structurefire photos on Flickr

North Hollywood Bungalow Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 5:22AM on March 18, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 11000 block of W Hartsook St in North Hollywood. Firefighters quickly extinguished heavy fire in a one story bungalow with no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident: 031822-0275

Early Morning Fire in Boyle Heights by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 5:18AM on December 5, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 400 block of S Soto St #BoyleHeights. It took only 20 minutes for 37 firefighters to extinguished the flames in one unit on the second floor of a vacant two story building, previously used as a hospital.

LAFD Incident: 120518-0203

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LAFD Incident 032023-0328

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

Attic Fire in North Hills by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:40AM on November 8, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 16300 block of W Ballinger St in North Hills. 29 firefighters achieved knockdown in 23 minutes in this non-injury fire.

LAFD Incident: 110818-0660

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

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

LAFD Hunts Down Fire in Van Nuys by Los Angeles Fire Department

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VAN NUYS - LAFD responded to a structure fire at 10:09 PM on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, on the 7200 block of North Woodman Avenue to find fire showing from one upstairs unit in a commercial building. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames in the unit. When exposing the interior wall space, more fire was discovered inside, extending up to the attic. Firefighters continued chasing down the concealed flames through walls and attic spaces, finally defeating the threat 50 minutes after the time of alarm. Firefighters performed a thorough search of the two-story commercial building and. thankfully, there were no occupants found inside. No reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

LAFD Incident: 040721-1532

101 W Marine View Dr by Todd Schlemmer

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

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

101 W Marine View Dr by Todd Schlemmer

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

Inside the Flames...A firey HELL by McAllister

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Faith McAllister, "Inside the Flames", Sony Digital Camera, Faith McAllister_JFD Collection, Jasper GA

This picture is of the inside of an actual residential structure fire. In honor of the Privacy Act, the exact location, nor the names of the homeowners may be disclosed to any non-personnel. The house caught fire one night and was extinguished and preserved by Jasper Fire and Rescue Station 1, Pickens County Fire Station 11, and Talking Rock Volunteer Fire Station 7. Several volunteers also responded to this call. The owners of the home decided to rebuild and donated the structure to be used as a controlled burn, also known as a training fire. The inside of a structure fire, depending on the type of materials being burned and gasses being omitted, is about 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit after only 3-1/2 minutes of engulfment! The inside of other rooms that are not even on fire yet can reach over 300 degrees, which is hot enough to melt plastic without flames. The inside of the house will be completely dark within only 4 minutes, regardless of the lighting. A single-wide trailer can burn to the ground in only 7 short minutes.

Imagine such a horrendous fire happening on a night over 100 years ago, when fire apparatus and training wasn't nearly as advanced as it is now...Catastrophic. Well, they did happen back in 1871, and changed the way that America fights fire today. On Sunday evening, October 8, 1871, The Great Chicago Fire and the Preshtigo fire raged on the same night, just 262 miles apart from one another.

In 1871, Chicago was considered a "boom town" with around 60,000 buildings. 40,000 of those then magnificent buildings were constructed of wood, and had roofs made of either felt, wood, or wooden shingles. The construction laws were extremely lax, and fire codes were practically nonexistent. Chicago was extremely dry that night due to lack of rain for the three weeks prior. The Great Chicago Fire was rumored to have been started by a cow kicking over a lantern in a barn. Ignition did occur in a barn on the west side of the city; however, I'm convinced that the cow should remain innocent since she was never proven guilty!

The boys of the Chicago Fire Department were exhausted from fighting a fire earlier that day that spanned four blocks. Their response time to what is now known as The Great Chicago Fire was delayed due to errors in judgement of the location of the fire and in signaling the alarm. The fire fighters were first sent to the wrong neighborhood, causing the loss of precious time. Upon their arrival, the fire was already spreading out of control to the east and north and was consuming EVERYTHING in it's path. Private homes and mansions, as well as commercial buildings were all raging out of control--fueling the flames of Chicago's Hell. With limited equipment and personnel, the Chicago Fire Department seemed to be meeting it's match! The Great Chicago fire raged on relentlessly for 3 days and was finally extinguished by Mother Nature as the rain finally began to fall on the morning of October 10, 1871. The entire central business and heart of the city was completely leveled to ash and smouldering rubble. More than 2,000 acres and 17,000 homes were destroyed, leaving upwards of 100,000 people homeless. The city suffered more than $200 million in damages, and at least 300 people were killed.

On that same fateful October day, (10/08/1871) the under-publicized Preshtigo Fire occurred, just 262 miles north of Chicago. Preshtigo, Wisconsin had been the host to a large logging operation, which left the forest floor carpeted with pine branches and sawdust. Clearing projects at the time used a "slash and burn" method, in which tiny, controlled fires were used to dispose of the refuse. The city was under drought-like conditions for the entire summer of 1871 and was severely dry by the fall. Several of the "slash and burn" fires caught wind and were swept up into a huge cyclonic fire storm. This "tornado of fire" quickly grew to more than 1,000 feet high and 5 miles wide. The Preshtigo Fire Company consisted of a single, horse-drawn steam pumper and was NO match for a forest fire of this magnitude--their efforts were hopeless. The Preshtigo Fire blazed on destroying more than 2,400 square miles of forest, as well as several small communities. It claimed the lives of more than 2,200 settlers. It then became a firestorm and actually jumped the Green Bay-which was about 60 miles wide. It then went on to completely burn and destroy several hundred more miles of land and settlements on the northeast peninsula of Wisconsin.

