structurefire photos on Flickr

Fireworks Starts Fire in Sylmar by Los Angeles Fire Department

2

At 7:40PM on July 4, 2023 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported vegetation fire in the 13500 block of W Borden St in Sylmar.

Firefighters arrived to find a fire burning in the yard of a single family dwelling. Crews quickly initiated a fire attack and extinguished the flames with no injuries reported.

The fire, started by the use of illegal fireworks, damaged a total of six vehicles and a tree.

LAFD Incident 070423-1378

Fire Rips Through Van Nuys Mobile Homes by Los Angeles Fire Department

3

VAN NUYS - The Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a structure fire consuming two mobile homes and several vehicles at the 7600 block of North Balboa Boulevard at 5:22 AM on December 18, 2022. It took 42 LAFD firefighters just 42 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish fire that destroyed two modular homes, in Space 57 (origin) and Space 56 to the east. Firefighters greatly limited damage to an exposed modular home to the west in Space 58, as well as nearby industrial buildings. No injuries reported. Fire cause under investigation.

LAFD Incident 121822-0335

Major Emergency Blaze Consumes Building by Los Angeles Fire Department

3

At 7:48PM on November 25, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 1820 E 48th Place in the Central-Alameda area. The address, site of a Greater Alarm fire two nights prior, included four large, adjoining buildings which housed multiple businesses. Heavy fire was showing from one building, already through the roof upon LAFD arrival.

Truck companies deployed ladder pipes and engine companies flowed wagon batteries while establishing large diameter hand lines. Forcible entry was required to open all the rolling steel doors and give firefighters access to the blaze from the exterior.

An entrenched battle continued through the night with 115 firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Kristina Kepner, working aggressively to defend the adjoining structures. Their efforts prevented the fire from extending and protected numerous businesses.

LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section had an open investigation into the cause of the fire at this address on November 23, 2021 and were on scene to conduct the cause investigation into this fire as well, which remains ongoing.

LAFD Incident: 112521-1480

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

3

Watch the HD video at youtu.be/_5ay3QYqo98

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

5

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

LAFD Battles Greater Alarm Fire in South L.A. by Los Angeles Fire Department

4

SOUTH LOS ANGELES - On the afternoon of April 11, 2020 the Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned to a structure fire at 11632 South Main Street in South Los Angeles. The first arriving firefighters discovered heavy pressurized smoke and fire showing from the rear of a 70’ x 40’ vacant one story commercial building.

Mounting an aggressive fire attack with a primary search of the structure, crews were pushed back by deteriorating conditions, including a partial roof collapse, leading to a well-coordinated transition to defensive operations.

Ninety-eight LAFD personnel were able to fully extinguish the fire in 52 minutes. There were no injuries. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

LAFD Incident 041120-0763

Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD Photo

Fire at Panorama City Walmart by Los Angeles Fire Department

3

At 6:22PM on March 18, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 8333 N Van Nuys Bl in Panorama City.

Firefighters arrived to find a large four story, commercial building (Walmart) with nothing showing but an evacuation was underway. As crews made their way into the building to investigate, they located a fire on the 2nd floor, in a retail area, being held in check by fire sprinklers.

As firefighters made their interior attack, additional members worked to locate the risers and shut off the water to all sprinklers. Fire sprinklers (exact numbers vary based on the type installed) dispense approximately 15-25 gallons of water per minute, thus shutting of the system is an important part of the salvage operations to minimize water damage.

Store employees proactively evacuated the store when the fire alarm activated and it was underway upon LAFD arrival. Their actions helped to limit potential injuries. Four people (two employees and two customers) were medically evaluated and all declined LAFD hospital transport.

Ultimately, over 70 firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Corey Rose, fully extinguished the fire in 53 minutes. Crews remained on scene for several hours, working to remove the standing water and clear the building of smoke.

LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section responded and are actively investigating the cause. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health responded and formally closed the store for safety purposes.

LAFD Incident: 031822-1434

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

3

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.

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

LAFD Incident: 090522-0984

_0018768 by Mike Hugg Media

7

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

5

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

3

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

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

5

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

LAFD Swiftly Tackles Suspicious Fire in South L.A. by Los Angeles Fire Department

2

SOUTH LOS ANGELES - It took Los Angeles Fire Department responders less than 12 minutes to fully extinguish a suspicious non-injury fire in a vacant two story home in the 400 block of West 91st Place early February 16, 2020.

