structurefire photos on Flickr

Multiple Businesses Saved in Pacoima by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LAFD Incident 032922-1556

Woodland Hills Fire Lights the Sky by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 9:54PM on November 7, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire in the 5100 block of N Medina Rd in Woodland Hills. Firefighters arrived to find a three-story ascending hillside home with fire showing from the top floor. 66 firefighters protected nearby vegetation and homes from the blaze and extinguished the fire in 45 minutes with no reported injuries

LAFD Incident: 110520-1322

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.

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

LAFD Incident: 051520-0004

Studio City Blazes Destroys Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

LAFD Incident 031320-0185

Two Injured, Including LAFD Firefighter, at Westlake District Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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The Los Angeles Fire Department received the first of several 9-1-1 calls at 6:31 PM on February 11, 2020, reporting a structure fire at 1435 West 2nd Street in the Westlake District of Los Angelels,

Fire crews arrived quckly to find fire on the first and second floors of an L-shaped two story residential five-plex, and soon encountered an adult male resident who sustained only minor injury when he lept from the second floor to escape the fast-moving flames. He declined ambulance transport to the hospital.

A bold and well-coordinated interior fire attack by 42 LAFD personnel under the command of Battalion Chief Scott La Rue, successfully confined the bulk of flames to the upper floor and attic - but not before the structure had sustained serious fire damage.

In the aftermath of the fierce 33 minute firefight, one firefighter sustained moderate injury, when a portion of the century old structure gave way, toppling him from the roof into a subgrade external light well at the perimeter of the 2,389 square-foot building.

Conscious and alert, the firefighter was taken by LAFD ambulance to an area hospital in fair condtion for treatment of signficant chest trauma that thankfully appeared to be non-life threatening. No other injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.

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

LAFD Incident: 021120-1375

Commercial Fire in Chatsworth by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 1:23PM on September 21, 2019 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 9500 block of N Owensmouth Av in Chatsworth. A one story, industrial building (with six units) had fire showing from one unit. A closely coordinated roof ventilation and interior fire attack operation resulted in the stubborn fire being primarily contained to one unit. 39 firefighters fully extinguished the blaze in 29 minutes.

LAFD Incident: 092119-0735

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

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

LAFD Incident: 070417-1009

Fully Involved Structure Fire in Sylmar by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:29PM on October 23, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 13400 block of W Foothill Blvd in Sylmar. Firefighters arrived to find a one story, vacant home fully involved in fire. 26 firefighters, working in defensive mode, extinguished the non-injury fire in 22 minutes.

LAFD Incident 102321-1655

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

Firefighters Extinguish Arleta Garage Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

ARLETA - Los Angeles City Firefighters responded to the 12800 block of West Tonopah Street at 11:47 AM to find a garage fire spreading to a vacant single-family home. It took 29 firefighters 23 minutes to extinguish the flames. No reported injuries. Cause under investigation.

LAFD Incident 062122-0649

Granada Hills Attic Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 2:04PM on April 19, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 10600 block of N Andasol Av in Granada Hills. 31 firefighters extinguished an attic fire in 27 minutes with no injuries reported in. The fire cause was attributed to the explosion of a BBQ propane tank which then extended up into the attic.

LAFD Incident: 041821-0920

Greater Alarm in Downtown LA by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 12:05PM on April 3, 2020 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 900 block of S Maple Ave in Downtown LA. 60 firefighters engaged in the fire fight and extinguished the flames in 37 minutes. Vertical ventilation was not conducted due to rooftop parking. Companies performed forcible entry to the fire unit and adjacent units, all containing textiles, advancing hose lines to the rear and preventing fire from spreading to other units. However, smoke did damage some goods inside of both units directly adjacent. Due to the size of the incident, LAFD Arson Sectionfire investigators responded for the cause investigation, which remains active. No injuries were reported by civilians or firefighters.

LAFD Incident: 040320-0597

Two Injured, Including LAFD Firefighter, at Westlake District Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

The Los Angeles Fire Department received the first of several 9-1-1 calls at 6:31 PM on February 11, 2020, reporting a structure fire at 1435 West 2nd Street in the Westlake District of Los Angelels,

Fire crews arrived quckly to find fire on the first and second floors of an L-shaped two story residential five-plex, and soon encountered an adult male resident who sustained only minor injury when he lept from the second floor to escape the fast-moving flames. He declined ambulance transport to the hospital.

A bold and well-coordinated interior fire attack by 42 LAFD personnel under the command of Battalion Chief Scott La Rue, successfully confined the bulk of flames to the upper floor and attic - but not before the structure had sustained serious fire damage.

In the aftermath of the fierce 33 minute firefight, one firefighter sustained moderate injury, when a portion of the century old structure gave way, toppling him from the roof into a subgrade external light well at the perimeter of the 2,389 square-foot building.

