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Tujunga Fire Quickly Extinguished by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:56AM on May 9, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 5900 block of N Tujunga Av for a reported structure fire.

Firefighters arrived to find a two story, garden style apartment building with smoke showing. With an aggressive interior fire attack, crews quickly extinguished the fire in just 11 minutes with no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident: 050922-0777

14-5 feeding attack engine by cheliman

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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

Panorama City Greater Alarm Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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PANORAMA CITY - In the early morning hours of Monday, July 20, 2020, it took 60 LAFD firefighters one hour and 42 minutes to extinguish the one-story commercial building in the 14500 block of W Arminta Street (business name/type unknown) that was consumed by flames. Heavy fire and wires down blocking the access point caused firefighters to battle with a defensive posture, applying heavy streams including ladder pipes. No reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

LAFD Incident: 072020-0070

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

Quick Stop to Apartment Fire in Sherman Oaks by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 8:12PM on February 12, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 13500 block of W Moorpark St for a reported structure fire. 34 firefighter achieved a knockdown in 20 minutes, containing the fire to the unit of origin on the 2nd floor of a two story, garden style apartment building.

LAFD Incident: 021218-1412

Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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On 3 June, 2017, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 11000 block of W Oxnard St in North Hollywood. 66 firefighters battled the heavy fire in a 2 story apartment building and extinguished it in 34 mins.

LAFD Incident 060317-0119

Fire Consumes Abandoned North Hills Business by Los Angeles Fire Department

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NORTH HILLS - It took 42 Los Angeles City Firefighters just 36 minutes to extinguish a fully involved vacant one story commercial building in the 15700 block of Roscoe Boulevard early September 23, 2020. No one was injured by the blaze.

LAFD Incident: 092320-0035

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

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

West LA Fire Damages Three Units by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 5:05PM on February 6, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in teh 10600 block of W Santa Monica Bl in West Los Angeles. Firefighters arrived to find a two-story building (offices over parking) with fire in one unit that spread to the attic. The fire ultimately affected at least three units with fire and smoke damage. Thankfully, the offices did not appear to be occupied at the time (upon arrival, firefighters searched and found no one). Firefighters began with a transitional attack, utilizing hose lines from the outside first then moving inside, as crews on the roof provided vertical ventilation allowing smoke and heated gases to escape. It took 30 firefighters 26 minutes to extinguish the flames. There were no reported injuries.

LAFD Incident: 020622-1230

Greater Alarm Fire in Central-Alameda by Los Angeles Fire Department

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On December 28th, at 5:30AM the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded to a reported structure fire at 1842 E 41st Place in Central-Alameda. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire already burning through the roof, immediately forcing a defensive operation. Crews worked quickly to get multiple ladder pipes flowing water while forcible entry opened up the structure to allow hand line access to the blaze.

Over 100 firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Antoine McKnight, faced not only the intense flames but additional hazards from a partial roof collapse, high-voltage wires arcing and exterior walls starting to crumble. The 4,880 square foot building, constructed in 1940, stood next to several businesses to include an adjacent pallet yard which contained a high fire load. Only through the dedicated efforts of the LAFD firefighters was this fire extinguished in 90 minutes with no injuries while also preventing damage to the surrounding businesses.

LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section is actively investigating the cause per standard protocol for a fire of this magnitude.

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

LAFD Incident: 122818-0230

Fire Sprinklers Help Save Valley Glen Bakery by Los Angeles Fire Department

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VALLEY GLEN - It took three dozen Los Angeles Fire Department responders just 27 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish a non-injury fire held in check by fire sprinklers within a one story bakery at 12630 Raymer Street, late March 10, 2023.

LAFD Incident 031023-1736

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

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

Attic Fire in Boyle Heights by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 3:35PM on 12 March, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 700 block of S Fresno St in Boyle Heights. 38 firefighters quickly handled a well developed attic fire in the single family dwelling. Extinguishment achieved in 19 minutes with no injuries reported.

Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD Photo | Robert Barna

LAFD Incident: 031218-1055

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

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

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

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

Firefighters Extinguish Garage and Protect Tujunga Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

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TUJUNGA - LAFD Firefighters were summoned to the 6500 block of North Agnes Avenue at 6:25 PM on July 14, 2023 for a structure fire. Firefighters found a detached garage to the rear of a residential property with heavy fire showing. Flames spread to the home on the adjacent property to the rear, but firefighters quickly extinguished the flames to limit the damage to the exposed home. It took 30 firefighters 20 minutes to fully extinguish the flames. No reported injuries. Cause under investigation.

LAFD Incident 071423-1522

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

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

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

West Hills Attic Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 8:49AM on January 2, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 7400 block of N Atherton Lane in West Hills.

34 firefighters located and extinguished an attic fire in 29 minutes with no injuries reported.. Crews prevented the fire from extending down into the 2nd floor and conducted salvage operations to provide protection for the contents of the rooms.

LAFD Incident 010222-10451

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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