba Placer Unit

LAFD Saves More Than 30 Businesses From Van Nuys Blaze by Los Angeles Fire Department

VAN NUYS - At 2:44PM on October 12, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 7056 Van Nuys Boulevard. 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 abutted the fire building while there was a small separation with the building to the south. 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

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

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 Battles Greater Alarm Fire in Fashion District by Los Angeles Fire Department

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LOS ANGELES - At 4:19AM on July 11, 2019 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 1220 South Wall Street in the downtown Los Angeles Fashion DIstrict, LAFD crews arrived quickly to find a 50’ x 100’ row of businesses with heavy smoke showing. The 6,900 square foot building, built in 1924, presented challenges to responders in reaching the fire. After approximately 20 minutes of working to locate the seat of the blaze while it continued to rage, the conditions became too precarious for the offensive operation to continue. Incident Commander, Battalion Chief Michael Castillo, coordinated a swift transition to defensive operations, with all firefighters safely withdrawing from the interior and the roof of the heavily involved structure, as multiple ladder pipes and large diameter hand lines were put into place, This dedicated effort to defend the two attached buildings on either side of the fire unit paid off, as there was no fire extension into those structures.

102 firefighters achieved full extinguishment of the fire in one hour and 49 minutes with no injuries reported. The three units in the main building suffered varying levels of damage with the central unit being most heavily affected. Pursuant of protocol, the LAFD Arson / Counter-Terrorism Section is managing the on-going investigation. © Photo by Mike Meadows

LAFD Incident: 071119-0138

Greater Alarm Fire in Van Nuys by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 1:29PM on December 28, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 7800 block of N Balboa Bl in Van Nuys for a reported structure fire. Firefighters located a one story, commercial building (housing multiple businesses) with fire showing through the roof. 76 firefighters extinguished the fire in 36 minutes with no injuries reported. The fire destroyed the unit of origin and damaged the adjacent units. A mobile home/RV park next to the building was defended against the blaze.There were no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident 122822-0873

DTLA Commercial Fire Handled Without Injury by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 2:01AM on November 6, 2017 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 700 block of E Washington Blvd.. The 4 story commercial building had heavy fire showing from the top floor. Despite the size of the fire, 97 firefighters were able to gain a knockdown in 32 minutes, using a transitional attack prior to commencing interior firefighter operations. No injuries were reported and LAFD Arson Unit is investigating the cause.

LAFD Incident: 110617-0049

Multiple Businesses Saved in Pacoima by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 9:08PM on March 29, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 13200 block of W Van Nuys Blvd in Pacoima. The first arriving fire company found a row of one story commercial units with fire showing through the roof and quickly requested additional resources.

With the bulk of the fire in one unit (2nd in from the end), the focus was to prevent the horizontal spread to adjoining businesses. The truck company went to the roof and placed themselves ahead of the fire to initiate a strip ventilation operation. Strip ventilation extends the entire width of the unit and creates a fire break which slows the fire's progress.

Meanwhile, an interior attack began but quickly encountered excessive storage conditions inside, hampering their progress. With the fire intensifying, the Incident Commander shifted strategies to a transitional attack, pulling all companies out of the building. Once officers confirmed all crews were out, large amounts of water were applied from the exterior, using both hand lines and wagon batteries (fixed appliance atop the fire engine). This tactic provides a brief 'break of the fire triangle' by cooling the environment which allows firefighters to resume an interior fire attack.

The bulk of the fire was at the rear (Charlie side) of the unit and while the preferred approach is to move from the 'uninvolved to the involved' portion of the building, the excessive storage conditions forced crews to make entry and conduct fire attack from the back.

Ultimately, over 70 firefighters, working under the command of Assistant Chief Corey Rose, extinguished the fire in 42 minutes with no injuries reported.

They contained the fire to the unit of origin (13289 Van Nuys Blvd, 3,400 sq ft unit built in 1955) with minimal damage to the adjoining business on the Alpha (southwest) side (13293 Van Nuys Blvd) and some damage to the roof members of the opposite adjoining unit (13287 Van Nuys Blvd). The rest of the businesses were defended from any fire damage.

Per protocol, LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section responded and it remains an active, open investigation.

LAFD Incident 032922-1556

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

South Australia Police | Unmarked | Holden VF Commdore Evoke by southaustesp

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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

Flames Consume Lake View Terrace Home's Garage by Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAKE VIEW TERRACE - It took 28 Los Angeles City Firefighters 22 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish flames that consumed an attached garage at the front of a one-story home in the 11200 block of North Wheatland Avenue late October 24, 2022. The cause of the non-injury fire remains under investigation.

LAFD Incident 102422-1735

Whoa! by Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firefighters found heavy smoke and fire in a 1 story commercial, Leeds Mattress Store. It took 40 Firefighters 20 minutes to call a knockdown. No injuries were reported. © Photo by Mike Meadows

Multiple Businesses Saved in Downtown LA by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 5:35PM, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1400 block of South Long Beach Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles. With fire showing through the roof of a one story commercial building (doing business as I-Catcher Graphics), the responding companies immediately entered a defensive mode and requested additional resources.

