structurefire photos on Flickr

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

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

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: Branden Silverman

LAFD Incident: 031022-0396

Early Morning Fire at Echo Park Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 5:30AM on Tuesday 21 November, 2017 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1600 block of W Fargo St. In 46 mins, the 38 firefighters extinguished a basement fire which ran to the attic. Firefighters conducted extensive overhaul operations on the roof to ensure no smoldering fire remained. No one was injured and adjacent homes were defended from sustaining any damage.

LAFD Incident 112117-0181

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

LAFD Incident: 110617-0049

Four Injured, Five Structures Damaged in Hollywood Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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Four Injures, Five Structures Damaged in Hollywood Fire

HOLLYWOOD - Fast moving flames damaged five residential buildings and led to four persons sustaining injury in the Hollywood Studio District Friday morning.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was notified by a 9-1-1 caller at 9:08 AM on Friday, January 22, 2021 of a structure fire at 1245 North Bronson Avenue in Hollywood.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find a vacant and boarded one story home in a large unkempt lot, fully involved with fire, with flames extending to a vacant home on the same parcel.

Fire was simultaneously taking hold of the attic at an occupied two story Craftsman-style home on a neighboring property to the north, and yet another vacant home on the same parcel, behind that structure. Flames also threatened an occupied three story garden-style apartment building to the south.

The fierce and well-coordinated firefight by 97 firefighters under the command of Assistant Chief Dean Zipperman extinguished the flames in just 39 minutes.

Damage to the apartment building was kept largely superficial, with some broken windows and damage to a balcony. The effort of LAFD responders also largely limited fire within the attic of the Craftsman-style home.

The trio of other vacant structures, including the building of fire origin and the somewhat dilapidated buildings to the rear of each home, were destroyed by the flames, which also damaged at least one vehicle.

Three civilians and one firefighter sustained non-life threatening injuries related to the fire, with the three civilians taken to area hospitals for further care, including an adult male resident of the apartment building with burns to his arm, and a pair of adult females from the Craftsman-style home - one of whom sustained minor burn injury, and the other, who had no obvious injury, but was carried from the premises by passersby prior to LAFD arrival.

The firefighter, who sustained facial trauma at the peak of the firefight, was briefly assessed and treated at scene before returning quickly to the battle.

No other injuries were reported.

Fire loss to the five buildings, three of which were vacant, is still being tabulated. The cause of the greater alarm fire remains under active investigation.

For updated informtion regarding this incident, visit:

lafd.org/news/four-injured-five-structures-damaged-fire-h...

LAFD Incident: 012221-0421

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.

DETROIT 2013 by Rick McClure

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PHOTOS IN MAY/JUNE 2013 OF INCIDENTS AND OTHER PHOTOS OF INTEREST IN DETROIT

PHOTO by RICK McCLURE

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.

Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD Photo (David Ortiz)

LAFD Incident 071023-0152

Los Angeles Apartment Fire Results in Partial Collapse by Los Angeles Fire Department

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HISTORIC SOUTH CENTRAL – A well-established basement fire spread throughout an apartment building in South Los Angeles and burned for many hours, causing collapse and displacing residents.

The Los Angeles City Fire Department responded with over 100 firefighters to a structure fire that was reported at 3:03 A.M. on May 16, 2020, in the 4000 block of South Main Street in the Historic South-Central neighborhood of Los Angeles. Firefighters found a 24-unit two-story center-hallway apartment building with fire showing. The blaze appeared to have started in a densely-packed basement used for storage, which spread to the rest of the building.

Occupant safety was the immediate concern in the early morning hours, at a time when many residents are expected to be asleep in their units. A primary search ensued, while firefighters worked to locate the seat of the fire. Heavy fire was located in the basement, but access was extremely limited due to excessive storage. Firefighters battled through low visibility and extremely hot conditions for as long as they could, as the heat emanated from below. Fire attack teams were unable to directly attack the seat of the fire, but were able to cut holes in the first floor to drop a Bresnan distributor nozzle (“cellar nozzle”) down into the basement, which acts like a fire sprinkler on steroids, sending water out of nine orifices and spinning in a circular pattern (distributing 600-800 gallons per minute in a 30-foot diameter).

As fire attack teams continued their battle, search teams swept through the building and facilitated evacuations of both floors, unit-by-unit. All residents were evacuated. Only one needed additional medical care at the hospital for smoke inhalation. At least four adjacent buildings were evacuated as a precaution.

