structurefire photos on Flickr

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

Multiple Businesses Saved in Woodland Hills by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 5:26PM on June 14, 2019 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 20934 W Victory Blvd in Woodland Hills. Firefighters arrived to find a large (16,544 sq ft), one story row of commercials with fire showing from the end unit. The truck company went to the roof as fire attack intiated their entry through the front. An additional company went around to the back of the structure to evaluate possible access points. While roof division began cutting ventilation holes, fire attack reported difficulty in locating the seat of the fire. Firefighters continued pushing into the unit but the intense heat prevented their advance before reaching the (still not located) fire. With fire in the building's common attic, it became an untenable position for interior fire attack. Incident Commander, Assistant Chief Corey Rose, made the call to transition to a defensive operation. The companies at the back of the structure were able to open up a rolling steel door and using large diameter handlines, hit the fire from the outside.

Once the bulk of the flames abated, the incident reverted to an offensive operation and firefighters moved inside to pull ceiling and ensure no extension through the attic. Official 'knockdown' was achieved by 106 firefighters at the 49 minute mark. Their diligent efforts stopped this fire from moving across businesses and leaving a trail of destruction. The business adjacent to the fire unit suffered water/smoke damage and the two additional units only sustained smoke damage.

Paramedics evaluated one civilian patient who declined LAFD transport. Two firefighters were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. LAFD Arson responded and this remains an active investigation with cause and dollar loss to be determined.

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

LAFD Incident: 061419-1138

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

Firefighters Evacuate Businesses and Residences While Fighting Downtown Blaze by Los Angeles Fire Department

DOWNTOWN - Los Angeles City Firefighters battled a Downtown structure fire, which began as a large outside rubbish fire which spread to several businesses in a row of commercial buildings, that had occupied residential units across the second floor.

Firefighters responded to the Flower District of Downtown Los Angeles at 3:12 PM on June 22, 2023, to find heavy fire involving outside storage in the rear behind a long 2-story building, with residential units over a row of commercials, with heavy fire showing. The Incident Commander called for waves of additional firefighters, and placed companies in all involved units on the first floor, second floor, roof, and outside to the rear.

The fire appeared to have originated as an exterior fire to the rear, with flames rapidly spreading inside the first floor commercial space, and threatening to burn more units horizontally. Firefighters assisted with evacuations, and performed a rapid and systematic search of all units, and halted the horizontal spread. Fortunately, no victims were trapped.

Ultimately, it took 148 firefighters one hour and thirty-five minutes to extinguish the blaze. The fire unit of origin was a venue rental business, who loaned out supplies for

weddings, and social events, therefore there was a heavy fuel load inside that fueled the fire.

As always, we mourn the loss of the approximately four commercial units downstairs and four residential units directly above suffered damaged, but remain thankful that this incident did not end up being significantly worse. Red Cross responded to assist approximately 30 residents who were displaced. Thankfully, only one person (a 28-year-old female) was transported to the hospital in fair condition, and a second (a 50-year-old male) was evaluated and declined transport (both had symptoms of smoke inhalation). Arson investigators responded to determine fire origin, per protocol.

LAFD Incident 062223-1024

Flames Destroy Hollywood Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

LAFD Incident 110322-1304

Fully Involved Structure Fire in Sylmar by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

Wilmington Auto Yard Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

LAFD Incident: 112820-0200

Attic Fire in Boyle Heights by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

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

LAFD Incident: 031218-1055

Greater Alarm Apartment Fire in Northridge Sends One To Hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department