Within minutes, the rear portion of the roof collapsed and an emergency traffic radio transmission warned of 'wires down', creating additional hazards to negotiate. With adjoining businesses on three sides of the fire building, firefighters focused both on extinguishing the blaze and defending the exposed structures. Crews deployed heavy streams through appliances (portable monitor and ladder pipes) and large diameter hand lines. Firefighters on the ground applied copious amounts of water through the front while additional firefighters positioned on the roof tops of the uninvolved, exposed buildings targeted the hard to reach areas.

Over 140 firefighters, under the leadership of Incident Commander Assistant Chief Carlos Calvillo, achieved 'knockdown' in one hour and 22 minutes with no injuries reported.

The well-orchestrated and doggedly fought battle successfully defended the fire from extending into any other buildings, saving an untold amount of money and property.

LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) is actively investigating the cause while the dollar loss is being tabulated.

Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD Photo - Branden Silverman

LAFD Incident: 102518-1223

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

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

LAFD Extinguishes Pacoima House Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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PACOIMA - It took 24 firefighters 19 minutes to extinguish the fully-involved single-family home at the 10300 block of North Rincon Avenue on September 28,2022, despite live wires down and a roof collapse at the site of a previous burn. Firefighters successfully defended the neighboring structures. Primary and secondary searches of the structure were clear (no patients found). No reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

LAFD Incident 092822-1185

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

Major Emergency Fire in Downtown LA by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At midnight on June 10, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1900 block of S Staunton Av in Downtown Los Angeles. It developed into a Major Emergency structure fire in the defensive mode. 70 minutes after receiving the call, the 59 LAFD personnel assigned fully extinguished flames in the approx 100' x 250' 1 story concrete tilt-up building (unknown tenancy) No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under active investigation

LAFD Incident: 061020-0001

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

Chicken house fire in Delmar by LeafsHockeyFan

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Chicken house fire on Delmar Road in 74’s due. Delmar, Laurel, Hebron and SCEMS were on the initial dispatch. Command then requested a Tanker Task Force which brought additional units from Parsonsburg, Gumboro, Mardela Springs, Sharptown, Blades and Seaford.

Salisbury Truck 1 and Parsonsburg Tanker 608 provided coverage at Delmar fire station during the incident.

LAFD Limits Westlake Inferno to Two Abandoned Buildings by Los Angeles Fire Department

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WESTLAKE - More than 160 Los Angeles Firefighters battled a major emergency fire involving several structures in the 600 block of South Bonnie Brae Street early April 27, 2017. Though two long abandoned buildings were destroyed, LAFD crews prevented serious damage or injury at both an adjacent convalescent hospital and law library. © Photo by Rick McClure

LAFD Incident: 042717-0067

Attic Fire at Urth Caffe by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 6:45AM, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 459 S Hewitt Street in Downtown Los Angeles. Firefighters arrived to find smoke showing from the roof of the Urth Caffe and immediately initiated an offensive attack while requesting additional units.

The Greater Alarm status fire extended into the attic and firefighters worked to locate and isolate the blaze while successfully defending the two adjoining (wall-sharing) businesses. The 11,461 square foot building, constructed in 1928, presented challenges in reaching the seat of the fire but 98 firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Kwame Cooper, worked diligently and achieved knockdown in 1 hour and 25 minutes.

As per standard protocol for a Greater Alarm fire, LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section is actively investigating the cause.

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

LAFD Incident: 122818-0280

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

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 Fire Destroys Vacant Supermarket by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 3:11AM on July 22, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 8025 N Vineland Ave in Sun Valley. Two Los Angeles Police Department officers on patrol saw a rising smoke plume and located the fire to find it raging. They radioed in the location and went to check the doors to see if anyone was inside. The 82,000 square foot structure, built in 1958, was vacant and boarded up so they safely retreated to await the fire department.

When the first fire companies arrived, they found heavy fire at the back of the building had extended forward. The incident commander quickly implemented a defensive operation with crews on all four sides of the structure. Truck companies deployed ladder pipes and engine companies put large diameter hand lines in place. Over 100 firefighters battled the fire for 95 minutes before Assistant Chief John Drake declared a knockdown.

Due to roof collapse, the building was filled with debris and prevented firefighters from conducting a visual search for any potential victims. Human Remain Detection K9 teams responded and made their way up, over and through the detritus to provide a more thorough search of the area. There were no victims located and no injuries reported to firefighters or civilians.

The LAFD Tractor Company utilized the RS3 Robotic Firefighting Vehicle to safely reach pockets of fire remaining in areas too unstable for firefighter-staffed hand lines. They also used an excavator and skid steer with grapple bucket to pull down unstable sections of the building (for safety) and overhaul the large debris piles.

Due to the size of the incident, the LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section responded. After completing their investigation, the official cause is 'undetermined'.

LAFD Incident: 072221-0162

101 W Marine View Dr by Todd Schlemmer

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90? firefighters, a dozen + agencies converge on a roaring structure fire inside a recycling facility. Defensive ops, no casualties, good stop on adjacent occupancies.

LAFD Saves More Than 30 Businesses From Van Nuys Blaze by Los Angeles Fire Department

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VAN NUYS - At 2:44PM on October 12, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 7056 Van Nuys Boulevard. 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 abutted the fire building while there was a small separation with the building to the south. 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

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