structurefire photos on Flickr

Midnight Blaze in South Los Angeles by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 10:55PM on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 1700 block of E 57th Street for a reported structure fire. The first arriving companies found a large (approximately 300’ x 500’) pallet yard with heavy fire showing. Additional resources were quickly requested as crews moved into the defensive mode.

Firefighters went to work on all four sides of this incident, conducting fire attack against several outbuildings in the compound of the yard while simultaneously establishing master streams to drown out the pallet fire. Downed, high voltage power lines created an additional safety hazard for crews to work around.

116 LAFD firefighters, assisted by several companies from Los Angeles County Fire Department, working under the command of Assistant Chief Antoine McKnight, declared a knockdown of the fire in one hour and four minutes, with no injuries reported. No residential homes outside of the compound were damaged.

This was a Major Emergency status structure fire and thus, per protocol, LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) responded and are actively investigating the cause of the fire.

LAFD Incident: 050520-1481

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

LAFD Firefighters Hold Damage To One Building and Spare Two Others in Westlake by Los Angeles Fire Department

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WESTLAKE - When an early morning blaze ripped through a vacant structure, firefighters battled the fire on multiple fronts and successfully saved a four story apartment building and large church.

At 2:46AM on July 10, 2023 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to 2422 W 7th St in Westlake. Firefighters arrived to find a two story (residential over commercial) building with smoke showing from the 2nd floor.

While the incident commander requested additional resources, firefighters initiated an offensive operation. They were met with forcible entry challenges including rolling steel doors and several large security doors, requiring multiple firefighters with rotary saws. As they made entry, the truck companies ascended aerial ladders to coordinate a vertical ventilation operation.

The structure was found to be vacant and undergoing demolition. With fire towards the back of the structure quickly growing in both size and intensity, and a lack of structural support due to demolition, conditions became too dangerous for a continued interior attack. At approximately 20 minutes into the firefight, the incident commander ordered all firefighters off the roof and out of the building, transitioning to a defensive operation.

Two large structures flanking the fire unit were at high risk of fire extension; a four story apartment building to the east and a multi-building church to the west,which wrapped around the rear of the fire building. While LAFD crews quickly deployed ladder pipe operations and large diameter hand lines to attack the fire from the exterior, additional units focused on defending each exposure while safely evacuating the adjoining apartment building.

Over 90 firefighters, under the leadership of Assistant Chief Melford Beard, battled intense flames for 94 minutes before successfully achieving a knockdown of the blaze, with no injuries reported. Their dedicated efforts greatly limited damage to the two exposed structures, with the apartment building sustaining only smoke and water damage to units facing the fire. The 11 affected residents were able to quickly secure nearby shelter, and did not require assistance from the American Red Cross. The church complex sustained fire damage to the section at the back of the fire building. Crews prevented the fire from moving through that building and putting the entire complex at risk.

As per protocol for an incident of this magnitude, LAFD Arson Investigators responded to the scene, and are conducting an ongoing investigation.

LAFD Incident 071023-0152

Sun Valley Major Emergency Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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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

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.

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.

Major Emergency Blaze Consumes Building by Los Angeles Fire Department

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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

Sun Valley Major Emergency Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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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

Sun Valley Major Emergency Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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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

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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

GREATER ALARM FIRE DAMAGES WINNETKA STRIP MALL by Los Angeles Fire Department

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The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 11:01 PM on July 22, 2017 to 20851 Sherman Way in Winnetka, where firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy fire showing from a one story 4,452 square foot, four tenant commercial building on the northeast corner of Sherman Way and De Soto Avenue.

One hundred and one firefighters under the command of Assistant Chief Andrew Fox confined the fire to the extensively damaged building of fire origin, extinguishing the flames in just 36 minutes.

No injuries were reported.

Fire loss to Ladin's Liquor Delicatessen, Cash 4 Gold CP, Winnetka Check Cashing, and Raspados Y Churros Frutal is still being tabulated. The cause of the early morning fire remains under active investigation.

LAFD Incident: 072217-1540

Sun Valley Major Emergency Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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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

Large shed fire in 74's Due by LeafsHockeyFan

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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.

Attic Fire at Urth Caffe by Los Angeles Fire Department

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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

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

Sun Valley Fire Destroys Vacant Supermarket by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

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

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

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

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

Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD Photo | Margaret Stewart

LAFD Incident: 072221-0162

Highland Park Home Defended from Blaze by Los Angeles Fire Department

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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

Sun Valley Major Emergency Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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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

Vacant Downtown LA Commercial Building Destroyed by Flames by Los Angeles Fire Department

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DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - It took the relentless effort of over 130 firefighters, on Wednesday evening, to control a Major Emergency commercial fire, which consumed a three-story building in Downtown LA.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 7:33 PM on October 26, 2022 to the 200 block of East 3rd Street, where firefighters arrived quickly to find an already well-developed fire inside of a large vacant three-story commercial building.

