structurefire photos on Flickr

Aggressive Fight Saves Businesses by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 5:15PM on January 26, 2023 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 2800 block of W 7th Street. The incident began as a law enforcement operation with LAFD requested for standby. With smoke visible upon arrival of the LAFD engine, the fire captain quickly upgraded the incident to a structure fire response.

The two story, center hall building was built in the early 1920's. It is a mixed use structure with three commercial units on the first floor and eight (both commercial and residential) units on the 2nd floor.

In a matter of minutes, heavy fire was consuming the 2nd floor. This was an occupied building with residents or business owners possibly still inside therefore firefighters initiated an aggressive offensive operation. Fire attack entered the building and ascended to the 2nd floor but were met with extreme heat and heavy fire, forcing them to back off until the truck companies could perform vertical ventilation.

As the truck company cut multiple holes in the roof to vent the flames, heat and gases, conditions started to improve and fire attack gradually made their way forward. However, the fire extended up into the attic, necessitating more ventilation to ensure the interior fire attack crews were provided the safest environment possible to conduct their operation. The truck company continued cutting holes while moving back towards their ladder. Their dedicated efforts gave the necessary cover for firefighters inside the building to knockdown the fire.

While 2nd floor units were destroyed, salvage efforts by firefighters on the 1st floor helped to protect contents of the commercial units. Water and smoke caused damage, but not all was lost.

110 firefighters, working under the leadership of Assistant Chief Dean Zipperman, worked diligently against the blaze and achieved knockdown in 53 minutes. Their efforts preserved portions of the businesses on the 1st floor and defended adjacent structures from any damage despite massive flames billowing out the windows and off the roof. A Human Remains Detection K9 worked the scene after knockdown to ensure there were no victims trapped inside the building.

The Los Angeles Police Department took one adult male into custody and, in conjunction with LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section, are actively investigating the cause of the fire. The suspect was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The Mayor's Crisis Response Team and Red Cross responded to assist the 10 displaced persons with any immediate needs.

LAFD Incident 012623-1290

Hours-Long Fire Suppression Effort Saves Neighboring Businesses by Los Angeles Fire Department

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SHADOW HILLS - The Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire early Wednesday morning, where a large blaze involved a commercial building and several vehicles.

One-hundred eleven LAFD Firefighters responded to the 10900 block of West Randall Street beginning at 2:31 AM on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, where a large commercial building showed flames shooting through the roof. The fire consumed multiple nearby vehicles, vegetation and debris, and threatened several buildings. Firefighters established heavy streams from the exterior of the building (defensive operations), including aerial ladder pipes. Firefighters flowed copious amounts of water to quench the intense heat fueled by a heavy load of combustibles inside the structure, labeled as a party rental warehouse.

The building sustained heavy damage under hours of intense heat exposure, making it dangerous for firefighters to make entry, which eventually led the roof to collapse. LAFD's robotic firefighting unit, Thermite RS3, was dispatched to make entry by remote control to allow more penetrative hose stream access without unnecessarily putting firefighters at risk. After many hours of consistent suppression efforts under the command of Assistant Chief Guy Tomlinson, firefighters have controlled the flames (although an official "Knockdown" was not called due to smoldering hot spots beneath the rubble, which firefighters will continue to pursue). The long and persistent efforts of the firefighters on scene spared all neighboring businesses from becoming involved, protecting them from damage.

There were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

LAFD Incident 102222-1156

Naughty Pine Tavern Fire Hampton Minnesota by Scott Henderson

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Photo taken by MN Fire Apparatus. Posted to my Flickr page with their permission

This was my father's hang out for many years. It's sad to see this building go. I saw the fire on Facebook while I was on vacation in Vancouver. There were a lot of good memories here

Photo was taken May 18th 2017

Greater Alarm Commercial Fire in Eagle Rock by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 3:39PM on January 7, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 4537 N Eagle Rock Blvd to find a 75' x 250' vacant commercial building with heavy smoke showing. The property, surrounded by security fencing, required forcible entry to gain full access to the structure.