In the light of these two tragic fires, America began to enact strict building and fire codes. Improvements in communications are still constantly being made. Advances in firefighting equipment as a whole were set in force then to ensure that these such tragedies do not recur. The Preshtigo Fire is still known as the biggest forest fire in North American History today.

Jones and Bartlett. "Fundamentals of Fire Fighter Skills, Second Edition" (10-12) Print

"Hot Facts About House Fires". www.ok.gov/health/documents/house_fires.pdf . Retrieved July 28, 2011.

"The Great Chicago Fire". www.chicagohs.org/history/fire.html . Retrieved July 28, 2011.

"The Great Preshtigo Fire of 1871". www.preshtigofire.info/ . Retrieved June 27, 2011.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peshtigo_Fire

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Chicago_Fire

Greater Alarm Fire in Koreatown by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 12:08AM on May 15, 2020 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 200 block of S Vermont Av in Koreatown. Firefighters arrived to find a commercial strip mall (mixed one and two story) with heavy fire showing from the 2nd story on one end of the mall. A defensive operation ensued and 71 firefighters fully extinguished the fire in 45 minutes. The facade of the building collapsed due to loss of structural integrity from a previous burn. LAFD Arson section is conducting the cause investigation. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

LAFD Incident: 051520-0004

Chatsworth Fire Sends Two LAFD Firefighters to Hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department

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CHATSWORTH - It took 122 Los Angeles Firefighters just 81 minutes to win a relentless battle with wind-whipped flames accidentally sparked by a propane fueled barbecue, that damaged four condominium units under a common roof in the 22100 block of James Alan Circle on July 4, 2017. Two LAFD firefighters sustained non-life threatening injury in the fierce firefight.Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD Photo | Scott Kingsland

LAFD Incident: 070417-1009

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

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

LAFD Hunts Down Fire in Van Nuys by Los Angeles Fire Department

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VAN NUYS - LAFD responded to a structure fire at 10:09 PM on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, on the 7200 block of North Woodman Avenue to find fire showing from one upstairs unit in a commercial building. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames in the unit. When exposing the interior wall space, more fire was discovered inside, extending up to the attic. Firefighters continued chasing down the concealed flames through walls and attic spaces, finally defeating the threat 50 minutes after the time of alarm. Firefighters performed a thorough search of the two-story commercial building and. thankfully, there were no occupants found inside. No reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

LAFD Incident: 040721-1532

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

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

Sherman Way IC LAFD by Bernie Deyo Photography

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Fire Fighters from the Los Angees City Fire department battle a greater alarm structure fire at Sherman Way & Desoto in the SFV.

One Man Dies Overnight in a South LA Commercial Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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CENTRAL-ALAMEDA - A late-night commercial fire destroyed an industrial building and killed one man inside of his business.

In the last few remaining minutes of Monday, May 3, 2021, at 11:57 PM, the alarm went out to alert firefighters of a commercial building engulfed in flames on the 1800 block of East 57th Street. Firefighters immediately recognized the need to use defensive tactics and fight this fire with copious amounts of water from the exterior. The Incident Commander called for additional fire crews, making it a Greater Alarm incident. Firefighters positioned themselves on all sides of the building to protect the many surrounding structures. Firefighters protected adjacent buildings from all but minor flame impingement.

LAFD's robotic firefighting unit was utilized during the incident. RS3 was able to enter the structure and apply water to harder-to-reach areas without exposing firefighters to the collapse risk of the burned out structure. Ultimately, sixty-seven firefighters extinguished the flames in seventy-two minutes.

After the fire was out, firefighters discovered that, tragically, one man had perished inside. The Coroner responded and met with the family to verify his identity. The family reported that he was a carpenter and often worked during the late evening and early morning hours. The wood and materials from his business appear to have added to the intense fire load within the building, causing the fire to grow extremely fast. Crews remained on scene overnight to ensure the debris did not reignite.

The cause of the fire is under active investigation.

LAFD Incident: 050321-1661

Building Saved in Koreatown by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 5:24AM on October 20, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 700 block of S Normandie Av in Koreatown. Firefighters arrived to a four story, center-hall apartment building with people exiting through the front doors. Although no fire or smoke was visible, crews immediately deployed into fire attack and roof ventilation operations and located fire in the basement. Further investigation located pockets of fire in walls on the first and second floors.

Firefighters strategically opened sections of walls to extinguish fire while determining the extent of the fire's spread. The size of the building (54,152 square feet) and potential for a working attic fire led the Incident Commander Assistant Chief Kwame Cooper to request additional units and raise this to a Major Emergency status.

