structurefire photos on Flickr

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

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

Late Night Fire Sweeps Through Sherman Oaks Business by Los Angeles Fire Department

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SHERMAN OAKS - A well coordinated interior fire attack combined with strategic vertical ventilation prevented flames from spreading to adjacent buildings, and allowed 35 Los Angeles City Firefighters to extinguish a non-injury fire in just 24 minutes, after flames erupted in the one story commercial building at 13422 Ventura Boulevard late November 23, 2020.

LAFD Incident: 112320-1582

Major Emergency Blaze in DTLA by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 4:43AM on October 13, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 801 S Crocker Street in Downtown Los Angeles. The fire arriving fire companies found a one story commercial building with fire showing.

An immediate offensive operation began with crews going to the roof for vertical ventilation while fire attack made entry to meet the flames head on. Their aggressive initial efforts achieved good progress against the blaze and it appeared to be extinguished approximately 40 minutes later. However, the 8,794 square foot building, constructed in 1972, contained a heavy fire load created by stacks of rolled fabric and the fire extended into the adjoining building.

With additional resources enroute, the incident transitioned into a two branch operation to more effectively and safely manage the over 120 firefighters on scene spread throughout two separate buildings. Branch One oversaw operations in the original fire unit on Crocker Street while Branch Two covered 722 E 8th Street. Branch Two truck companies went to the roof to conduct vertical ventilation while the engine companies cut open the rolling steel door at the entrance to initiate an offensive fire attack. Heavy fire blew out from the holes cut into the roof, quickly indicating the size of the deep seated fire. The engine companies were hampered in making forward progress by the stacked textiles and these circumstances necessitated a shift to a defensive operation. Meanwhile, Branch One remained in the offensive mode and worked to save as much of the business as possible.

A fierce battle ensued over the next 3.5 hours before the Incident Commander, Assistant Chief Surgey Tomlinson, declared a knockdown. Ultimately, eight businesses housed within the three buildings (801 Crocker Street, 722 E 8th Street and 718 E 8th Street) sustained heavy smoke, fire and/or water damage.

There were no civilian injuries but one firefighter was transported to the hospital for a non-life threatening heat related illness. The LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) responded per protocol for an incident of this size and are actively investigating the cause of the fire.

This incident also marked the United States debut of the RS3, robotic firefighting vehicle. The RS3 is a remote controlled, track mounted robotic monitor from Textron (Howe & Howe Technologies) which can perform multiple functions, especially at complex and extended commercial and industrial fires where it can be used to keep firefighters out of harm’s way. The RS3 was used in the ‘dozer’ mode to clear debris from inside the structure to facilitate a more effective attack on the fire while eliminating the need to put any firefighters at risk. The RS3 was purchased and donated to the Department by the LAFD Foundation, making it the first use of a robotic firefighting vehicle in the country.

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

LAFD Incident: 101320-0160

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

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

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

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

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

LAFD Incident: 021218-1412

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

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

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

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

Shoveling out a fire hydrant-January 5, 2023 by Grand Canyon National Park

Members of National Park Service and Xanterra Fire and Security shovel around a fire hydrant after a winter storm on January 5, 2023.

NPS Photo/K. Ross

Major Emergency Fire in Downtown LA by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At midnight on June 10, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1900 block of S Staunton Av in Downtown Los Angeles. It developed into a Major Emergency structure fire in the defensive mode. 70 minutes after receiving the call, the 59 LAFD personnel assigned fully extinguished flames in the approx 100' x 250' 1 story concrete tilt-up building (unknown tenancy) No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under active investigation

LAFD Incident: 061020-0001

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

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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

Greater Alarm Fire in North Hollywood by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 5:09PM on May 28, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 6800 block of N Troost Av for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a one story commercial building with fire showing. Crews immediately initiated an offensive operation with interior fire attack and truck companies on the roof performing vertical ventilation.

Approximately 20 minutes into the incident, a partial roof collapse at the front of the building triggered the transition to a defensive operation. Over 80 firefighters ultimately extinguished the blaze in one hour and 46 minutes with no injuries reported. They contained the fire to the building of origin, defended the exposed buildings from damage. LAFD Arson responded for the investigation per protocol.

LAFD Incident 052822-1075

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

Downtown Los Angeles Commercial Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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: David Ortiz

LAFD Incident: 031022-0396

LAFD Battles Flames in Tujunga Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

TUJUNGA - LAFD was summoned to 6461 West Valmont Street in Tujunga at 2:51 AM on Sunday, October 18, 2020, for a residential structure fire. Twenty-six firefighters engaged in battle, starting with a defensive attack from the exterior and transitioning to an offensive attack inside the structure, ultimately eliminating the flames in 33 minutes. There were no reported injuries.