Conscious and alert, the firefighter was taken by LAFD ambulance to an area hospital in fair condtion for treatment of signficant chest trauma that thankfully appeared to be non-life threatening. No other injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.

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

LAFD Incident: 021120-1375

Blaze Destroys Reseda Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 9:11AM on on November 21, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 7700 block of N Aura #Reseda. In 18 mins, the 46 firefighters on scene extinguished a fully involved single family dwelling and defended neighobring homes from damage. Two adult male patients were transported with burn injuries and LAFD Arson units responded for the investigation.

LAFD Incident: 112118-0403

East Hollywood Fire Destroys Building by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 8:33AM on October 27, 2019 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 4760 W Melrose Ave in East Hollywood. Firefighters arrived to find a two story, vacant center hall apartment building with heavy fire showing.

Interior fire attack immediately made entry while the truck company went to the roof to provide vertical ventilation. Heavy fire was encountered both on the first and second floors. As firefighters successfully extinguished the bulk of the fire on the first floor, the structural integrity of the building started to falter. With visible signs of pending collapse, Incident Commander Asssitant Chief Kristina Kepner made the call to transition to a defensive operation.

All firefighters safely exited the structure and left the roof to establish ladder pipe operations and hand lines for an exterior fire attack. 81 firefighters achieved a knockdown of the fire in 1 hour and 22 minutes with no injuries reported. A human remains detection K9 team responded to the incident to conduct a thorough search to ensure no victims were hidden under the debris. The cause of the fire is under active investigation by the LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section.

LAFD Incident: 102719-0465

North Hollywood Commercial Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 9PM on August 27, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 12100 block of W Victory Bl in North Hollywood.63 firefighters took just 29 minutes to extinguish the flames in a three-story commercial building. The fire was burning on the first floor and into the elevator shaft, sending smoke throughout the building. Initial reports of a person trapped inside made the interior search a high priority. Thankfully, no patients were located inside the structure and no injuries were reported.

LAFD Incident: 082720-1403

Sherman Oaks Hillside Home Heavily Damaged by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 1:40pm on 25 May, 2017 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 3800 block of N Sherwood Place in Sherman Oaks. It took 84 firefighters just under one hour to knockdown heavy fire in a 3 story, descending hillside home. The fire presented numerous challenges which firefighters overcame with no injuries.

LAFD Incident: 052517-0776

Valley Village Fire Contained to Detached Garage by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 2:25AM on April 26, 2017 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 11600 block of W Margate St to find a detached garage with fire showing. 29 firefighters kept the non-injury fire contained to the garage and achieved knockdown in 11 mins.

LAFD Incident: 042617-0084

Downtown Los Angeles Commercial Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 8:42AM on March 10, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 720 S Ceres Ave in Downtown Los Angeles. The first arriving fire company found a one story commercial building with smoke showing.

As firefighters worked to gain entry into the building, the conditions worsened and they faced thick, black smoke, severely limiting visibility. Vertical ventilation conducted by the truck company opened up the roof to find heavy, pressurized smoke emanating from holes cut towards the back of the building. This smoke turned to fire and given the distance from where firefighters entered and the location of the fire combined with the amount of fire present, the incident commander, Assistant Chief Wade White, made the call to move the operation into a defensive mode.

All crews exited the building and came off the roof to rapidly deploy master streams. With multiple ladder pipes and large diameter hand lines flowing, firefighters quickly made progress as the white smoke in the sky dissipated.

The incident then transitioned back into the offensive mode and once the ladder pipes were shut down, an interior fire attack resumed, extinguishing the remaining pockets of fire.

Over 90 firefighters achieved a knockdown in 40 minutes with no injuries reported. The 4,536sq foot, nearly 100 year old building, housed an artist’s studio/metal fabrication business and was ‘red-tagged’ (deemed unsafe to occupy) by the LA Department of Building and Safety.

The LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) responded per protocol and is actively investigating the cause of the fire.

Use of This Photo Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: Gary Apodaca

LAFD Incident: 031022-0396

Firefighters Extinguish Arleta Garage Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

ARLETA - Los Angeles City Firefighters responded to the 12800 block of West Tonopah Street at 11:47 AM to find a garage fire spreading to a vacant single-family home. It took 29 firefighters 23 minutes to extinguish the flames. No reported injuries. Cause under investigation.

LAFD Incident 062122-0649

Encino Apartment Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 8:41PM on March 19, 2020 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 5400 block of N Yarmouth Av in Encino. Firefighters chased a stubborn fire in the walls which extended to the common attic of a building with two story apartment units. The fire was extinguished in 56 minutes with no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident: 031920-1354

Sun Valley Commercial Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 3:13PM on April 22, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 8200 block of N San Fernando Road in Sun Valley for a reported structure fire.