LAFD Incident: 021620-0141

LAFD Firefighters Defend Business from Large Outside Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

3

PACOIMA - LAFD Firefighters were summoned to the 12800 block of West Foothill Boulevard at 7:20 PM on July 23, 2023 for reports of a structure fire. Firefighters found a large outside fire to the rear of a row of commercial buildings. Flames spread to the a power pole (causing wires to come down) and a 40-foot trailer, but firefighters quickly extinguished the flames to keep the fire from entering the nearby business. It took 49 firefighters 32 minutes to fully extinguish the flames. One firefighter was transported to the hospital in fair condition, with burns on one extremity. Cause under investigation.

LAFD Incident 072323-1302

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

2

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

Hollywood Commercial Fire Kills One by Los Angeles Fire Department

3

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

Fireworks Starts Fire in Sylmar by Los Angeles Fire Department

3

At 7:40PM on July 4, 2023 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported vegetation fire in the 13500 block of W Borden St in Sylmar.

Firefighters arrived to find a fire burning in the yard of a single family dwelling. Crews quickly initiated a fire attack and extinguished the flames with no injuries reported.

The fire, started by the use of illegal fireworks, damaged a total of six vehicles and a tree.

LAFD Incident 070423-1378

FullSizeRender (30) by Los Angeles Fire Department

6

At 1:59PM on Tuesday 1 August, 2017, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1000 block of S Santee St.

Firefighters arrived to find a two story, commercial building with heavy smoke showing from the 2nd floor. Additional resources were requested, raising the incident to a Greater Alarm status.

As fire attack crews made entry and the truck began vertical ventilation operations on the roof, a raging attic fire was discovered. The fire extended to the 2nd floor and firefighters quickly extinguished that section of the fire.

The battle against the attic fire continued, working to hit all corners of the attic to knockdown the stubborn blaze. 90 firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Surgey Tomlinson, achieved complete knockdown in 34 minutes. All occupants were clear of the structure and no injuries were reported.

LAFD Incident 080117-0772

Photo by: LAFD Harry Garvin

Fire Rips Through Van Nuys Mobile Homes by Los Angeles Fire Department

3

VAN NUYS - The Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a structure fire consuming two mobile homes and several vehicles at the 7600 block of North Balboa Boulevard at 5:22 AM on December 18, 2022. It took 42 LAFD firefighters just 42 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish fire that destroyed two modular homes, in Space 57 (origin) and Space 56 to the east. Firefighters greatly limited damage to an exposed modular home to the west in Space 58, as well as nearby industrial buildings. No injuries reported. Fire cause under investigation.

LAFD Incident 121822-0335

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

5

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

Highland Park Home Defended from Blaze by Los Angeles Fire Department

5

AT 4:27PM on June 7, 2020 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 900 block of N Larker Ave in Highland Park. 41 firefighters made a quick, aggressive interior fire attack and got a knockdown of the fire in 20 minutes, ensuring no extension to the attic. One patient was evaluated for possible smoke inhalation.

LAFD Incident: 060720-0946

LAFD Holds Fire Within Vacant NoHo Business by Los Angeles Fire Department

2

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - It took thirty-four members of the Los Angeles Fire Department just 24 minutes in largely defensive operations to access, confine and fully extinguish the stubborn flames of a non-injury fire within a vacant one-story commercial building at 6669 Lankershim Boulevard early February 24, 2023.

LAFD Incident 022423-0023

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

4

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD Photo

LAFD Incident: 072420-0570

Menominee_MI_Sugar_Beet_Fire_TX_9-1-1967 by Ted Ellis

9 1

The old sugar beet plant in Menominee Michigan is burning to the ground. It was abandoned for many years before this fire started.

This photo was taken from the Ansul Company's dock in Marinette Wisconsin looking across the Menominee River.

LAFD Swiftly Quenches Flames in Vacant NoHo Building by Los Angeles Fire Department

2

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - It took 100 Los Angeles Fire Department responders less than 45 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish a non-injury greater alarm structure fire at 6261 Laurel Canyon Boulevard on December 13, 2021. The blaze, reported at 3:37 PM, consumed a central portion of a long vacant 250' x 100' row of businesses that had been the site of a previous fire.

LAFD Incident 121321-1085

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

3

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

West Hills Attic Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

1

At 8:49AM on January 2, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 7400 block of N Atherton Lane in West Hills.

34 firefighters located and extinguished an attic fire in 29 minutes with no injuries reported.. Crews prevented the fire from extending down into the 2nd floor and conducted salvage operations to provide protection for the contents of the rooms.

LAFD Incident 010222-10451

Early Morning Blaze in Downtown LA by Los Angeles Fire Department

4

At 4:29AM on August 14, 2019 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to 2501 S Main Street for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a 50‘ x 100’ commercial building, with fire showing on all sides.