While truck companies made their way to the roof, interior fire attack encountered heavy smoke and heat upon entry. Minutes later, a partial roof collpase required the transition to a defensive operation. All crews exited safely and 2 1/2 handlines were put into place at exterior doors. The firefighters were able to gain an upperhand on the bulk of the fire and when all safety factors were considered, offensive operations resumed to reach the stubborn pockets of fire.

The structure, built in 1968, had a large, attached building (also vacant) which was defended from any fire damage. 98 firefighters, under the expert command of Assistant Chief Tim Ernst, fully extinguished the fire in just over one hour. Out of abundance of caution, residents from an exposed, large apartment building were evacuated but all were re-housed once knockdown was achieved with no remaining hazards.

LAFD 010718-1009

Greater Alarm Fire in Van Nuys by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

LAFD Incident 122822-0873

Fire Destroys Vacant Lincoln Heights Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

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LINCOLN HEIGHTS - It took 36 Los Angeles Fire Department responders less than 30 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish flames that consumed a vacant two-story home in the 2600 block of North Pasadena Avenue late October 3, 2022. The non-injury fire, which destroyed the home, was determined to be an intentional act.

LAFD Incident 100322-1584

Person Found Dead Inside Burning Boyle Heights Building by Los Angeles Fire Department

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BOYLE HEIGHTS - A person was found dead within an abandoned building in the 2500 block of East Whittier Boulevard, following a fierce firefight early April 11, 2020.

LAFD Incident 041120-0244

Detroit Fire - L22, Box Alarm, Roosevelt St. & Merrick St., 06/12/2016 by Hooks & Halligans

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Detroit Fire Department operating at a Box Alarm at Roosevelt Street and Merrick Street.

Morgan County Fire Box 2-2 by LeafsHockeyFan

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January 12, 2025. Morgan County, West Virginia. Residential structure fire. Fire Departments from 4 states on the initial dispatch.

Quick Work Stops DTLA Hotel Fire From Spreading by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 2:34AM on December 3, 2017 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 200 block of E 5th St in Downtown Los Angeles to find a 3 story hotel building with fire in one unit on the top floor. The quick and aggressive work of 102 firefighters resulted in a knockdown achieved in 25 minutes and no injuries requiring transport to the hospital. This Greater Alarm fire could have resulted in tragedy but instead was contained to one unit.

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

LAFD Incident: 120317-0162

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LAFD Incident 101222-1068

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LAFD Incident 101222-1068

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LAFD Incident 101222-1068

Person Found Dead Inside Burning Boyle Heights Building by Los Angeles Fire Department

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BOYLE HEIGHTS - A person was found dead within an abandoned building in the 2500 block of East Whittier Boulevard, following a fierce firefight early April 11, 2020.

LAFD Incident 041120-0244

Hours-Long Fire Suppression Effort Saves Neighboring Businesses by Los Angeles Fire Department

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SHADOW HILLS - The Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire early Wednesday morning, where a large blaze involved a commercial building and several vehicles.

One-hundred eleven LAFD Firefighters responded to the 10900 block of West Randall Street beginning at 2:31 AM on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, where a large commercial building showed flames shooting through the roof. The fire consumed multiple nearby vehicles, vegetation and debris, and threatened several buildings. Firefighters established heavy streams from the exterior of the building (defensive operations), including aerial ladder pipes. Firefighters flowed copious amounts of water to quench the intense heat fueled by a heavy load of combustibles inside the structure, labeled as a party rental warehouse.

The building sustained heavy damage under hours of intense heat exposure, making it dangerous for firefighters to make entry, which eventually led the roof to collapse. LAFD's robotic firefighting unit, Thermite RS3, was dispatched to make entry by remote control to allow more penetrative hose stream access without unnecessarily putting firefighters at risk. After many hours of consistent suppression efforts under the command of Assistant Chief Guy Tomlinson, firefighters have controlled the flames (although an official "Knockdown" was not called due to smoldering hot spots beneath the rubble, which firefighters will continue to pursue). The long and persistent efforts of the firefighters on scene spared all neighboring businesses from becoming involved, protecting them from damage.