Firefighters arrived to find a one story, commercial building with fire showing. This was a vacant structure which had previously burned.

43 firefighters extinguished the fire in 20 minutes with no injuries reported. The fire was contained to the building of origin, prevented from extending to the attached businesses.

LAFD Incident 042222-1018

El Sereno Fire Displaces Seven by Los Angeles Fire Department

EL SERENO - It took 109 Los Angeles City Firefighters just 51 minutes to extinguish stubborn flames that raced through a pair of nearly conjoined residential structures in the 2400 block of Endicott Street on September 27, 2020. The blaze displaced seven residents, but thankfully caused no injury.

LAFD Incident: 092720-0617

4street37 by Lou Angeli

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Squrt-4 and Squad-1 on the B-side — at Wilmigton DE.

Midnight Blaze in South Los Angeles by Los Angeles Fire Department

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.

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

LAFD Incident: 050520-1481

Over 30 Businesses Saved in Van Nuys by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 2:44PM on October 12, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 7056 N Van Nuys Blvd in Van Nuys. The first fire company arrived to find a one story, vacant commercial building (7,600 square feet built in 1957) well involved in fire.

After initially deploying an offensive fire attack, the incident commander quickly transitioned to a defensive operation due to the extent of fire involvement. As crews established hand lines, a collapse zone of 30’ was implemented at the front of the building due to concern about the stability of the façade. Approximately 20 minutes into the incident, an ‘Emergency Traffic’ radio alert was issued informing all on the fire ground of the full collapse of the façade. All firefighters were safely outside the collapse zone and continued their operation without delay.

The building to the North (on the Bravo side) abutted the fire building while there was a small separation with the building to the South (on the Delta side). Despite the close proximity of the two exposures and the heavy fire present, firefighters battled and succeeded in defending the structures from fire damage – saving over thirty businesses.

It was a long, extended operation due to the amount of fire and challenges in safely access all areas of the building. The RS3, Robotic Fire Fighting Vehicle was deployed to apply high volumes of water (master streams) more deeply into the building than was safely possible by firefighters. The combination of hand lines, ladder-pipes, RS3 and the team of over 85 firefighters, working under the command of Assistant Chief Corey Rose, fully extinguished the fire in over four hours.

One firefighter was transported to the hospital in fair condition with heat exhaustion. There were no other injuries reported.

Per protocol, LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) responded and is actively investigating the cause of the fire.

LAFD Incident 101222-1068

Firefighters Save Critical Parts of Building at Major Emergency by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 8:08PM, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to 4020 S Compton Av in South Los Angeles to find a large food processing plant with a fire originating in the kitchen equipment and rapidly spreading through the duct work in the attic. The fire evolved into a Major Emergency fire with a defensive operation. Firefighters made a tremendous save, protecting half of the building and saving critical business papers and computers. The full story www.lafd.org/news/relentless-effort-firefighters-prevents...

LAFD Incident: 040317-1422

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

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

2018.07.10_Structure Fire_Bain Incident by CAL FIRE Riverside County Fire Department

Photo by CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department

Firefighters Save Multi-Family Dwelling from Westlake Blaze by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 3:52PM on February 26, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1500 block of W 8th Street in the Westlake community. Firefighters arrived only four minutes later to find an outside fire extending into a one story, craftsman style dwelling and exposing a two story four-plex.

With multiple structures at risk, additional companies were requested and the incident reached the Major Emergency level.

Two separate fire attack and roof ventilation operations ensued while more firefighters checked an exposed commercial building built onto the back of the craftsman. A well entrenched attic fire quickly extended to the commercial add-on and created more flames which lapped up the eaves of the four-plex and took root in it's attic as well.

While the truck companies on the roof of the four-plex worked to ventilate and extinguish the attic fire, crews on the inside conducted salvage operations to protect the contents from water damage. Their combined efforts were successful and the fire was contained to only a portion of the attic and did not damage the living spaces below.

The craftsman and attached commercial building sustained the heaviest damage.

The 105 firefighters, operating under the command of Assistant Chief Timothy Ernst, fully extinguished the fire in all three structures in 31 minutes. One firefighter was transported for non-life threatening burn injuries limited to one arm.

Per protocol, the LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism section is actively investigating the cause of the fire.

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

LAFD Incident: 022621-0978

Greater Alarm Commercial Fire in Harvard Park by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 5:22AM on September 16, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1700 block of W Florence Av. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing through the roof of a mixed one and two story dry cleaning plant. 90 LAFD firefighters extinguished the blaze in one hour and 35 minutes. Firefighters initially made entry, but intense fire behavior drove them back out. Using ladder pipes and large hand lines from the exterior, firefighters extinguished the fire and successfully protected nearby structures. There were no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident: 082820-0655

Sherman Oaks Hillside Home Heavily Damaged by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 1:40pm on 25 May, 2017 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 3800 block of N Sherwood Place in Sherman Oaks. It took 84 firefighters just under one hour to knockdown heavy fire in a 3 story, descending hillside home. The fire presented numerous challenges which firefighters overcame with no injuries.