NORTHRIDGE - Despite the efforts of a resident and later a neighbor to extinguish an accidental kitchen fire with a pair of fire extinguishers, flames from a stovetop blaze fueled by cooking oil spread through a third floor apartment at 9850 Reseda Boulevard just before noon on February 18, 2021. With the intense fire breaking windows, strong winds quickly fanned the flames, and pushed thick smoke through the top floor of the three story center hallway apartment building, challenging the escape of occupants from several of the 52 other units, as firefighters performed vertical ventilation of the attic with chainsaws to aid in the escape of heat and smoke. The well-coordinated attack on the greater alarm fire by 95 members of the Los Angeles Fire Department had the flames extinguished in just 33 minutes, limiting fire damage to the apartment of origin, with some collateral impact from firefighting water to a pair of apartments below. Though the 60,246 square-foot building, constructed in 1965, was not equipped with optional fire sprinklers, properly functioning fire alarms allowed most residents to safely escape, including a man rescued by firefighters via a ground ladder from a third floor apartment. Three residents were examined for injury by LAFD Paramedics, with only one person, the neighbor who came to the residents aid, desiring hospital treatment following his exposure to smoke within the apartment.

LAFD Incident: 021821-0647

Van Nuys Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 8:29AM on December 1, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 15300 block of W Archwood St in Van Nuys. 28 firefighters extinguished the fire in 19 minutes. This was determined to be an outside fire that extended into the vacant structure. Firefighters quickly addressed the exposed building and limited the fire to the eves.

LAFD Incident: 120121-0367

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: Gary Apodaca

LAFD Incident: 031022-0396

Playmobil Fire Dept and Tonka Fire Rescue Training Fire by Tommy Fraustro

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It was time for the bi-annual training fire for Playmobil FD and Tonka Fire Rescue. Although these 2 dept's respond frequently with each other on mutual aid. They still take time to train with each other. They didn't burn this wood frame down yet, so they'll be able to get more training out of it before it's structurely unsafe.

Multiple Businesses Saved in Woodland Hills by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 5:26PM on June 14, 2019 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 20934 W Victory Blvd in Woodland Hills. Firefighters arrived to find a large (16,544 sq ft), one story row of commercials with fire showing from the end unit. The truck company went to the roof as fire attack intiated their entry through the front. An additional company went around to the back of the structure to evaluate possible access points. While roof division began cutting ventilation holes, fire attack reported difficulty in locating the seat of the fire. Firefighters continued pushing into the unit but the intense heat prevented their advance before reaching the (still not located) fire. With fire in the building's common attic, it became an untenable position for interior fire attack. Incident Commander, Assistant Chief Corey Rose, made the call to transition to a defensive operation. The companies at the back of the structure were able to open up a rolling steel door and using large diameter handlines, hit the fire from the outside.

Once the bulk of the flames abated, the incident reverted to an offensive operation and firefighters moved inside to pull ceiling and ensure no extension through the attic. Official 'knockdown' was achieved by 106 firefighters at the 49 minute mark. Their diligent efforts stopped this fire from moving across businesses and leaving a trail of destruction. The business adjacent to the fire unit suffered water/smoke damage and the two additional units only sustained smoke damage.

Paramedics evaluated one civilian patient who declined LAFD transport. Two firefighters were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. LAFD Arson responded and this remains an active investigation with cause and dollar loss to be determined.

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

LAFD Incident: 061419-1138

valleycenter.fire.112213.1 by CAL FIRE San Diego Communications Bureau

Mandatory Credit: Anthony Carrasco

Major Emergency Fire in South LA by Los Angeles Fire Department

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 2:19 PM on April 3, 2021 to 8730 South Crocker Street, where firefighters arrived quickly to find an outside fire that had extended into a 300' x 300' one story row of three or more commercial buildings under what appeared to be a contiguous roof.

Defensive firefighting operations under the command of Assistant Chief Dean Zipperman continued for 4 hours and 4 minutes, until the fire was declared extinguished at 6:23 PM. No injuries were reported.

The expansive structure, initially believed to house only a furniture manufacturing firm, appeared to also contain one or more other firms, including a large marijuana grow operation.

The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.

LAFD Incident: 040321-0852

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

Sunland Man Perishes at Garage Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 2:04PM on April 13, 2020, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call initially reported as an electrocution in the 8700 block of W Wyngate Street in Sunland. While units were enroute to the call, the incident was upgraded to a structure fire response.