The well entrenched fire required a defensive operation from the start. Firefighters deployed master streams to include ladder pipes and large diameter hand lines. As the roof collapsed on the 66 year old structure, crews continued to safely apply copious amounts of water from the exterior.

Once Incident Commander, Assistant Chief Kristina Kepner, deemed the blaze under control and conditions safe, she directed a return to an offensive operation so firefighters could reach the isolated pockets of fire and ensure full extinguishment.

115 firefighters waged the battle for one hour and 29 minutes before a complete knockdown was determined. Their tenacious efforts ensured the neighboring businesses were undamaged and no injuries were reported.

The LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section is actively investigating the cause per protocol for an incident of this scale.

LAFD Incident 081419-0160

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

3

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

Model structure fire 🔥 on Chicago’s west side. by Terry Spirek

5

Sun Valley Fire Destroys Vacant Supermarket by Los Angeles Fire Department

4

At 3:11AM on July 22, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 8025 N Vineland Ave in Sun Valley. Two Los Angeles Police Department officers on patrol saw a rising smoke plume and located the fire to find it raging. They radioed in the location and went to check the doors to see if anyone was inside. The 82,000 square foot structure, built in 1958, was vacant and boarded up so they safely retreated to await the fire department.

When the first fire companies arrived, they found heavy fire at the back of the building had extended forward. The incident commander quickly implemented a defensive operation with crews on all four sides of the structure. Truck companies deployed ladder pipes and engine companies put large diameter hand lines in place. Over 100 firefighters battled the fire for 95 minutes before Assistant Chief John Drake declared a knockdown.

Due to roof collapse, the building was filled with debris and prevented firefighters from conducting a visual search for any potential victims. Human Remain Detection K9 teams responded and made their way up, over and through the detritus to provide a more thorough search of the area. There were no victims located and no injuries reported to firefighters or civilians.

The LAFD Tractor Company utilized the RS3 Robotic Firefighting Vehicle to safely reach pockets of fire remaining in areas too unstable for firefighter-staffed hand lines. They also used an excavator and skid steer with grapple bucket to pull down unstable sections of the building (for safety) and overhaul the large debris piles.

Due to the size of the incident, the LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section responded. After completing their investigation, the official cause is 'undetermined'.

LAFD Incident: 072221-0162

Hollywood Commercial Fire Kills One by Los Angeles Fire Department

2

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

Boyd Street Incident by Los Angeles Fire Department

3

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

Sun Valley Major Emergency Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

1

At 11:30PM on November 7, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 8100 block of N Sunland Bl in Sun Valley. Firefighters arrived to a two story, commercial building (site of previous burn) with heavy fire showing. In a mostly defensive operation, 87 firefighters battled flames with at least four ladder pipes and several other heavy streams in operation on the commercial building for over two hours before safely achieving a knockdown.

LAFD Incident 120721-1589

Fire Rips Through Van Nuys Mobile Homes by Los Angeles Fire Department

3

VAN NUYS - The Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a structure fire consuming two mobile homes and several vehicles at the 7600 block of North Balboa Boulevard at 5:22 AM on December 18, 2022. It took 42 LAFD firefighters just 42 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish fire that destroyed two modular homes, in Space 57 (origin) and Space 56 to the east. Firefighters greatly limited damage to an exposed modular home to the west in Space 58, as well as nearby industrial buildings. No injuries reported. Fire cause under investigation.

LAFD Incident 121822-0335

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

2

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

Midnight Blaze in South Los Angeles by Los Angeles Fire Department

4

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

LAFD Quickly Extinguishes Harvard Park Blaze by Los Angeles Fire Department

3

HARVARD PARK - It took 38 Los Angeles Fire Department responders just 24 minutes to extinguish a non-injury fire in an unoccupied row of residential bungalows in the 6200 block of South Western Avenue late May 19, 2021.

LAFD Incident: 051921-1607

Large shed fire in 74's Due by LeafsHockeyFan

4

Feb 4, 2017. Stations 74, 2 and 6 were dispatched for a structure fire on the Maryland side in the Avalon Park neighborhood. Units arrived to find a large shed well involved with fire that was threatening two homes in close proximity. Assistance was requested from the next 3 closest fire stations which brought units from Stations 16, 5 and 7.

Downtown Fire Destroys Business by Los Angeles Fire Department

1

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

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

2

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

LAFD Rescues Two From Sun Valley Apartment Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

3

SUN VALLEY - The Los Angeles Fire Department rescued two seriously burned patients and medically evaluated five other civilians at the scene, when flames erupted at a 210 unit four-story apartment building at 7727 Lankershim Boulevard on the morning of March 23, 2023. A well-coordinated fire attack confined the bulk of fire to the second floor apartment of fire origin, with the flames extinguished in just 33 minutes. The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.