LAFD Incident: 101820-0162

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

South LA Rubbish Fire Spreads to Nearby Garage by Los Angeles Fire Department

HARVARD PARK - LAFD Task Force 66 responded to a rubbish fire exposing a detached garage at 11:43 PM on Thursday, July 8, 2021, on the 6100 block of South Harvard Boulevard. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, without injury. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

LAFD Incident: 070821-1808

Major Emergency Structure Fire in Woodland Hills by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 9:10PM on July 3, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 6000 block of N De Soto Av for a reported structure fire.

The first arriving fire company found a large, one story commercial (vacant) building with heavy fire showing through the roof.

Firefighters immediately initiated a defensive operation and quickly determined the entire building was fully involved in fire.

With multiple ladder pipes flowing and large diameter hand lines deployed around the structure, firefighters battled for over an hour to quell the blaze. Their efforts ensure the neighboring buildings were not damaged. There were no injuries reported and there is an on-going cause investigation.

LAFD Incident 070322-1566

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

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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

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

LAFD Battles Flames in Tujunga Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

TUJUNGA - LAFD was summoned to 6461 West Valmont Street in Tujunga at 2:51 AM on Sunday, October 18, 2020, for a residential structure fire. Twenty-six firefighters engaged in battle, starting with a defensive attack from the exterior and transitioning to an offensive attack inside the structure, ultimately eliminating the flames in 33 minutes. There were no reported injuries.

LAFD Incident: 101820-0162

Sun Valley Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 8:47PM on March 14, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 11100 block of W Cantara St in Sun Valley. Firefighters quickly extinguished fire in a one story, single family dwelling in 22 minutes with no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident: 031421-1209

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

Stubborn Commercial Fire in Pico-Robertson by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 11:32AM on July 24, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 9041 W Pico Blvd. Firefighters arrived to find a 100’ x 50’ commercial building with heavy smoke showing.

Firefighters quickly threw ground ladders to the building, took a fire attack line inside and ascended the aerial ladder to initiate vertical ventilation. After working an aggressive, offensive attack for 28 minutes the conditions continued to deteriorate and the Incident Commander made the call to move to a defensive operation.

With master streams applying copious amounts of water into the structure, using the collapsed roof as a way to access the pockets of fire, crews gained the upper hand. 115 firefighters, working under the command of Assistant Chief Dean Zipperman, extinguished this Greater Alarm structure fire in two hours and 13 minutes. One firefighter was transported to the hospital for a non-life threatening heat related illness.

While no evacuations of the area were required, there was one home to the rear of the fire unit which was blanketed with the smoke. An elderly couple was sheltered in place and two paramedics stayed with them to ensure they were safe. They did not require any medical treatment and the home remained free of smoke.

One of the operations firefighters conduct at structure fire is called, Salvage. This entails covering, removing or otherwise protecting contents of a structure, as best as possible, from suffering damage during an emergency. This usually happens inside of a home; however, at this incident firefighters took the initiative to cover three vehicles with tarps. The cars were right in the middle of the fire ground and would likely be dinged or damaged in some way.

The initial stages of the cause investigation, by LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section, revealed evidence of a possible drug operation in the structure. The investigation remains active and on-going.

LAFD Incident: 072420-0570

Sherman Oaks Restaurant Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 8:32PM on April 22, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 15000 block of W Ventura Bl for a reported structure fire.

56 firefighters extinguished the fire in the one story, vacant restaurant in 23 minutes with no injuries reported. The exposed buildings to the north (Charlie side) and East (Bravo) of the building were defended from any extension.

LAFD Incident 042222-1501

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

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

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

Downtown Los Angeles Commercial Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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: David Ortiz

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

Sun Valley Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 8:47PM on March 14, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 11100 block of W Cantara St in Sun Valley. Firefighters quickly extinguished fire in a one story, single family dwelling in 22 minutes with no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident: 031421-1209

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

Commerical structure fire in Sharptown by LeafsHockeyFan

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Delmar Fire Dept assisted Sharptown with a working commerical building fire today. Tanker 74-5 and Engine-Tanker 74-2 responded from Delmar. Firefighters from 3 Counties and 2 States were at the scene. Sharptown, Mardela Springs, Hebron, El Dorado-Brookview, Laurel and Delmar FD's responded.

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.

LAFD Incident: 051520-0004

Major Emergency Fire in Downtown LA by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At midnight on June 10, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1900 block of S Staunton Av in Downtown Los Angeles. It developed into a Major Emergency structure fire in the defensive mode. 70 minutes after receiving the call, the 59 LAFD personnel assigned fully extinguished flames in the approx 100' x 250' 1 story concrete tilt-up building (unknown tenancy) No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under active investigation

LAFD Incident: 061020-0001

Major Emergency Fire in Downtown LA by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At midnight on June 10, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1900 block of S Staunton Av in Downtown Los Angeles. It developed into a Major Emergency structure fire in the defensive mode. 70 minutes after receiving the call, the 59 LAFD personnel assigned fully extinguished flames in the approx 100' x 250' 1 story concrete tilt-up building (unknown tenancy) No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under active investigation

LAFD Incident: 061020-0001

Stubborn Commercial Fire in Pico-Robertson by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 11:32AM on July 24, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 9041 W Pico Blvd. Firefighters arrived to find a 100’ x 50’ commercial building with heavy smoke showing.