Firefighters recognized this building as the site of a previous burn, and took a defensive firefighting posture for nearly two hours until the fire was controlled, just after 9:00 PM. Flames extended into one upper-floor unit of a neighboring 5-story residential structure, where sprinklers held it in check until firefighters quickly ascended to extinguish it.

An official "Knockdown" was not declared for a couple of days, as the structurally compromised building was too dangerous to allow personnel to enter and locate remaining pockets of fire. Instead, crews remained on fire watch over a couple of nights, keeping any flare ups from growing, and waiting for heavy equipment to assist with accessing remaining hot spots and overhaul. Department of Building and Safety red-tagged the structure and closed the sidewalks to the public as a precaution.

There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.

LAFD Incident 102622-1501

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 DAMAGES WINNETKA STRIP MALL by Los Angeles Fire Department

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The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 11:01 PM on July 22, 2017 to 20851 Sherman Way in Winnetka, where firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy fire showing from a one story 4,452 square foot, four tenant commercial building on the northeast corner of Sherman Way and De Soto Avenue.

One hundred and one firefighters under the command of Assistant Chief Andrew Fox confined the fire to the extensively damaged building of fire origin, extinguishing the flames in just 36 minutes.

No injuries were reported.

Fire loss to Ladin's Liquor Delicatessen, Cash 4 Gold CP, Winnetka Check Cashing, and Raspados Y Churros Frutal is still being tabulated. The cause of the early morning fire remains under active investigation.

LAFD Incident: 072217-1540

Punctual LAFD Response Limits Damage To Valley Village Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

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VALLEY VILLAGE - A Los Angeles Fire Department paramedic team completing a nearby medical emergency was the first to note, report and arrive at the scene of a burning two-story home at 11911 Hartsook Street, shortly before noon on May 19, 2023.

The pair was soon joined by 42 additional LAFD responders, who together skillfully battled flames in the 2,217 square foot home for a half-hour before bringing the non-injury blaze under control.

LAFD Incident 051923-0713

Sylmar Attic Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 2:05PM the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 13500 block of W Hubbard St in #Sylmar. 87 firefighters handled the well involved attic fire in 26 minutes with no injuries.

LAFD Incident: 011019-0908

FullSizeRender (30) by Los Angeles Fire Department

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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

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

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

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

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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

Timely 911 Call Helps LAFD Quickly Tackle Flames in Studio City by Los Angeles Fire Department

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STUDIO CITY - Thanks to a timely 9-1-1 call from an observant neighbor, the Los Angeles Fire Department was able to quickly respond and extinguish fire within a one-story detached garage in the 4400 block of Carpenter Avenue, before flames could cause any injury or extend to nearby structures. The cause of the early afternoon fire on November 26, 2021 was undetermined.

LAFD Incident 112621-0879

Chatsworth Fire Quickly Extinguished by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 1:46AM the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 19700 block of W Septo St #Chatsworth to a reported structure fire. Firefighters extinguished the heavy fire in the attic of a single family dwelling in 26 minutes with no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident 073018-0118

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

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

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Major Emergency Commercial Fire Downtown by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 6:32PM, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to 815 S Central Av to find a 6,000 square-foot one story, L-shaped commercial building with heavy fire showing through the roof.

Conditions quickly dictated a transition to defensive firefighting operations and firefighters rapidly employed ladder pipes, portable monitors and 2 ½ inch hand lines, attacking the fire from all angles.

The open building housed multiple vendors and contained large, bulky storage which created a heavy fire load, driving the intense flames. A large quantity of chili peppers burning in the structure added an irritant to the smoke; yet another factor for the crews to face. While the bulk of the fire was contained in just over an hour, the fire extended into the attic, camping out in locations difficult to reach with the exterior water application.

Over 190 firefighters, led by Deputy Chief Daren Palacios, waged battle for nearly two hours before gaining the upper hand. Firefighters contained the flames to the unit of origin and protected adjacent businesses from harm.

Once the bulk of the fire was extinguished, demobilization began and some units were released. Firefighters remained on the incident throughout the evening to continue addressing hot spots and ensure the safety of the community.

LAFD Incident 031217-1087

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

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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

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

Quick Knockdown on Small Commercial Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 10:09PM on March 28, 2020 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 100 block of E 84th Place to find a small, one story commercial building with fire showing. Firefighters achieved a quick knockdown, preventing the fire from extending. There were no injuries reported

LAFD Incident: 032820-1440

Menominee_MI_Sugar_Beet_Fire_TX_9-1-1967 by Ted Ellis

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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.

