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Panorama City Fire Stopped by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 2:26AM on July 12, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 9800 block of N Vesper Av in Panorama City. Firefighters arrived to find a two story apartment building with fire showing from at least one unit. 90 firefighters extinguished the fire in 37 minutes with the fire primarily contained to the unit of origin but with some extension to two additional units. No injuries were reported.

LAFD Incident 071220-0144

Studio City Blazes Destroys Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

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

Woman Trapped By Flames in Woodland Hills Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

WOODLAND HILLS - A relentless fire attack and well-coordinated search by Los Angeles Firefighters allowed the rescue of a woman trapped in a fast-moving house fire in the 23500 block of Burbank Boulevard on January 23, 2020. The woman, whose pulse was restored by a team of veteran LAFD Paramedics, was admitted to an area hospital in grave condition.

LAFD Incident: 012320-0930

Large Garage Fully Involved by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:50PM on January 19, 2019 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded toa reported structure fire in the 13800 block of W Polk Street in #Sylmar. Firefighters found a two story, metal clad garage fully involved in fire and extending to a 1 story garage directly behind it. 48 firefighters achieved full extinguishment in 36 mins with no injuries reported. The main residence was not damaged.

LAFD Incident: 011919-1692

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

Arleta RV Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 11:24 p.m. on July 25th, 2019, LAFD responded to an RV fire exposing two structures to intense heat. The flames were extinguished in 16 minutes, protecting the structures from further damage.

LAFD Incident: 072519-1838

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

Panorama City Fire in Apartment Building by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:13AM on December 10, 2019 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 8400 block N Willis Av in Panorama City. 35 firefighters achieved knockdown of fire on both first and second floors of a two story garden style apartment building in 15 mins. Crews conducted search on both floors and found no one requiring medical care. The person initially reported as a possible patient declined any medical care

LAFD Incident: 112019-0869

Stubborn Wall Fire Handled Quickly by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

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

LAFD Incident: 101618-0962

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

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

West Hills Home Destroyed by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 7:48PM on December 5, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 23100 block of W Baltar St in West Hills. 26 firefighters handled a well involved, one story, single family dwelling in 37 minutes. One adult male was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

LAFD Incident: 120520-1569

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

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

LAFD Assists Alhambra Fire and Puts RS3 in Action by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 5:52PM on November 7, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded, mutual aid, to assist Alhambra Fire Department with a structure fire in a concrete building. Due to the scenario, the Incident Commander called for the RS3 Robotic Firefighting Vehicle which could enter into the below ground area to fight the fire while protecting firefighter safety.

LAFD Incident 110720-1042

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

Wind Driven Vegetation Fire Extends to Commercial Buildings in Sun Valley by Los Angeles Fire Department

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SUN VALLEY - More than 165 members of the Los Angeles Fire Department were joined by firefighters from the neighboring cities of Burbank and Glendale on November 19, 2022, in a two-and-one-half hour battle against a Santa Ana wind-driven wildfire that quickly consumed nearly two acres of vegetation adjacent to the Golden State (I-5) Freeway at Penrose Avenue, before spreading within and heavily damaging a nearby automotive repair and salvage firm, as well as an adjacent custom cabinetry business in a pair of large adjoining metal-clad one story commercial buildings. No injuries were reported.

LAFD Incident 111922-1522

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

Fire Damages Mucho Mas Restaurant in North Hollywood by Los Angeles Fire Department

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - An early morning blaze involving the upstairs portion of a restaurant near the Burbank / Los Angeles City border at 10405 Burbank Boulevard, brought the Burbank Fire Department in automatic aid to assist 36 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel in battling flames at the Mucho Mas restaurant early February. The teamwork brought the fire under control without injury, in just 22 minutes.

LAFD Incident 022920-0020

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

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

LAFD Prevents Burning Hillside Home from Sparking Brush Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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TARZANA - At 6:24 PM on Monday, August 2, 2021, LAFD responded to the 19600 block of West Valdez Drive, where a two-story hillside home was engulfed in flames, with fire starting to ignite nearby brush. Firefighters began the attack in defensive mode (from the exterior only), and later transitioned to offensive (inside the structure) to finish tracking down all of the fire within. Ultimately, it took 57 LAFD firefighters 33 minutes to extinguish the flames and keep a larger brush fire from ignition. The family escaped unharmed, but four will be displaced. No reported injuries.

LAFD Incident: 080221-1355

West Hills Home Destroyed by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 7:48PM on December 5, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 23100 block of W Baltar St in West Hills. 26 firefighters handled a well involved, one story, single family dwelling in 37 minutes. One adult male was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

LAFD Incident: 120520-1569

Manchester Square Restaurant Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 6:52PM on December 25, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 1950 block of W Florence Av in Manchester Square for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a one story, 50' x 50', restaurant (DBA Woody BBQ) with fire showing. Crews overcame forcible entry challenges to make access to the business and extinguish the fire in 18 minutes with no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident 122521-1220

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

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

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

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

Woman Trapped By Flames in Woodland Hills Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

WOODLAND HILLS - A relentless fire attack and well-coordinated search by Los Angeles Firefighters allowed the rescue of a woman trapped in a fast-moving house fire in the 23500 block of Burbank Boulevard on January 23, 2020. The woman, whose pulse was restored by a team of veteran LAFD Paramedics, was admitted to an area hospital in grave condition.