Firefighters were forced to withdraw as conditions deteriorated. As soon as the residents were safely outside, buckling walls and sagging floors led to the incident commander’s decision to withdraw all crews from the building. The fight continued from outside, with firefighters directing hose streams through windows of every unit.

The apartment built in 1924 had balloon construction that is characterized by open spaces within the walls that stretch from bottom to top - studs from basement to attic with no fire blocks. The fire extended upward unhindered from the basement, throughout the entire building, and across the attic. Eventually, the south side of the building collapsed. Due to the extensive fire damage and partial collapse, the only option was to tear down the building. Because of the structural compromise, it was unsafe for firefighters to make entry. Excavators were ordered to demolish the building and Department of Transportation removed vehicles off the street to make room for the operation. Firefighters stood by for at least two days to continue monitoring the fire and extinguish hot spots as the debris was removed.

Red Cross was notified to assist residents with interim housing. An MTA bus was ordered to give residents a sheltered place to wait, off the street, while details for accommodations were worked out. LAFD CERT teams set up on scene to support firefighters, as this turned into an extended operation.

Apartment fires are notoriously dangerous with high potential for casualties. Today, we are reminded of the importance of operable fire protection systems (especially smoke detectors), and previously-discussed emergency escape plans, and it was fortunate only one resident was injured in the blaze.

LAFD Incident: 051620-0131

Aggressive Actions Stop Apartment Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 3:21PM on 2 April, 2017 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a structure fire in teh 15500 block of W Rayen St in North Hills. With fire showing from a unit on the top floor of a 4 story apartment building, firefighters initiated fire attack and ventilation operations. Their quick actions stopped this non-injury fire from extending beyond the unit of origin.

Photo by Greg Doyle

LAFD Incident: 040217-0948

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

Arleta Home Destroyed by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 8:26AM on December 22, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 14200 block of W Judd St for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a two story, single family dwelling with the 2nd floor well involved in fire. Initial reports on scene indicated one occupant was missing.

Crews immediately initiated an offensive operation in the "rescue profile" (due to the possibility of a victim inside the structure). The fire was isolated to the 2nd floor and extended into the attic. Firefighters conducted a primary and secondary search on the 1st floor and confirmed it was clear. As firefighters continued to battle the heavy fire and intense heat bearing down on them from above, occupants of the residence confirmed they found the missing person.

The 42 firefighters, operating under the command of Battalion Chief Albert Ward, fully extinguished the fire in 39 minutes with no damage to the neighboring buildings.

One occupant was transported in serious condition with facial/respiratory burns and two firefighters were transported for evaluation of non-life threatening burn injuries.

The home was initially reported as a 'sober living facility' but later confirmed not to be a licensed facility of any type. The legality of the construction and occupancy (at least 11 people) is under investigation. LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism section is actively investigation the cause of the fire.

LAFD Incident 122222-0346

Koreatown Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:39AM on January 23, 2019 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 900 block of S Kenmore in Koreatown for a reported structure fire. 45 firefighters handled a non-injury fire in a two story four-plex in 23 minutes.

Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD Photo - Eric French

LAFD Incident: 012319-0696

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

Heavy Fire in Koreatown Building by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 8:22AM on January 30, 2019 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 300 block of N Vermont Ave in Koreatown. Firefighters took only 25 minutes to knock down heavy fire in the 3 story, vacant commercial building.

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

LAFD Incident: 013019-0336

Early Morning Blaze in Downtown LA by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 4:29AM on August 14, 2019 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to 2501 S Main Street for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a 50‘ x 100’ commercial building, with fire showing on all sides.

The well entrenched fire required a defensive operation from the start. Firefighters deployed master streams to include ladder pipes and large diameter hand lines. As the roof collapsed on the 66 year old structure, crews continued to safely apply copious amounts of water from the exterior.

Once Incident Commander, Assistant Chief Kristina Kepner, deemed the blaze under control and conditions safe, she directed a return to an offensive operation so firefighters could reach the isolated pockets of fire and ensure full extinguishment.

115 firefighters waged the battle for one hour and 29 minutes before a complete knockdown was determined. Their tenacious efforts ensured the neighboring businesses were undamaged and no injuries were reported.

The LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section is actively investigating the cause per protocol for an incident of this scale.

LAFD Incident 081419-0160

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

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.

Los Angeles Apartment Fire Results in Partial Collapse by Los Angeles Fire Department

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