structurefire photos on Flickr

Firefighters Battle in Thick Black Smoke to Extinguish Residential Flames by Los Angeles Fire Department

VALLEY GLEN - Los Angeles City Firefighters responded to the 6500 block of North Mary Ellen Avenue at 4:52 PM on August 23. 2022 to find a home with very heavy black smoke showing. Fifty-eight firefighters battled for forty-four minutes in the very hot and extraordinarily smoky structure in order to extinguish the flames. One neighboring structure also sustained damage due to flame impingement. One civilian (non-life-threatening) and two firefighters (heat exhaustion) were transported to the hospital during the incident. The cause is under investigation.

LAFD Incident 082322-1184

Woodland Hills Fire Lights the Sky by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

LAFD Incident: 110520-1322

House Saved from Big Rig Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 10:19PM the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 8100 block of N St Clair, North Hollywood, to find a big rig parked in the driveway full involved in fire. While the flames were impinging the house, firefighters worked quickly to prevent it from causing total destruction.

LAFD Inc1544-053017

LAFD Incident: 053017-0129

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

Fully involved garage by Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firefighters responded to a reported structure fire at 5937 N. Wilkinson Ave. in the Valley Glen area. The fire started in the engine compartment of the vehicle parked in the garage. © Photos by Mike Meadows

LAFD Extinguishes Pacoima House Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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PACOIMA - It took 24 firefighters 19 minutes to extinguish the fully-involved single-family home at the 10300 block of North Rincon Avenue on September 28,2022, despite live wires down and a roof collapse at the site of a previous burn. Firefighters successfully defended the neighboring structures. Primary and secondary searches of the structure were clear (no patients found). No reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

LAFD Incident 092822-1185

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

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

Firefighters Battle in Thick Black Smoke to Extinguish Residential Flames by Los Angeles Fire Department

VALLEY GLEN - Los Angeles City Firefighters responded to the 6500 block of North Mary Ellen Avenue at 4:52 PM on August 23. 2022 to find a home with very heavy black smoke showing. Fifty-eight firefighters battled for forty-four minutes in the very hot and extraordinarily smoky structure in order to extinguish the flames. One neighboring structure also sustained damage due to flame impingement. One civilian (non-life-threatening) and two firefighters (heat exhaustion) were transported to the hospital during the incident. The cause is under investigation.

LAFD Incident 082322-1184

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

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

LAFD Douses Studio City Attic Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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NORTH HILLS - On Saturday, December 12, 2020, LAFD firefighters were summoned to 259 North Vermont Avenue at 12:03 AM (the first incident of the new day) for a structure fire. Thirty-four LAFD firefighters extinguished fire in the attic, walls, and floor of a descending hillside home in 32 minutes. Companies inside protected belongings prior to applying water, while firefighters on the roof cut ventilation holes, but left the roofing in place until water was ready to be applied (then pulled the previously cut roofing to open the hole at the right time). The coordinated effort minimized damage from water, fire, and smoke. There were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

LAFD Incident: 121220-0001

LAFD Douses Studio City Attic Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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NORTH HILLS - On Saturday, December 12, 2020, LAFD firefighters were summoned to 259 North Vermont Avenue at 12:03 AM (the first incident of the new day) for a structure fire. Thirty-four LAFD firefighters extinguished fire in the attic, walls, and floor of a descending hillside home in 32 minutes. Companies inside protected belongings prior to applying water, while firefighters on the roof cut ventilation holes, but left the roofing in place until water was ready to be applied (then pulled the previously cut roofing to open the hole at the right time). The coordinated effort minimized damage from water, fire, and smoke. There were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

LAFD Incident: 121220-0001

Structure Fire in Sherman Oaks by Los Angeles Fire Department

SHERMAN OAKS - On March 15, 2019, LAFD responded to a structure fire at 13711 W Ventura Blvd. Arriving companies found a single story commercial with fire in the interior mezzanine and attic. The fire was possibly caused by extension from an outdoor rubbish fire. Companies quickly knocked down the blaze.

Photo by Brandon Buckley

LAFD Incident: 031619-0514

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

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

Structure Fires NEU by CAL FIRE_Official

Structure Fires Throughout the Nevada Yuba Placer Unit

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

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

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

LAFD Incident: 042617-0084

LAFD Firefighters Quickly Extinguish NoHo Garage Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - The Los Angeles City Fire Department responded quickly on the afternoon of August 2, 2020, to a well involved garage fire at 6146 Hazelhurst Place. The first arriving firefighters had the non-injury fire extinguished in less than 15 minutes, before flames could damage nearby structures.