The first arriving companies found a detached garage, (in a townhome community), with heavy fire showing. Firefighters initiated an aggressive offensive attack and quickly extinguished the fire. While conducting a primary search of the interior, they located an adult male beyond medical help. He was determined dead on scene. One additional patient, an approximately 16 year old male, was transported in fair condition.

The LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section responded, per protocol for a fatality, for the investigation. The incident remains under active investigation and includes the Los Angeles Police Department and Department of Water and Power. The LA County Coroner will confirm identity and determine the cause of death.

LAFD Incident: 041320-0705

Wilmington Auto Yard Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

LAFD Incident: 112820-0200

by Jeff Buchbinder

MM1A5997

Fire Destroys Sun Valley Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 8:38PM on January 9, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 13300 block of W Arminta St for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire company found a one story, single family dwelling with heavy fire showing. 46 firefighters took 30 minutes to extinguish heavy fire in a 2,147 square-foot home. All four occupants exited the structure safely prior to LAFD arrival. There were no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident 010922-1627

Auto Fire Stopped in Toluca Lake by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 00:17AM on June 29, 2019 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 4500 block of N Strohm Av in Toluca Lake. Firefighters arrived to find two vehicles well involved in fire, exposing the single family dwelling. Firefighters took only 19 minutes to extinguish this non-injury fire, sparing the home from the blaze.

LAFD Incident: 062919-0028

Brush Fire Prevented in Shadow Hills by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 7:58PM on March 23, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported brush fire in the 8600 block of W La Tuna Canyon Road. Firefighters arrived to find a two-story, ascending hillside home well involved in fire, surrounded by brush. 61 firefighters battled for an hour and successfully prevented the blaze from progressing into a brush fire while fully extinguishing the structure.

LAFD Incident: 031021-0018

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

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

Reseda Wind-Driven Vegetation and Structure Fires Threaten Homes by Los Angeles Fire Department

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RESEDA - A wind-driven tree fire spread through several blocks burning structures and vegetation.

On Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 11:53 AM, LAFD responded to a structure fire at the 18000 block of Elkwood St. The fire appeared to have started in ornamental vegetation near Strathern St, then was fueled by wind and pushed several blocks to the south across Blythe, Arminta, Elkwood and Ingomar. A post-fire survey revealed that only two homes sustained minor fire damage, and four out buildings were damaged or destroyed. LAFD Firefighters were on scene just three minutes after being dispatched and acted quickly to prevent this situation from becoming much worse in the warm/windy conditions, with an attack that included water-dropping helicopters. It took 68 firefighters 49 minutes to extinguish all of the flames. There were no injuries. The fire is under investigation.

LAFD Incident: 011621-0707

Reseda Wind-Driven Vegetation and Structure Fires Threaten Homes by Los Angeles Fire Department

RESEDA - A wind-driven tree fire spread through several blocks burning structures and vegetation.

On Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 11:53 AM, LAFD responded to a structure fire at the 18000 block of Elkwood St. The fire appeared to have started in ornamental vegetation near Strathern St, then was fueled by wind and pushed several blocks to the south across Blythe, Arminta, Elkwood and Ingomar. A post-fire survey revealed that only two homes sustained minor fire damage, and four out buildings were damaged or destroyed. LAFD Firefighters were on scene just three minutes after being dispatched and acted quickly to prevent this situation from becoming much worse in the warm/windy conditions, with an attack that included water-dropping helicopters. It took 68 firefighters 49 minutes to extinguish all of the flames. There were no injuries. The fire is under investigation.

LAFD Incident: 011621-0707

Major Emergency Fire in South LA by Los Angeles Fire Department

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The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 2:19 PM on April 3, 2021 to 8730 South Crocker Street, where firefighters arrived quickly to find an outside fire that had extended into a 300' x 300' one story row of three or more commercial buildings under what appeared to be a contiguous roof.

Defensive firefighting operations under the command of Assistant Chief Dean Zipperman continued for 4 hours and 4 minutes, until the fire was declared extinguished at 6:23 PM. No injuries were reported.