LAFD Incident: 052517-0776

Sun Valley Fire Destroys Vacant Supermarket by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

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

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

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

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

LAFD Incident: 072221-0162

LAFD Rescues Man From Burning San Pedro Apartment by Los Angeles Fire Department

SAN PEDRO - The Los Angeles Fire Department made quick use of a ladder to rescue a man from the window of a burning second floor apartment in the 1500 block of South Palos Verdes Street on February 23, 2020. Despite the man subsequently becoming agitated and interfering with firefighting efforts, he was closely evaluated for unspecified minor injuries by LAFD Paramedics, before being placed into custody by Los Angeles Police Officers. The fire was extinguished in just 18 minutes, and no other injuries were reported.

LAFD Incident: 022320-1009

Heavy Smoke Showing from South LA Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 11:49PM on July 25, 2023 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 8700 block of S Orchard Av.

Firefighters arrived to find a one story, single family dwelling with heavy smoke showing. Firefighters initiative an offensive attack and extinguished the fire in 10 minutes with no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident 072523-1912

Wilmington Auto Yard Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 4:36AM on November 28, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1900 block of East I St in Wilmington. 26 firefighters battled a deep seated fire in a large auto parts yard and extinguished the non-injury fire in 40 minutes.

LAFD Incident: 112820-0200

Multiple Businesses Saved in Pacoima by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LAFD Incident 032922-1556

Early Morning Baldwin Hills Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

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

LAFD Incident: 051122-0194

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

Greater Alarm Fire in Van Nuys by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

LAFD Incident 122822-0873

Panorama City Fire Knocked Down by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 3:27AM on December 19,2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 14400 block of W Terra Bella St for a reported structure fire. The first arriving 30 Firefighters extinguished an outside fire that extended into and was confined within a classroom attached to a church (20 minutes). There were no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident: 121920-0163

Studio City Blazes Destroys Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

LAFD Incident 031320-0185

Fully Involved Structure Fire in Sylmar by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:29PM on October 23, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 13400 block of W Foothill Blvd in Sylmar. Firefighters arrived to find a one story, vacant home fully involved in fire. 26 firefighters, working in defensive mode, extinguished the non-injury fire in 22 minutes.

LAFD Incident 102321-1655

Shelburne Fire Department Hard at Work by Josh F

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Structure Fire, Bay Road, Shelburne, Vermont. South Burlington Fire Department rolled mutal aid with there ladder truck.

Early Morning Fire in Vermont Square by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 2:44AM on December 23, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 120 block of W 52nd St #VermontSquare. Firefighters arrived to find a two-story home with fire showing from the first floor which had spread into the attic. Neighboring structures were also exposed as the 51 firefighters aggressively extinguished the flames in just 34 minutes. One civilian was transported in fair condition.

LAFD Incident: 122318-0169

Two Injured, Including LAFD Firefighter, at Westlake District Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

The Los Angeles Fire Department received the first of several 9-1-1 calls at 6:31 PM on February 11, 2020, reporting a structure fire at 1435 West 2nd Street in the Westlake District of Los Angelels,

Fire crews arrived quckly to find fire on the first and second floors of an L-shaped two story residential five-plex, and soon encountered an adult male resident who sustained only minor injury when he lept from the second floor to escape the fast-moving flames. He declined ambulance transport to the hospital.

A bold and well-coordinated interior fire attack by 42 LAFD personnel under the command of Battalion Chief Scott La Rue, successfully confined the bulk of flames to the upper floor and attic - but not before the structure had sustained serious fire damage.

In the aftermath of the fierce 33 minute firefight, one firefighter sustained moderate injury, when a portion of the century old structure gave way, toppling him from the roof into a subgrade external light well at the perimeter of the 2,389 square-foot building.

Conscious and alert, the firefighter was taken by LAFD ambulance to an area hospital in fair condtion for treatment of signficant chest trauma that thankfully appeared to be non-life threatening. No other injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.

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

LAFD Incident: 021120-1375

2018.07.10_Structure Fire_Bain Incident by CAL FIRE Riverside County Fire Department

Photo by CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department

Heavy Fire Damages North Hollywood Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:33AM, Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 6600 block of N Ampere Av in North Hollywood. With heavy fire and smoke showing upon arrival, 45 firefighters gained knockdown and defended an exposed building in 25 mins. No injuries reported and two pet dogs located safely.

LAFD Incident: 080117-0532

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

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