LAFD Incident 032323-0662

Venice Blaze Destroys Two Homes by Los Angeles Fire Department

2

At 10:44 PM on October 2, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 400 block of Carroll Canal in the Venice neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived to find a three story home (under renovation/new construction) fully involved in fire and exposing adjacent homes.

Over 100 firefighters battled for one hour and 20 minutes to extinguish the blaze. Two homes (the address of origin and an adjacent home) were destroyed while three additional homes sustained damage to the eves from the ember cast.

LAFD Arson section responded, per protocol for an incident of this size, and the investigation is ongoing.

LAFD Incident 100222-1620

Sun Valley Major Emergency Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

3

At 11:30PM on November 7, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 8100 block of N Sunland Bl in Sun Valley. Firefighters arrived to a two story, commercial building (site of previous burn) with heavy fire showing. In a mostly defensive operation, 87 firefighters battled flames with at least four ladder pipes and several other heavy streams in operation on the commercial building for over two hours before safely achieving a knockdown.

LAFD Incident 120721-1589

Mobile Home Fire in Sylmar by Los Angeles Fire Department

5

At 2:53AM on 8 June, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 15000 block of N Glenoaks Blvd. Firefighters extinguished a fully involved mobile home in 20 minutes with no injuries. Sadly one pet dog and cat died in the fire.

LAFD Incident 060818-0130

Woodland Hills Fire Lights the Sky by Los Angeles Fire Department

3 1

WOODLAND HILLS - The Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 5100 block of Medina Road in Woodland Hills on November 7, 2020, to find fire showing from the top floor of a a three-story ascending hillside home. Sixty-six firefighters protected nearby vegetation and homes from the blaze, extinguishing the flames without injury in just 45 minutes.

LAFD Incident: 110720-1322

Boyle Heights Greater Alarm Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

3

At 11:39PM on September 28, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 1600 block of E 1st St for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a one story commercial building, approximately 50' x 100' with heavy fire showing on at least one side. After an initial offensive fire attack met a deep seated fire and difficulty making entry, safety considerations required the transition to a defensive operation. Ultimately, over 100 firefighters fully extinguished the fire in just over two hours with no injuries reported. LAFD Arson section is actively investigating the cause of the fire.

LAFD Incident 092821-1686

Early Morning Blaze in Downtown LA by Los Angeles Fire Department

5

At 4:29AM on August 14, 2019 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to 2501 S Main Street for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a 50‘ x 100’ commercial building, with fire showing on all sides.

The well entrenched fire required a defensive operation from the start. Firefighters deployed master streams to include ladder pipes and large diameter hand lines. As the roof collapsed on the 66 year old structure, crews continued to safely apply copious amounts of water from the exterior.

Once Incident Commander, Assistant Chief Kristina Kepner, deemed the blaze under control and conditions safe, she directed a return to an offensive operation so firefighters could reach the isolated pockets of fire and ensure full extinguishment.

115 firefighters waged the battle for one hour and 29 minutes before a complete knockdown was determined. Their tenacious efforts ensured the neighboring businesses were undamaged and no injuries were reported.

The LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section is actively investigating the cause per protocol for an incident of this scale.

LAFD Incident 081419-0160

Attic Fire at Urth Caffe by Los Angeles Fire Department

6

At 6:45AM, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 459 S Hewitt Street in Downtown Los Angeles. Firefighters arrived to find smoke showing from the roof of the Urth Caffe and immediately initiated an offensive attack while requesting additional units.

The Greater Alarm status fire extended into the attic and firefighters worked to locate and isolate the blaze while successfully defending the two adjoining (wall-sharing) businesses. The 11,461 square foot building, constructed in 1928, presented challenges in reaching the seat of the fire but 98 firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Kwame Cooper, worked diligently and achieved knockdown in 1 hour and 25 minutes.

As per standard protocol for a Greater Alarm fire, LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section is actively investigating the cause.

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

LAFD Incident: 122818-0280

Major Emergency Fire Destroys Panorama City Business by Los Angeles Fire Department

4

PANORAMA CITY - At 12:09AM on August 13, 2021 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 14600 block of Titus Street. Firefighters found a large, one story commercial building with heavy fire showing upon arrival. The defensive operation last almost three hours before an official knockdown was declared. Crews remained on scene throughout the night conducting overhaul operations to ensure no remaining pockets of fire. The business was closed and no workers present at the time of the fire. This non-injury fire remains under investigation.

LAFD Incident: 081321-00015

Tags structurefire

View allAll Photos Tagged structurefire