The expansive structure, initially believed to house only a furniture manufacturing firm, appeared to also contain one or more other firms, including a large marijuana grow operation.

The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.

LAFD Incident: 040321-0852

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

Sunland Man Perishes at Garage Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 2:04PM on April 13, 2020, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call initially reported as an electrocution in the 8700 block of W Wyngate Street in Sunland. While units were enroute to the call, the incident was upgraded to a structure fire response.

The first arriving companies found a detached garage, (in a townhome community), with heavy fire showing. Firefighters initiated an aggressive offensive attack and quickly extinguished the fire. While conducting a primary search of the interior, they located an adult male beyond medical help. He was determined dead on scene. One additional patient, an approximately 16 year old male, was transported in fair condition.

The LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section responded, per protocol for a fatality, for the investigation. The incident remains under active investigation and includes the Los Angeles Police Department and Department of Water and Power. The LA County Coroner will confirm identity and determine the cause of death.

LAFD Incident: 041320-0705

East Hollywood Fire Destroys Building by Los Angeles Fire Department

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 Fire Destroys Building by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 9:07PM, the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to reports of an outside fire extending into a structure in the 5400 block of N Tujunga Av in North Hollywood.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find a commercial building with heavy fire showing which triggered a defensive operation. The multi-pronged fight required additional resources and quickly grew to a Major Emergency status incident.

Truck companies raised aerial ladders to deploy ladder pipes while engine companies used wagon batteries and put large diameter hand lines into place. Firefighters ascended a residential high rise across the street to gain the high ground with additional handle lines. High voltage power lines combined with wires down created an additional safety hazard to be factored into the angle of attack of all water streams.

While the fire raged, crews worked aggressively to defend another exposed building, still in the framing stage of construction. Their efforts were successful and the structure remained undamaged.

The fight continued for one hour and 56 minutes before the 111 firefighters, under the leadership of Assistant Chief Corey Rose, achieved a knockdown. There were no injuries reported.

A residential high rise across from the fire was impacted by smoke blanketing the area but there were no medical complaints and firefighters ensured the area was ventilated with all alarms were cleared.

Based on protocol for a fire of this size, LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section responded for the cause investigation and it remains active.

LAFD Incident: 122120-1827

Encino Vacant Structure Destroyed by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 7:28PM on March 13, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 9400 block of N Sepulveda Blvd in Encino. 47 firefighters extinguished a well involved structure fire in 32 minutes. As this building was the site of a previous burn, the roof was already well ventilated and it was a defensive operation only.

LAFD Incident: 031321-1127

First Structure Fire of 2018 Handled Quickly by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 2:03AM on 1 January, 2018, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 12100 block of W Ohio Av in the Sawtelle community. 58 firefighters took only 26 mins to extinguish an outside fire that extended into a business.

LAFD Incident: 010118-0203

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

San Pedro Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 9:25PM on October 19, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 2200 block of S Gaffey St in San Pedro. 30 LAFD firefighters extinguished the fire, which destroyed a secondary house to the rear of the property, in 31 minutes, while protecting nearby homes on either side. There were no reported injuries.

LAFD Incident: 101920-1258

North Hollywood Fire Destroys Building by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 9:07PM, the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to reports of an outside fire extending into a structure in the 5400 block of N Tujunga Av in North Hollywood.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find a commercial building with heavy fire showing which triggered a defensive operation. The multi-pronged fight required additional resources and quickly grew to a Major Emergency status incident.

Truck companies raised aerial ladders to deploy ladder pipes while engine companies used wagon batteries and put large diameter hand lines into place. Firefighters ascended a residential high rise across the street to gain the high ground with additional handle lines. High voltage power lines combined with wires down created an additional safety hazard to be factored into the angle of attack of all water streams.

While the fire raged, crews worked aggressively to defend another exposed building, still in the framing stage of construction. Their efforts were successful and the structure remained undamaged.