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

Fireworks Starts Fire in Sylmar by Los Angeles Fire Department

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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

Firefighters Contain Flames to Just One Winnetka Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

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WINNETKA - Firefighters responded to the 20300 block of West Sherman Way at 10:03 AM to find a one-story home engulfed in flames, threatening neighboring structures. Firefighters rapidly deployed hose lines inside the burning building, while a company assigned to ventilation ascended ladders to the roof. Firefighters skillfully contained the damage to only the original structure, sparing all neighboring homes. Ultimately it took 38 firefighters 21 minutes to extinguish the blaze. All residents safely evacuated and there were no injuries. The residents will be displaced, but will be able to stay with nearby family. The cause is under investigation.

LAFD Incident 020323-0499

Business Fire Near Burbank Airport Summons Allied Agencies by Los Angeles Fire Department

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SUN VALLEY - The Los Angeles Fire Department encountered heavy fire conditions on arrival at a one-story commercial building at 7524 Clybourn Avenue on March 1, 2020. As the fire was at the City of Los Angeles border to Burbank Airport, the 90 LAFD personnel at scene were joined in automatic aid by airport and City of Burbank emergency responders in the nearly half-hour battle to fully extinguish the flames, which thankfully caused no injury.

LAFD Incident: 030120-0756

Boyle Heights Greater Alarm Structure Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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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

Sun Valley Fire Destroys Vacant Supermarket by Los Angeles Fire Department

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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

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

Venice Strip Mall Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:29PM on January 18, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in teh 2800 block of S Abbot Kinney Bl in Venice.

34 firefighters took 20 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish fire in one unit of a one-story strip mall. There were no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident: 011822-1706

Vacant Downtown LA Commercial Building Destroyed by Flames by Los Angeles Fire Department

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DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - It took the relentless effort of over 130 firefighters, on Wednesday evening, to control a Major Emergency commercial fire, which consumed a three-story building in Downtown LA.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 7:33 PM on October 26, 2022 to the 200 block of East 3rd Street, where firefighters arrived quickly to find an already well-developed fire inside of a large vacant three-story commercial building.

Firefighters recognized this building as the site of a previous burn, and took a defensive firefighting posture for nearly two hours until the fire was controlled, just after 9:00 PM. Flames extended into one upper-floor unit of a neighboring 5-story residential structure, where sprinklers held it in check until firefighters quickly ascended to extinguish it.

An official "Knockdown" was not declared for a couple of days, as the structurally compromised building was too dangerous to allow personnel to enter and locate remaining pockets of fire. Instead, crews remained on fire watch over a couple of nights, keeping any flare ups from growing, and waiting for heavy equipment to assist with accessing remaining hot spots and overhaul. Department of Building and Safety red-tagged the structure and closed the sidewalks to the public as a precaution.

There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.

LAFD Incident 102622-1501

Fire Destroys Vacant Florence Home by Los Angeles Fire Department

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FLORENCE - It took 52 members of the Los Angeles Fire Department less than forty-five minutes to fully extinguish heavy fire in a vacant and boarded one-story home in the 100 block of East 59th Place early April 14, 2021. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

LAFD Incident: 041421-0084

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

Commercial Fire by -IJSC-

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Allentown, Pennsylvania

Mobile Home Fire in Sylmar by Los Angeles Fire Department

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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

DTLA Major Fire Photo by Rick McClure 3 by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 6:32PM, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to 815 S Central Av to find a 6,000 square-foot one story, L-shaped commercial building with heavy fire showing through the roof.

Conditions quickly dictated a transition to defensive firefighting operations and firefighters rapidly employed ladder pipes, portable monitors and 2 ½ inch hand lines, attacking the fire from all angles.

The open building housed multiple vendors and contained large, bulky storage which created a heavy fire load, driving the intense flames. A large quantity of chili peppers burning in the structure added an irritant to the smoke; yet another factor for the crews to face. While the bulk of the fire was contained in just over an hour, the fire extended into the attic, camping out in locations difficult to reach with the exterior water application.

Over 190 firefighters, led by Deputy Chief Daren Palacios, waged battle for nearly two hours before gaining the upper hand. Firefighters contained the flames to the unit of origin and protected adjacent businesses from harm.

Once the bulk of the fire was extinguished, demobilization began and some units were released. Firefighters remained on the incident throughout the evening to continue addressing hot spots and ensure the safety of the community.

LAFD Incident 031217-1087

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