structurefire photos on Flickr

Autos on Fire Threaten Building by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 3:17PM on April 24, 2020 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported auto fire which was then upgraded to a structure fire response in the 8800 block of N San Fernando Rd in Sun Valley. Firefighters found a one story, commercial building with multiple vehicles on fire (outside) impinging on the structure. 38 firefighters took only 18 minutes to fully extinguish the fire and prevent any extension into the structure.

LAFD Incident: 042420-0942

Overhaul by Josh F

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Structure Fire, Shelburne, Vermont. Located on Bay Road.

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

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

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

Greater Alarm Commercial Fire in Eagle Rock by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 3:39PM on January 7, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 4537 N Eagle Rock Blvd to find a 75' x 250' vacant commercial building with heavy smoke showing. The property, surrounded by security fencing, required forcible entry to gain full access to the structure.

While truck companies made their way to the roof, interior fire attack encountered heavy smoke and heat upon entry. Minutes later, a partial roof collpase required the transition to a defensive operation. All crews exited safely and 2 1/2 handlines were put into place at exterior doors. The firefighters were able to gain an upperhand on the bulk of the fire and when all safety factors were considered, offensive operations resumed to reach the stubborn pockets of fire.

The structure, built in 1968, had a large, attached building (also vacant) which was defended from any fire damage. 98 firefighters, under the expert command of Assistant Chief Tim Ernst, fully extinguished the fire in just over one hour. Out of abundance of caution, residents from an exposed, large apartment building were evacuated but all were re-housed once knockdown was achieved with no remaining hazards.

LAFD 010718-1009

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

Sherman Oaks Storage Facility Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 3:58AM on April 11, 2017, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 4600 block of N Van Nuys Blvd for a reported structure fire in a public storage facility. The fire began on the roof and extended into the attic. Firefighters, working together from the roof and the interior, stopped the fire from running the attic, saving the belongings inside the building.

LAFD Incident: 041117-0996

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

Strip Mall Fire Stopped by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

LAFD Incident: 052517-1441

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.

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

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

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

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

Pacoima Greater Alarm Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 3:37PM on May 22, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 9800 block of N San Fernando Road. The first arriving fire companies found a one story autoshop with heavy fire showing. This incident rose to Greater Alarm status. 87 firefighters extinguished the fire in 72 minutes via defensive operations (from the outset). There were no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident: 052221-0940

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

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

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

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

LAFD Incident 031417-1428

©Photo by Rick McClure

Major Blaze in Downtown Building by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 9:44PM on November 9, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 210 N Center Street in Downtown Los Angeles. The large, vacant building had numerous safety hazards from previous fires. While the building suffered extensive damage, firefighters defended the neighboring buildings from harm.

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

LAFD Incident: 110918-2060

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

House Saved from Big Rig Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 10:19PM the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 8100 block of N St Clair, North Hollywood, to find a big rig parked in the driveway full involved in fire. While the flames were impinging the house, firefighters worked quickly to prevent it from causing total destruction.

LAFD Inc1544-053017

LAFD Incident: 053017-0129

Apartments Protected From Ensuing Blaze by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 4:04AM the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to 4659 W Fountain Ave to find a 2 story strip mall with heavy fire in one unit on the 2nd floor which was impinging on a 4 story apartment building butted up next to it. Over 100 firefighters took 51 mins to gain a knockdown and protected all 31 apartment units from any damage. No injuries reported and the cause of the fire is "undetermined, nothing suspicious in nature"

LAFD Incident 031417-0173

Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD Photo | Peter Sanders

Fire Breaks Out at Woodland Hills Vacant Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

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WOODLAND HILLS - It took 28 firefighters 35 minutes to extinguish the fully-involved two-story single-family home at the 22200 block of West Mulholland Drive on September 29,2022. No reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

LAFD Incident 092922-1583

Hollywood Fire Stopped Quickly by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 1:27PM on April 9, 2020 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 5700 block of W Melrose Av in Hollywood. 75 firefighters took just 19 minutes to extinguish an exterior fire that extended to the walls and a portion of the 2nd floor and attic of a (well-secured and densely filled with storage) 1,832 square-foot 2 story craftsman-style home (built 1915) that had been converted to 1st floor commercial (plumbing supply) and 2nd floor office space. There were no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident 040920-0699

Stubborn Wall Fire Handled Quickly by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 2:38 PM on October 16, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 17700 block of W Devonshire St in #Northridge. Firefighters initially saw very light smoke and found workers in kitchen of 2 story condo. Upon further investigation, crews determine a fire was in the walls of the kitchen and moving up towards the 2nd floor. Working quickly to locate the fire, firefighters it from extending and damaging the entire structure.

Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD Photo - Adam VanGerpen

LAFD Incident: 101618-0962

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

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

Lake Balboa Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 9:15PM on July 28, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 7700 block of N Oak Park Ave in #LakeBalboa for a reported structure fire. Firefighters found two sheds well involved in fire and quickly achieved knockdown with no injuries.

LAFD Incident 0702818-1511

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

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

West Hills Isolated Attic Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

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

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

House fire in Salisbury by LeafsHockeyFan

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9-18-19. Salisbury, Delmar and Hebron Fire Dept's responded for a house fire. Hebron Engine 507 later left the scene to stand-by at Salisbury Station 16 along with Mardela Springs Fire Dept.

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

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

Mill fire by Swede1969

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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 Peter Sanders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LAFD Photo by Gary Apodaca

LAFD Incident 062223-1024

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

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

Early Morning Blaze in Sherman Oaks by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 2:03AM, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 13500 block of W Huston St in Sherman Oaks for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a two story home under construction well involved with fire. The fire extended to the attic of an adjacent duplex. Both structures extinguished in just 35 minutes with 66 firefighters and no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident 07117-0101

Residential Fire Damages Three Structures by Los Angeles Fire Department

CANOGA PARK - At 2:49 PM on March 16, 2022, Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a structure fire on the 7300 block of North Loma Verde Avenue. Firefighters found heavy fire coming from a one-story single-family home, which had spread to one neighboring home (and minor damage to a detached garage). The incident commander requested additional units and divided the fire ground crews into groups to attack all burning structures simultaneously. Ultimately, it took 39 firefighters 31 minutes to eliminate all threat of fire in the area. Although there were no injuries, sadly, one family canine perished in the blaze. Fire cause under investigation.

LAFD Incident: 031622-1016

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

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

Residential Fire Damages Three Structures by Los Angeles Fire Department

CANOGA PARK - At 2:49 PM on March 16, 2022, Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a structure fire on the 7300 block of North Loma Verde Avenue. Firefighters found heavy fire coming from a one-story single-family home, which had spread to one neighboring home (and minor damage to a detached garage). The incident commander requested additional units and divided the fire ground crews into groups to attack all burning structures simultaneously. Ultimately, it took 39 firefighters 31 minutes to eliminate all threat of fire in the area. Although there were no injuries, sadly, one family canine perished in the blaze. Fire cause under investigation.

LAFD Incident: 031622-1016

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

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 Mike Meadows

LAFD Incident: 042717-0067

Studio City Blazes Destroys Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 3:40AM on March 13, 2020 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 3700 block of N Eureka Drive. Firefighters found a large, one story home well involved in fire exposing two additional residences. After a battle spanning one hour and 18 minutes, the 52 firefighters on scene fully extinguished the fire. The two adjacent homes were defending from the fire extending, limiting it to some minor exterior damage to one home. Two firefighters were transported to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Due to the size of the building, LAFD Arson section responded to investigate the cause.

LAFD Incident 031320-0185

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