There were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

LAFD Incident 102222-1156

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

Georgetown, TX Fire Dept. Firefighters Battling Structure Fire at Eats on 8th Restaurant. by CenTexPhoto

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Watch the HD video at youtu.be/_5ay3QYqo98

Fatality Fire in Broadway-Manchester by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 12:17AM on June 21, 2023 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at the 11300 block of S Main St in Broadway-Manchester.

The first arriving fire company found a 60' x 80' metal clad, commercial building well involved in fire. Firefighters initiated a defensive operation and extinguished the fire in 38 minutes.

While conducting the primary search, they located an adult male inside the building who was sadly beyond medical help and Firefighter/Paramedics determined him deceased on scene. LAPD and LAFD Arson Section responded for the investigation per protocol for a fatality

LAFD Incident 062123-0012

LAFD Battles Major Emergency Structure Fire in Boyle Heights by Los Angeles Fire Department

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BOYLE HEIGHTS - It took the relentless effort of over 180 firefighters, during a triple-digit heatwave on Monday, two hours to extinguish a stubborn fire, which consumed conjoined structures in Boyle Heights.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 2:12 PM on September 5, 2022 (Labor Day) to the 2800 block of East 11th Street, where firefighters arrived quickly to find an already well-developed fire inside of a large one-story row of commercial buildings, amid a week-long Los Angeles heatwave.

Defensive firefighting operations under the command of Assistant Chief Dean Zipperman continued for two hours until the fire was declared extinguished at 4:12 PM. While fighting the fire, four firefighters sustained non-life-threatening injuries (one struck by falling debris, three encountered an electrical hazard) and were transported to a local hospital. All four were released later in the day and remained on duty for their shift.

The expansive structure, which contained many separate businesses side-by-side, sustained significant damage in five consecutive occupancies.

LAFD Incident: 090522-0984

Chicken house fire in Delmar by LeafsHockeyFan

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Chicken house fire on Delmar Road in 74’s due. Delmar, Laurel, Hebron and SCEMS were on the initial dispatch. Command then requested a Tanker Task Force which brought additional units from Parsonsburg, Gumboro, Mardela Springs, Sharptown, Blades and Seaford.

Salisbury Truck 1 and Parsonsburg Tanker 608 provided coverage at Delmar fire station during the incident.

Abandoned North Hollywood Restaurant Goes Up In Flames by Los Angeles Fire Department

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NORTH HOLLYWOOD - On the morning of October 26, 2022, the Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 6261 North Laurel Canyon Boulevard in North Hollywood.

The first arriving firefighters discovered heavy, pressurized smoke coming from a 100' x 100' vacant one-story commercial building. Knowing this structure was the site of a previous burn, the Incident Commander quickly directed all companies to fight the fire from the exterior only, referred to as "Defensive." As the fire rapidly developed and flames burst through the roof, several additional task forces were requested, along with specialty companies (i.e. USAR, RS3, Heavy Equipment, etc.) and Fire-cause Investigators.

With no reports of occupants inside, firefighters patiently applied large amounts of water from heavy streams, including ladder pipes and large-diameter hand lines. The building sustained substantial collapse, further speaking to the wisdom of defensive operations being used on this incident.

Over 100 LAFD personnel were able to extinguish the flames in two hours and five minutes, without injury. LAFD's remote-control firefighting robot, RS3, was called in to do work in excessively dangerous areas, and LAFD heavy equipment (excavators) will be used to uncover smoldering debris. Smoke may be seen in the area for an extended period of time during this work.

Arson Investigators were called to the scene to attempt to determine the fire's cause. They arrived and received word of ten other fires (including rubbish, autos, etc.) within less than a mile of the incident, that will be included in the scope of their investigation, which remains active. LAFD brought in two Fast Response Vehicles to provide a mobile solution and rapid extinguishment of the smaller fires, while keeping the fire engines on the large fire or available to respond to new emergencies. Two individuals have been detained for questioning. One was released and one was booked for "arson of property" (Penal Code 451-D). LAFD will release further information as it becomes available.