LAFD Incident: 080220-0972

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

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

Assessing the Damage by Los Angeles Fire Department

Firefighters responded to a 1 story, 60 foot x 100 foot commercial building, with fire through the roof. It took 40 Firefighters 33 minutes to knock down the fire which was confined to the auto body shop. © Photos by Juan Guerra

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

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

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

Multiple Autos Burn Into Buildings by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 4:48AM on April 23, 2020 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported auto fire in the 1300 block of S 2nd Av in Arlington Heights. While resources were enroute, the incident was upgraded to a structure fire response. Firefighters arrived on scene to find at least nine autos and three garages/carports burning, spreading flames to two other buildings. It took 71 firefighters 53 minutes to extinguish the flames across the multiple garages/autos and both residential occupancies. There were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under active investigation

LAFD Incident 032320-0200

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

Bungalow Fire in South LA by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 10:32PM on December 24, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 4000 block of S Woodlawn Av for a reported structure fire. Firefighters found a one story bungalow with smoke showing. The first arriving fire companies extinguished the fire in 15 minutes with no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident: 122420-1743

LAFD Extinguishes Pacoima House Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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PACOIMA - It took 24 firefighters 19 minutes to extinguish the fully-involved single-family home at the 10300 block of North Rincon Avenue on September 28,2022, despite live wires down and a roof collapse at the site of a previous burn. Firefighters successfully defended the neighboring structures. Primary and secondary searches of the structure were clear (no patients found). No reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

LAFD Incident 092822-1185

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

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

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

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

Structure Fire - South LA by Los Angeles Fire Department

SOUTH LOS ANGELES - Structure fire in LAFD 66’s first-in, on the border of County 173’s. County Engine 173 was first on scene of a single-story single family home with fire showing from the rear. It began as a rubbish fire in the backyard that spread to the residence, the vehicle, and the detached garage. All fire was extinguished in 18 minutes by a coordinated effort between LAFD and LACoFD.

LAFD Incident: 060419-1655

Strip Mall Fire Stopped by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 9:47PM, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 13600 block of W Vanowen St. Over 95 firefighters stopped this fire from destroying multiple units and achieved full extinguishment in just over an hour.

LAFD Incident: 052517-1441

Firefighters Battle Flames in Intense Summer Heat by Los Angeles Fire Department

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SAN FERNANDO - Over 100 LAFD firefighters responded to a structure fire in a one-story church in the City of San Fernando on July 9, 2024. Ambient temperatures of up to 105°F were recorded outside, as firefighters went to work cutting open the roof from above, and penetrating the ceilings from below, to make access to the stubborn attic fire. The occupants who were inside the building at the time safely evacuated prior to LAFD arrival. Crews continued battling in the hot weather to eliminate all remaining fire in just over two hours. During the incident, four firefighters sought medical help from on-scene paramedics due to heat-related illness. Three of them rested and recovered on scene and then continue working, and one was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and care. The fire appeared to have been caused by rooftop construction, but the official cause is still under investigation.

LAFD Incident 070924-0848

Structure Fire - Northridge by Los Angeles Fire Department

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NORTHRIDGE - 40 firefighters found the garage (attached) of a single-family home fully involved and extinguished the fire in 13 minutes. Initial reports of a person trapped in the fire room proved to be false after a thorough search. The fire was stopped quickly before extending into the home. No reported injuries.

LAFD Incident: 060419-1230

Chatsworth Blaze Destroys Business by Los Angeles Fire Department

At 9:53PM on December 16, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to 20150 W Sunburst St for a reported structure fire.

The first arriving fire companies found a one story, commercial building with fire through the roof and requested additional resources. The 28,556 square foot building, built in 1981, was well involved in fire and a decision was quickly made to transition to a defensive mode.

Truck companies put ladder pipes into operation and firefighters used large diameter hand lines to hit the target from all sides. Crews successfully defended the adjacent structures from sustaining damage.