Firefighters quickly threw ground ladders to the building, took a fire attack line inside and ascended the aerial ladder to initiate vertical ventilation. After working an aggressive, offensive attack for 28 minutes the conditions continued to deteriorate and the Incident Commander made the call to move to a defensive operation.

With master streams applying copious amounts of water into the structure, using the collapsed roof as a way to access the pockets of fire, crews gained the upper hand. 115 firefighters, working under the command of Assistant Chief Dean Zipperman, extinguished this Greater Alarm structure fire in two hours and 13 minutes. One firefighter was transported to the hospital for a non-life threatening heat related illness.

While no evacuations of the area were required, there was one home to the rear of the fire unit which was blanketed with the smoke. An elderly couple was sheltered in place and two paramedics stayed with them to ensure they were safe. They did not require any medical treatment and the home remained free of smoke.

One of the operations firefighters conduct at structure fire is called, Salvage. This entails covering, removing or otherwise protecting contents of a structure, as best as possible, from suffering damage during an emergency. This usually happens inside of a home; however, at this incident firefighters took the initiative to cover three vehicles with tarps. The cars were right in the middle of the fire ground and would likely be dinged or damaged in some way.

The initial stages of the cause investigation, by LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section, revealed evidence of a possible drug operation in the structure. The investigation remains active and on-going.

LAFD Incident: 072420-0570

LAFD Fights Second Tarzana Greater Alarm Fire of the Day by Los Angeles Fire Department

TARZANA - Less than four hours after a Greater Alarm residential fire in Tarzana on Saturday, May 9, 2020, another Greater Alarm fire broke out in a commercial structure. LAFD battled fire in a one-story commercial building. After performing forcible entry to gain access, firefighters deployed hose lines into the structure, as truck companies ascended ladders to the roof. It took 59 firefighters 32 minutes to extinguish the flames. One firefighter sustained a non-life-threatening injury. No other injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

LAFD Incident: 050920-1128

High Rise Fire Sends Two to Hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 12:37PM the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the Sheraton Hotel at 10600 W Universal Place. Firefighters ascended to the 9th floor to find a fire in one room being held in check by sprinklers. They extinguished the fire and conducted a search, finding an adult male employee in the adjacent room. The floor was under construction with no guests in place. The patient transported in grave condition and one male firefighter transported in fair/serious condition with non-traumatic illness.

LAFD Incident 083017-0830

Photo by: LAFD David Ortiz

Major Emergency Blaze Consumes Building by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

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

Sun Valley Fire Destroys Vacant Supermarket by Los Angeles Fire Department

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'.

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

LAFD Incident: 072221-0162

COMMERCIAL BUILDING FIRE - TARZANA by Rick McClure

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11-29-12 LOS ANGELES FIREFIGHTERS QUICKLY CONTROLLED A FIRE IN ONE UNIT AND ATTIC OF A COMMERCIAL BUILDING AT VENTURA X RESEDA BLVD.

PHOTO by RICK McCLURE

Early Morning Blaze Destroys North Hollywood Business by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 1:01AM on April 16, 2020, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 12000 block of W Victory Blvd in North Hollywood. The first arriving fire companies found a large, one, story commercial building with fire showing.

An immediate offensive operation ensued; fire attack worked to make entry into the building while the truck company headed to the roof for vertical ventilation. However, approximately 10 minutes into the incident, the lack of progress towards the seat of the fire and concern for the structural integrity of the structure caused the incident commander to order the transition to the defensive mode.

With all crews out of the building and off the roof, master streams were put into place. Ladder pipes and large hand lines poured copious amounts of water into the fire from the exterior. While the bulk of the fire was extinguished approximately one hour into the incident, difficult to reach pockets of fire remained and continued to flare up.

The 8,111 square foot building, built in 1957, was doing business as a ‘dollar store’ and had a significant fire load (amount of contents inside the structure). This environment presented challenges to the firefighters as they worked to safely reach the seat of the fire.

Nearly 100 firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Corey Rose, battled through the night. At 3:06AM (two hours and four minutes into the incident), the incident clock was turned off and firefighters continued working to address the remaining hot spots.

LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism section responded, per protocol for a fire of this size, to conduct the cause investigation and it remains an active investigation. No injuries were reported.

LAFD Incident: 041620-0039

Fire Attack via the Roof by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 6:18PM on February 20, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 1100 block of W Coronel St for a reported structure fire.

Firefighters found smoke showing from a single family dwelling and achieved a knockdown in 16 minutes with no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident: 022021-1138

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

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