LAFD Incident 102622-0278

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

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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 Photo by Gary Apodaca

LAFD Incident 062223-1024

Major Blaze in Downtown Building by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 9:44PM on November 9, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 210 N Center Street in Downtown Los Angeles. The large, vacant building had numerous safety hazards from previous fires. While the building suffered extensive damage, firefighters defended the neighboring buildings from harm.

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

LAFD Incident: 110918-2060

Aggressive Actions Stop Apartment Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 3:21PM on 2 April, 2017 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a structure fire in teh 15500 block of W Rayen St in North Hills. With fire showing from a unit on the top floor of a 4 story apartment building, firefighters initiated fire attack and ventilation operations. Their quick actions stopped this non-injury fire from extending beyond the unit of origin.

Photo by Greg Doyle

LAFD Incident: 040217-0948

Inferno At Northridge Utility Yard Leads To Power Outage by Los Angeles Fire Department

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The Los Angeles Fire Department was notified at 6:53 PM on July 8, 2017 of an explosion heard in the 18900 block of Parthenia Street in Northridge, where firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy flames and a towering column of thick, dark smoke from within the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) energy transmission site known as Receiving Station J.

A vat containing as much as 60,000 gallons of mineral oil, reportedly used as a cooling agent for high-voltage equipment, was heavily involved with fire and believed to be fully energized.

LAFD Assistant Chief Patrick Butler conferred with LADWP experts to electrically isolate the fire and assure the safety of nearby residents, utility workers and firefighters - as well as preclude greater harm to citywide utility service, before leading 74 firefighters to battle the flames directly with large volumes of water and firefighting foam. The inferno was fully extinguished in just 2 hours, and there were no injuries.

The resultant power outage at a time of intense summer heat affected the communities of Northridge, Winnetka, Reseda, Lake Balboa, Tarzana, North Hills, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, West Hills, Canoga Park and Woodland Hills according to LADWP officials, leading to scores of LAFD service calls including many elevator rescues.

Fire damage to the facility, and any effect it may have upon utility service will be determined by LADWP. The cause of the blaze is considered accidental, and attributed to a mechanical malfunction per utility officials

LAFD Incident: 070817-1383

Downtown LA Commercial Fire Hampered By Fire Sprinklers by Los Angeles Fire Department

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LOS ANGELES - LAFD responded to 1620 South Los Angeles Street at 2:44 A.M. on January 18, 2020. A one-story commercial building contained a fire inside being held in check by fire sprinklers. This caused excessive smoke to build up with only minimal growth of the fire. Interior fire attack companies searched for the seat of the fire in very low visibility conditions, while navigating through excessive storage of textiles. Firefighters on the roof cut holes to ventilate the structure, letting some of the thick smoke out into the early morning sky, improving conditions for firefighters inside. Ultimately, 55 firefighters extinguished the fire in 49 minutes, with no reported injuries. The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation.

LAFD Incident 011820-0151

Collapse Inside South Park Church Blaze Sends Firefighters to Hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department

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SOUTH PARK - The Los Angeles City Fire Department battled a Major Emergency Structure Fire early Sunday morning, on Patriot Day, at the Victory Baptist Church. Intense fire weakened the structural supports and collapsed, trapping several firefighters and sending three to the hospital.

Approximately 150 firefighters were ultimately called to the 4800 block of South McKinley Avenue in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 11, 2022, where 9-1-1 callers had reported smoke coming from Victory Baptist Church. Crews initially made entry to find heavy smoke inside the structure. As firefighters made entry, inevitably introducing more air to the conditions inside, fire behavior worsened quickly.

Approximately 30 minutes after the arrival of firefighters, there was a structural collapse inside, trapping several LAFD members. Two consecutive mayday calls were put out on the radio alerting the fire ground of trapped firefighters. Nearby crews quickly effected a rescue of three firefighters. One was transported immediately to a local hospital in moderate condition, while a second finished battling the fire and was transported in fair condition after the flames were declared to be knocked down. The third followed up with care on his own after the incident.

After the interior collapse, crews withdrew into defensive operations, utilizing heavy streams from the exterior of the building. It took one hour and forty minutes to extinguish the flames. LAFD Heavy Equipment was called out to assist with moving debris to access hot spots. Crews will remain working throughout the day to continue uncovering smoldering debris in the rubble.