Ultimately, over 120 firefighters working under the leadership of Assistant Chief Corey Rose achieved a knockdown in one hour and thirty-four minutes. One firefighter was transported to the hospital with serious but non-life threatening burn injuries.

The concrete, tilt-up building sustained heavy damage, to include roof collapse, which left it dangerously vulnerable to further collapse of the walls. Consequently, the Department of Building and Safety red-tagged the structure for safety purposes. Overhaul operations and cause investigation were held off until morning while fire companies remained on scene in a fire watch. The RS3 Robotic Firefighting Vehicle was also on scene to assist with interior operations if needed through the night.

LAFD Incident: 121620-1711

Major Emergency Structure Fire in San Pedro by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 9:02 PM on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, The Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) responded to multiple reports of a structure fire in the 1600 block of South Pacific Avenue, San Pedro. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire venting through the roof of a single-story commercial structure. Firefighters immediately launched an interior, offensive attack. However, as the fire grew in intensity and the structural integrity of the roof became compromised, the Incident Commander ordered the transition to a defensive operation. This move prioritized firefighter safety, using ladder pipes and heavy stream hand lines to "drown" the fire from the exterior.

As a thick smoke plume drifted toward an adjacent apartment building, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers conducted door-to-door notifications, advising residents to"shelter-in-place" for their safety.

In a strategic maneuver late in the operation, crews briefly returned to an offensive posture once the bulk of the fire was suppressed. This allowed firefighters to penetrate the interior, reach isolated pockets of fire in hard-to-access areas, and push the fire towards the center of the building for final extinguishment from a safe defensive position.

Incident Commander, Assistant Chief Paul Pham, officially declared knockdown at 11:02pm, exactly two hours after initial dispatch. There were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.

During the overhaul process, fire continued to burn within isolated pockets along the roof in the auto repair / sales business. Firefighters performed a dual role mission, while some crews chased down the fire, others obtained keys to the cars remaining inside to move and protect them from smoke and water damage.

The fire heavily damaged "The Bike Palace," where at least 30 lithium-ion batteries were located. These units requiredLAFD Inspector looking down at the drone controller specialized handling and monitoring to prevent hazardous re-ignition. Inspectors from the LAFD CUPA (Certified Unified Program Agency) were on scene to oversee the identification and safe management of these hazardous materials. They also deployed an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) "drone" which provided critical real-time situational awareness, using thermal imaging to help the Incident Commander identify hidden hazards and hotspots that were not visible from the ground.

Per protocol for a Major Emergency fire, the LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) is investigating the cause of the fire.

LAFD Incident 122325-1493

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

Granada Hills Fire Kills One, Destroys Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

GRANADA HILLS - Just after 5 a.m. on September 28, 2019, firefighters found a one-story home engulfed in flames on the 10400 block of Densmore Ave. Excessive storage conditions inside and out impeded efforts to quickly access the burning structure. It took 72 firefighters 50 minutes to extinguish the blaze. Firefighters combed through the excessive storage conditions inside the destroyed structure after the flames were extinguished and discovered one deceased occupant (73-year-old female). Mayor's Crisis Response Team and Red Cross responded for on scene support.

LAFD Incident: 092819-0256

Structure Fire in Sherman Oaks by Los Angeles Fire Department

SHERMAN OAKS - On March 15, 2019, LAFD responded to a structure fire at 13711 W Ventura Blvd. Arriving companies found a single story commercial with fire in the interior mezzanine and attic. The fire was possibly caused by extension from an outdoor rubbish fire. Companies quickly knocked down the blaze.

Photo by Brandon Buckley

LAFD Incident: 031619-0514

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

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

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

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

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

The cause of the fire is under active investigation.

LAFD Incident: 050321-1661

LAFD Extinguishes Pacoima House Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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PACOIMA - It took 24 firefighters 19 minutes to extinguish the fully-involved single-family home at the 10300 block of North Rincon Avenue on September 28,2022, despite live wires down and a roof collapse at the site of a previous burn. Firefighters successfully defended the neighboring structures. Primary and secondary searches of the structure were clear (no patients found). No reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

LAFD Incident 092822-1185

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

15-89097 Structure Fire-2.jpg by Superstition Fire and Medical District

North Hollywood Commercial Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

LAFD Incident: 082720-1403

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

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

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

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

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

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

The cause of the fire is under active investigation.

LAFD Incident: 050321-1661

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