The efficient and precise efforts of the firefighters successfully prevented a dangerous attic fire and limited damage to the building. The structure, built in 1926, contained 76 units and occupants were evacuated with only one resident requesting medical evaluation by LAFD paramedics but did not require ambulance transport.

106 firefighters achieved knockdown in one hour and 30 minutes. While the cause of the fire is under active investigation by LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) (based on protocol for a Major Emergency structure fire) it appears the fire originated in a first floor utility room and traveled to the basement via a light well and then through the walls to the attic.

Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD Photo - Erik Scott

LAFD Incident: 102018-0259

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.

Truck 16 by engineco32

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Arleta Home Destroyed by Los Angeles Fire Department

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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

LAFD Holds Non-Injury Fire Within Vacant Arleta Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

ARLETA - It took thirty members of the Los Angeles Fire Department less than 17 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish heavy fire in the front portion of a vacant one story home in the 10200 block of Bartee Avenue early February 19, 2023. The well coordinated attack on the non-injury fire, considered accidental in nature, prevented it from extending to nearby homes.

LAFD Incident 021923-0022

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

Sherman Way IC LAFD by Bernie Deyo Photography

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Fire Fighters from the Los Angees City Fire department battle a greater alarm structure fire at Sherman Way & Desoto in the SFV.

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

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

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

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

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

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

LAFD Incident: 110119-1860

Flames Destroy Hollywood Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

LAFD Incident 110322-1304

Winnetka Garage Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 3:56AM on October 10, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 8600 block of N Keokuk Ave in Winnetka.

Firefighters arrived to find a one story, single family dwelling with a detached garage and the garage was well involved in fire.

One adult male was evaluated for possible smoke inhalation and declined LAFD transport.

Due to excessive storage conditions, it was an extended operation ensuring all pockets of fire were fully extinguished. Knockdown was officially called at just over two hours.

LAFD Incident 101022-0201

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.

Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD Photo

LAFD Incident: 112521-1480

Sherman Oaks Strip Mall Destroyed by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 10:48PM on January 12, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 15000 block of W Ventura Bl in Sherman Oaks. The first arriving crews found a small strip mall with heavy smoke showing.

After an initial offensive attack, the incident transitioned to defensive and 75 firefighters extinguished the fire in one hour at 20 minutes with no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident 011222-1891

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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Winnetka Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 1:06PM on April 16, 2023 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 20100 block of W Gilmore St for a reported structure fire.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing from an attached carport which extended into the back of a single family dwelling.

44 firefighters extinguished the fire in 28 minutes and defended to two adjacent residences from damage.

LAFD Incident 041623-0833

20061218_FIRE - 2812 Moore Crossing_294 by Harry Rowe

Structure Fire - 2812 Moore Crossing

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

Venice Blaze Destroys Two Homes by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 10:44 PM on October 2, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 400 block of Carroll Canal in the Venice neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived to find a three story home (under renovation/new construction) fully involved in fire and exposing adjacent homes.

Over 100 firefighters battled for one hour and 20 minutes to extinguish the blaze. Two homes (the address of origin and an adjacent home) were destroyed while three additional homes sustained damage to the eves from the ember cast.

LAFD Arson section responded, per protocol for an incident of this size, and the investigation is ongoing.

LAFD Incident 100222-1620

LAFD Confines Fire to Outside Shed by Los Angeles Fire Department

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SYLMAR - At 5:52 PM on September 6, 2021, LAFD responded to the 15200 block of West La Valle Street, where firefighters quickly extinguished flames consuming a detached shed behind a residence.

LAFD Incident 090521-1279

Greater Alarm Fire in Koreatown by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 12:08AM on May 15, 2020 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 200 block of S Vermont Av in Koreatown. Firefighters arrived to find a commercial strip mall (mixed one and two story) with heavy fire showing from the 2nd story on one end of the mall. A defensive operation ensued and 71 firefighters fully extinguished the fire in 45 minutes. The facade of the building collapsed due to loss of structural integrity from a previous burn. LAFD Arson section is conducting the cause investigation. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Use of This Photo Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD

LAFD Incident: 051520-0004

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

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

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

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

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

There were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.

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

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

LAFD Incident: 060821-0089

Heavy Fire in Sherman Oaks Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 11:48PM on December 30, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 15000 block of W Weddington St for a reported structure fire. Firefighters found heavy fire showing from a one story, single family dwelling with two additional homes exposed to the flames. 26 firefighters safely extinguished the blaze in 32 minutes, defended the adjacent homes from damage.

LAFD Incident: 123020-1865

Studio City Residential Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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STUDIO CITY - At 2:44 PM on September 5, 2021, LAFD responded to the 4400 block of Kraft Avenue to find a single family home with fire through the roof of an attached storage room to the rear. Thirty-two firefighters extinguished the flames in 27 minutes. No reported injuries.

LAFD Incident 090521-0998

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

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

Attic Fire in North Hills by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:40AM on November 8, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 16300 block of W Ballinger St in North Hills. 29 firefighters achieved knockdown in 23 minutes in this non-injury fire.

LAFD Incident: 110818-0660

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

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