The fight continued for one hour and 56 minutes before the 111 firefighters, under the leadership of Assistant Chief Corey Rose, achieved a knockdown. There were no injuries reported.

A residential high rise across from the fire was impacted by smoke blanketing the area but there were no medical complaints and firefighters ensured the area was ventilated with all alarms were cleared.

Based on protocol for a fire of this size, LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section responded for the cause investigation and it remains active.

LAFD Incident: 122120-1827

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: Branden Silverman

LAFD Incident: 031022-0396

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

Reseda Fire Kills Occupant by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 6:53PM on July 7, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 7700 block of N Aura Av for a reported structure fire. 36 firefighters fully extinguished the fire in 14 minutes. Firefighters encountered excessive storage conditions inside which delayed access. Crews located and rescued one patient (65yo M) in grave condition and provided rapid transport with advanced life saving measures. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. LAFD Arson Section is actively investigating, per protocol for a fatality.

LAFD Incident: 070720-1261

Public Storage Fire in Sylmar by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 6:58AM on March 19, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 12600 block of W Foothill Blvd in Sylmar for a reported structure fire.

The first fire company arrived to find a two story, Public Storage complex with heavy smoke showing.

Over 80 firefighters extinguished the fire in 43 minutes with no injuries reported. The fire appears to have started on the 1st floor and extended up to the 2nd and through a common void space (similar to an attic) horizontally to additional units. A total of four units on the first floor and five units on the 2nd floor sustained heavy fire damage. A portion of the 2nd story floor burned through. The fire was in one, isolated building (they are not connected) in the complex of storage buildings. Firefighters quickly opened units and accessed the void space from the interior and the roof to stop the spread and save the rest of the units.

LAFD Incident: 031822-1434

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: Branden Silverman

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

LAFD Saves More Than 30 Businesses From Van Nuys Blaze by Los Angeles Fire Department

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VAN NUYS - At 2:44PM on October 12, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 7056 Van Nuys Boulevard. 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 abutted the fire building while there was a small separation with the building to the south. 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

Public Storage Fire in Sylmar by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 6:58AM on March 19, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 12600 block of W Foothill Blvd in Sylmar for a reported structure fire.

The first fire company arrived to find a two story, Public Storage complex with heavy smoke showing.

Over 80 firefighters extinguished the fire in 43 minutes with no injuries reported. The fire appears to have started on the 1st floor and extended up to the 2nd and through a common void space (similar to an attic) horizontally to additional units. A total of four units on the first floor and five units on the 2nd floor sustained heavy fire damage. A portion of the 2nd story floor burned through. The fire was in one, isolated building (they are not connected) in the complex of storage buildings. Firefighters quickly opened units and accessed the void space from the interior and the roof to stop the spread and save the rest of the units.

LAFD Incident: 031822-1434

Brush Fire Prevented in Shadow Hills by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 7:58PM on March 23, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported brush fire in the 8600 block of W La Tuna Canyon Road. Firefighters arrived to find a two-story, ascending hillside home well involved in fire, surrounded by brush. 61 firefighters battled for an hour and successfully prevented the blaze from progressing into a brush fire while fully extinguishing the structure.

LAFD Incident: 031021-0018

Brush Fire Prevented in Shadow Hills by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 7:58PM on March 23, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported brush fire in the 8600 block of W La Tuna Canyon Road. Firefighters arrived to find a two-story, ascending hillside home well involved in fire, surrounded by brush. 61 firefighters battled for an hour and successfully prevented the blaze from progressing into a brush fire while fully extinguishing the structure.

LAFD Incident: 031021-0018

RV Fire Prevented from Spreading by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 11:52AM on May 17, 2019 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 10900 block of W Crockett St. Firefighters found a RV fire, exposing a single family dwelling. The crews gained a quick knockdown of the fire and preventing damage to the adjacent residence (damage only to patio cover). There were no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident: 051719-0725

Large Garage Fully Involved by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

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: Gary Apodaca

LAFD Incident: 031022-0396

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