LAFD's House of Worship Task Force and Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section are working together to conduct the fire-cause investigation, which remains active.

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

LAFD Incident: 091122-0156

LAFD Crews Swiftly Extinguish House Fire in Panorama City by Los Angeles Fire Department

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PANORAMA CITY - It took 30 firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department less than 25 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish a non-injury fire involving a one story home in the 8900 block of Colbath Avenue late March 2, 2022.

LAFD Incident 030222-1895

Fire Stopped Before Damaging Beverly Grove Building by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 10:28AM, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 6200 block of W Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Grove. Firefighters extinguished an outside fire before it was able to extend inside a commercial building.

LAFD Incident: 072917-0548

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

Explosive Fire Destroys Boyle Heights Business by Los Angeles Fire Department

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BOYLE HEIGHTS - Relentless and well coordinated defensive firefighting operations by more than 120 members of the Los Angeles Fire Department, helped bring massive flames under control without injury in just 90 minutes early November 4, 2022, when fire engulfed a 17,115 square foot one-story building that housed a vast supply of smoking materials, including a huge volume of tobacco and butane canisters, the latter of which led to a prolonged volley of small explosions that rained debris at the peak of the fire.

LAFD Incident 110422-0088

San Pedro Fire Prevented from Spreading by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 2:31PM on January 19, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 1300 block of W O'Farrell St in San Pedro for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a two story, single family dwelling with a well involved attic fire and extension to the 2nd floor. 29 firefighters extinguished the fire in 29 minutes and prevented it from damaging the adjacent home.

LAFD Incident: 011921-0968

Pacoima Fire Sends Two to Hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 5:21AM on December 21, 2019 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 12700 block of W Wingo St in Pacoima for a reported structure fire. 42 firefighters extinguished the fire in 20 minutes. Two patients, including a 4 mos old child, were transported in fair condition.

LAFD Incident: 122119-0241

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LAFD Incident 101222-1068

Greater Alarm Fire in East Hollywood by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:14AM on July 25, 2023 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 570 block of N Normandie Av in East Hollywood.

Firefighters arrived to a vacant to story fourplex with heavy fire showing.

Crews initiated an offensive operation, simultaneously conducted vertical ventilation and interior fire attack.

The incident rose to the Greater Alarm level with over 70 firefighters achieving knockdown in two hours and three minutes.

Two firefighters were transported to the hospital with heat related illness and returned to duty later that day.

LAFD Incident 072523-0706

LAFD Quickly Tackles Flames at Hyde Park Triplex by Los Angeles Fire Department

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HYDE PARK - It took Los Angeles Firefighters just 26 minutes to fully extinguish a stubborn non-injury fire in one unit of a one-story residential triplex in the 3500 block of West Florence Avenue on January 4, 2019. © Photo by Justin Johnson

LAFD Incident: 010419-0979

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

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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

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

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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

Fire Rips Through Van Nuys Industrial Building by Los Angeles Fire Department

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VAN NUYS - A persistent battle by 40 members of the Los Angeles Fire Department led to a relatively quick (23 minute) extinguishment of a commercial fire at an upholstery shop and auto shop on the 14700 block of West Bessemer Street on May 29, 2023.

LAFD Incident 052923-1135

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

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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

LAFD Holds Blaze To Three North Hollywood Commercial Structures by Los Angeles Fire Department

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NORTH HOLLYWOOD - LAFD firefighters battled a blaze in three adjacent commercial buildings, fending off electrical hazards and building collapse, to extinguish the inferno in just over 3 hours.

A pile of oily rags were the culprit of a massive commercial structure fire on Lankershim Blvd just before midnight on November 1, 2019. Painting-related chemicals provided for a chemical reaction with the rags they were saturating and produced enough heat for them to spontaneously combust. Firefighters arrived to find fire blowing through the roof of the commercial building. Crews made access to enter the building and began cutting holes in the roof to ventilate the structure. As fire blew out of every hold that was cut, despite their continuous attempts to retreat to a less involved area to continue cutting, the decision was made to pull companies off the roof and out of the structure, and assume a defensive posture. The heavy fire load in the business quickly grew the fire, which spread to two more nearby commercial buildings.