LAFD Incident: 012320-0930

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

Early Morning Trailer Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 2:04AM on March 28, 2020 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 9400 block of S Main St. Firefighter quickly extinguished fire in a 50 foot trailer which was exposed a commercial structure. No injuries were reported

LAFD Incident 032820-0098

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

Early Morning Fire in Canoga Park Apartments by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 1:52AM on December 22, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 21300 block of W Roscoe BL to a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a two story, garden style apartment building with heavy fire showing from one unit on the 2nd floor. 78 firefighters extinguished the fire in 32 minutes with no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident: 122220-0092

Craftsman Home Destroyed by Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 2:08AM on July 14, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in teh 1200 block of S Arapahoe Street in the Pico-Union area of Los Angeles. Firefighters arrived to find a large, two story Craftsman-style vacant home with heavy fire showing. 94 firefighters extinguished this Greater Alarm fire in 38 minutes. The operation shifted from offensive to defensive due to the difficulty accessing fire on the 2nd floor. One the fire was pushed back, crews went back into an offensive mode to move up and fully knockdown the fire. No injuries were reported.

LAFD Incident: 071420-0135

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 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

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

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 Blaze Hits Multiple Businesses by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 5:33AM on June 10, 2019, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 5241 N Lankershim Blvd. With a large plume of smoke visible while enroute, firefighters knew it would be difficult fight. The 94-year old building, approximately 150' x 75', had heavy fire and smoke showing upon arrival of the fire companies. Firefighters initiated an offensive attack with companies going both to the roof and inside to battle the flames. Twenty minutes later, as the fire evolved, it became too dangerous to remain inside the structure and the operation transitioned to defensive mode.

Truck companies initiated ladder pipe operations while Engine companies used both the wagon battery and heavy stream hand-lines. Thousands of gallons of water streamed into the fire, abating the bulk of the flames. However, the challenged remained reaching the remaining fire in pockets not accessible from the exterior. Two hours and 16 minutes later, 113 firefighters, under the guidance of Incident Commander Assistant Chief Stephen Gutierrez, achieved knockdown.

Despite the challenging conditions, seven businesses were saved by the relentless efforts of Your LAFD firefighters. The large building housed a dozen separate businesses and firefighters limited the damage to five at the epicenter of the blaze. Ultimately, the five businesses suffering varying levels of fire, smoke and/or water damage were Greenhouse, Tokyo Delve's Sushi, Chili Rollz, District Pub and Joe Coffehouse.

The scene remained active throughout the morning while firefighters performed overhaul operations and the LAFD Arson Section conducted the cause investigation of this non-injury fire.

LAFD Incident 061019-0252

North Hollywood Blaze Hits Multiple Businesses by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 5:33AM on June 10, 2019, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 5241 N Lankershim Blvd. With a large plume of smoke visible while enroute, firefighters knew it would be difficult fight. The 94-year old building, approximately 150' x 75', had heavy fire and smoke showing upon arrival of the fire companies. Firefighters initiated an offensive attack with companies going both to the roof and inside to battle the flames. Twenty minutes later, as the fire evolved, it became too dangerous to remain inside the structure and the operation transitioned to defensive mode.

Truck companies initiated ladder pipe operations while Engine companies used both the wagon battery and heavy stream hand-lines. Thousands of gallons of water streamed into the fire, abating the bulk of the flames. However, the challenged remained reaching the remaining fire in pockets not accessible from the exterior. Two hours and 16 minutes later, 113 firefighters, under the guidance of Incident Commander Assistant Chief Stephen Gutierrez, achieved knockdown.

Despite the challenging conditions, seven businesses were saved by the relentless efforts of Your LAFD firefighters. The large building housed a dozen separate businesses and firefighters limited the damage to five at the epicenter of the blaze. Ultimately, the five businesses suffering varying levels of fire, smoke and/or water damage were Greenhouse, Tokyo Delve's Sushi, Chili Rollz, District Pub and Joe Coffehouse.

The scene remained active throughout the morning while firefighters performed overhaul operations and the LAFD Arson Section conducted the cause investigation of this non-injury fire.

LAFD Incident 061019-0252

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

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

Manchester Square Restaurant Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 6:52PM on December 25, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 1950 block of W Florence Av in Manchester Square for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a one story, 50' x 50', restaurant (DBA Woody BBQ) with fire showing. Crews overcame forcible entry challenges to make access to the business and extinguish the fire in 18 minutes with no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident 122521-1220

Woman Trapped By Flames in Woodland Hills Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

WOODLAND HILLS - A relentless fire attack and well-coordinated search by Los Angeles Firefighters allowed the rescue of a woman trapped in a fast-moving house fire in the 23500 block of Burbank Boulevard on January 23, 2020. The woman, whose pulse was restored by a team of veteran LAFD Paramedics, was admitted to an area hospital in grave condition.

LAFD Incident: 012320-0930

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

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 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

Koreatown Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 6:12PM on September 19, 2019 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 3900 block of W 1st St in Koreatown. Firefighters arrived to find a detached garage fully engulfed in flames. 40 firefighters took 23 minutes to fully extinguish the fire. A nearby utility pole was exposed to flames, but all adjacent properties were protected from the blaze. There were no reported injuries.

Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD Photo | Chris Conkle

LAFD Incident: 091919-1301

Quick Knockdown on Small Commercial Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 10:09PM on March 28, 2020 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 100 block of E 84th Place to find a small, one story commercial building with fire showing. Firefighters achieved a quick knockdown, preventing the fire from extending. There were no injuries reported

LAFD Incident: 032820-1440

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

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

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

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