The combined 40,000 square-foot fireball burned for over 3 hours, while 127 firefighters worked the perimeter to "surround and drown" the fire. Firefighters navigated around electrical wires down, and roof and wall collapses during the fight. By nearly 3:00 AM, the flames waved the white flag and gave up, succumbing to the three hour tour of large-diameter hose streams raining down, guided by spotters on the radio with a better vantage point. Ladder pipes, portable monitors, and 2-1/2-inch hand lines were all used in the deluge. The emergency was mitigated, but the work was not done.

Firefighters stayed on scene to overhaul the buildings and the debris pile for days following, while the pile continued to smoke. Plastics and other materials had melted throughout the pile, creating a water-resistant layer that protected hot spots under the surface from hose streams. LAFD tractor companies came out at first light the next morning to turn over the pile. A track loader (Caterpillar 953) and a wheel loader (Caterpillar IT28), driven by LAFD Heavy Equipment Operators, worked for days to continue overhauling the buildings and turn over debris, allowing firefighters to continue to put water on the materials to cool it off. Companies from all over the city rotated shifts during the days after, on "fire watch" to ensure nothing flared up and to continue to apply water while the tractors operated.

Fire investigators from the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section obtained video evidence that enabled them to make the determination that the cause was accidental, due to spontaneous combustion. Near the end of the video from an internal surveillance camera, rags with painting-related chemicals on them (left on a bench) can be seen spontaneously combusting due to a chemical reaction. This is a sobering reminder to properly dispose of oily and chemical-soaked rags properly. Fortunately, no one was hurt during this Major Emergency fire.

Photo by Cody Weireter

LAFD Incident: 110119-1860

Boyd Street Incident by Los Angeles Fire Department

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On Saturday, May 16, 2020 at 6:26 p.m., the LAFD responded to a reported structure fire at 327 E. Boyd St. in downtown Los Angeles. The first companies arrived on scene within four minutes to find a one-story commercial building with smoke showing. The businesses were not open at the time and firefighters had to force entry with power saws to make access.

They immediately initiated an aggressive interior fire attack with hose lines, and a truck company was sent to the roof to perform vertical ventilation. As firefighting operations continued, the firefighters encountered increased pressurized smoke and heard a rumbling high-pitched sound. Firefighters identified the changing conditions and immediately started exiting the building and the roof as the situation rapidly deteriorated.

Shortly thereafter, a significant explosion created a massive fireball that enveloped the firefighters descending from the roof via an aerial ladder. The searing heat melted helmets, burned through protective coats and hoods and blistered and charred nearby fire apparatus.

A MAYDAY was immediately broadcast over the radio and treatment began on the 11 firefighters that had been caught in the inferno. All of the injured were working at Fire Station 9 on Skid Row, one of the nation’s busiest. Dozens of additional fire and ambulance resources were dispatched to the scene to assist with medical treatment and fire suppression as the blaze continued to spread.

All 11 firefighters were rapidly transported to LAC+USC Medical Center for treatment. A 12th firefighter was later treated and released at the hospital for a minor extremity injury. All 11 burned firefighters were admitted to the hospital with injuries of varying severity. Thankfully, all are expected to survive and as of the morning of Saturday, May 17, three had already been released from the hospital.

At the peak of the incident, more than 230 LAFD firefighters were on scene and the Major Emergency blaze was declared extinguished at 8:08 p.m., one hour and 42 minutes after it was reported. LAFD Arson investigators are working in conjunction with their law enforcement partners to investigate the cause and origin of the fire, as well as the nature of the business at the incident address.

LAFD Incident: 051620-1073

LAFD Holds Blaze To Three North Hollywood Commercial Structures by Los Angeles Fire Department

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NORTH HOLLYWOOD - LAFD firefighters battled a blaze in three adjacent commercial buildings, fending off electrical hazards and building collapse, to extinguish the inferno in just over 3 hours.

A pile of oily rags were the culprit of a massive commercial structure fire on Lankershim Blvd just before midnight on November 1, 2019. Painting-related chemicals provided for a chemical reaction with the rags they were saturating and produced enough heat for them to spontaneously combust. Firefighters arrived to find fire blowing through the roof of the commercial building. Crews made access to enter the building and began cutting holes in the roof to ventilate the structure. As fire blew out of every hold that was cut, despite their continuous attempts to retreat to a less involved area to continue cutting, the decision was made to pull companies off the roof and out of the structure, and assume a defensive posture. The heavy fire load in the business quickly grew the fire, which spread to two more nearby commercial buildings.

The combined 40,000 square-foot fireball burned for over 3 hours, while 127 firefighters worked the perimeter to "surround and drown" the fire. Firefighters navigated around electrical wires down, and roof and wall collapses during the fight. By nearly 3:00 AM, the flames waved the white flag and gave up, succumbing to the three hour tour of large-diameter hose streams raining down, guided by spotters on the radio with a better vantage point. Ladder pipes, portable monitors, and 2-1/2-inch hand lines were all used in the deluge. The emergency was mitigated, but the work was not done.

Firefighters stayed on scene to overhaul the buildings and the debris pile for days following, while the pile continued to smoke. Plastics and other materials had melted throughout the pile, creating a water-resistant layer that protected hot spots under the surface from hose streams. LAFD tractor companies came out at first light the next morning to turn over the pile. A track loader (Caterpillar 953) and a wheel loader (Caterpillar IT28), driven by LAFD Heavy Equipment Operators, worked for days to continue overhauling the buildings and turn over debris, allowing firefighters to continue to put water on the materials to cool it off. Companies from all over the city rotated shifts during the days after, on "fire watch" to ensure nothing flared up and to continue to apply water while the tractors operated.

Fire investigators from the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section obtained video evidence that enabled them to make the determination that the cause was accidental, due to spontaneous combustion. Near the end of the video from an internal surveillance camera, rags with painting-related chemicals on them (left on a bench) can be seen spontaneously combusting due to a chemical reaction. This is a sobering reminder to properly dispose of oily and chemical-soaked rags properly. Fortunately, no one was hurt during this Major Emergency fire.

LAFD Incident: 110119-1860

untitled-0280.jpg by Trey Spooner Photography

Downtown Fire Destroys Business by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 3:42AM on Sunday May 1, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to 1325 S Los Angeles Street for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire company found heavy fire showing from a two story building, part of a row of commercial units, doing business as "Nice Cap".

Sparks flew from rotary saws as firefighters cut open multiple rolling steel doors to gain access to the unit. Due to the quantity of stacked, packed textiles, firefighters faced challenges reaching the seat of the fire located on the 2nd floor towards the back of the unit. The fire burned through the roof and caused a partial collapse.

The heavy, raging fire combined with the safety hazards of the partial collapse required a transition to defensive operations. Crews deployed master streams and hit the blaze with a deluge of water. They succeeded in knocking back the bulk of the fire which allowed them to return to an offensive operation and resume an interior fire attack.

Accessing the stairwell to the second floor continued to prove difficult due to the interior storage conditions and the remaining fire. Ultimately, 134 firefighters operating under the command of Assistant Chief Antoine McKnight achieved a knockdown in two hours and four minutes with no injuries reported.

The persistence and dedicated efforts of the firefighters saved the two adjoining businesses from fire damage.

LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) responded, per protocol, and the investigation remains active.

Use of This Photo Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: Branden Silverman

LAFD Incident: 050122-0197

Pacoima Fire Damages Church, Threatens Motel by Los Angeles Fire Department

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PACOIMA - It took 71 Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters little more than an hour to stop a fast-moving outdoor rubbish fire that extended into and heavily damaged a one-story church in the 10200 block of North San Fernando Road shortly after noon on Sunday, May 15, 2022. An adjacent residential motel, threatened by the stubborn flames, was temporarily evacuated by LAFD responders,. before the fire was extinguished and they could be rehoused. No injuries were reported.

LAFD Incident 051522-0785

Pacoima Fire Damages Church, Threatens Motel by Los Angeles Fire Department

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PACOIMA - It took 71 Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters little more than an hour to stop a fast-moving outdoor rubbish fire that extended into and heavily damaged a one-story church in the 10200 block of North San Fernando Road shortly after noon on Sunday, May 15, 2022. An adjacent residential motel, threatened by the stubborn flames, was temporarily evacuated by LAFD responders,. before the fire was extinguished and they could be rehoused. No injuries were reported.

LAFD Incident 051522-0785

Greater Alarm Fire in North Hollywood by Los Angeles Fire Department

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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

Hollywood Commercial Fire Kills One by Los Angeles Fire Department

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HOLLYWOOD - Fire burned through a two-story concrete industrial building on Thursday, May 19, 2022, killing one person.

Seventy-eight firefighters responded to the 6600 block of West Lexington Avenue at 5:42 PM to find a two-story commercial building with smoke showing. There was an abundance of small individual recording studios inside, creating a very compartmentalized layout, which was extremely challenging to navigate and crawl through in zero visibility. Additionally, the studios had sound deadening thick walls, extra insulation, double drywall, and thick windows. While this design was intended to keep the sound from escaping, it also excelled at keeping the smoke and heat from escaping. Firefighters inside took a beating during a very hot and intense battle, but were relentless and extinguished the flames in 51 minutes.

During the fire fight, two patients were found with smoke-related respiratory symptoms. Firefighter-paramedics treated them on scene, and both declined transport. Tragically, during their systematic interior search, firefighters discovered one person deceased in the structure. Human Remains Detection K9s were called to search the area and, thankfully, did not find any other victims.

After the flames were extinguished, firefighters discovered marijuana upstairs, which appeared to be a grow operation. LAFD's Fire Prevention Bureau was notified and Fire Inspectors from the Cannabis Unit responded to review previous records, inspect the building, help determine if this was legal, and (in a joint effort with Fire Investigators) determine if it contributed to the cause of the fire. These investigations remain active (currently no conclusions have been made).

LAFD Incident 051922-1214

Woodland Hills Greater Alarm Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:40PM on May 9, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 6400 block of N Independence AV in Woodland Hills for a reported structure fire.

Crews arrived to find heavy smoke showing from a one story, commercial (concrete tilt-up) building.

The fire intensified rapidly and with fire now showing through the roof, the incident transitioned to a defensive operation.

Firefighters knocked back the bulk of the fire and returned to offensive mode to reach the final pockets of fire. Ultimately, 74 firefighters extinguished the fire in 69 minutes with no injuries reported. LAFD Arson responded to investigate the cause of the fire.

LAFD Incident: 050922-1835

Inferno At Northridge Utility Yard Leads To Power Outage by Los Angeles Fire Department

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The Los Angeles Fire Department was notified at 6:53 PM on July 8, 2017 of an explosion heard in the 18900 block of Parthenia Street in Northridge, where firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy flames and a towering column of thick, dark smoke from within the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) energy transmission site known as Receiving Station J.

A vat containing as much as 60,000 gallons of mineral oil, reportedly used as a cooling agent for high-voltage equipment, was heavily involved with fire and believed to be fully energized.

LAFD Assistant Chief Patrick Butler conferred with LADWP experts to electrically isolate the fire and assure the safety of nearby residents, utility workers and firefighters - as well as preclude greater harm to citywide utility service, before leading 74 firefighters to battle the flames directly with large volumes of water and firefighting foam. The inferno was fully extinguished in just 2 hours, and there were no injuries.

The resultant power outage at a time of intense summer heat affected the communities of Northridge, Winnetka, Reseda, Lake Balboa, Tarzana, North Hills, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, West Hills, Canoga Park and Woodland Hills according to LADWP officials, leading to scores of LAFD service calls including many elevator rescues.

Fire damage to the facility, and any effect it may have upon utility service will be determined by LADWP. The cause of the blaze is considered accidental, and attributed to a mechanical malfunction per utility officials

LAFD Incident: 070817-1383

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