structurefire photos on Flickr

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

Boyd Street Incident by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

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

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

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

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

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

LAFD Incident: 051620-1073

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

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

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At 9:10PM on July 3, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 6000 block of N De Soto Av for a reported structure fire.

The first arriving fire company found a large, one story commercial (vacant) building with heavy fire showing through the roof.

Firefighters immediately initiated a defensive operation and quickly determined the entire building was fully involved in fire.

With multiple ladder pipes flowing and large diameter hand lines deployed around the structure, firefighters battled for over an hour to quell the blaze. Their efforts ensure the neighboring buildings were not damaged. There were no injuries reported and there is an on-going cause investigation.

LAFD Incident 070322-1566

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

LAFD Quickly Extinguishes Harvard Park Blaze by Los Angeles Fire Department

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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

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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.

Downtown Fire Destroys Business by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LAFD Incident: 050122-0197

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

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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

Woodland Hills Fire Lights the Sky by Los Angeles Fire Department

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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

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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

Early Morning Blaze in Downtown LA by Los Angeles Fire Department

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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

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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

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

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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

Greater Alarm Fire in Van Nuys by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

LAFD Incident 122822-0873

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

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

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

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

LAFD Firefighters Stop Granada Hills Furnace Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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GRANADA HILLS - Your LAFD responded to a structure on fire at 1:17 PM at the 17000 block of West Los Alimos Street on February 25, 2023. The first arriving 20 LAFD Firefighters took just 22 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish stubborn flames that began near the floor furnace and quickly traveled through the the walls to the attic of an 1,119 square foot one-story home (built 1954) on LAFD arrival. Firefighters successfully protected neighboring homes and there were no reported injuries.

LAFD Incident 022523-1310

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

Fire Box 6-7 Chicken house fire by LeafsHockeyFan

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Hurlock, Dorchester County, Maryland. Fire Box 6-7 on a foggy morning, multiple fire departments responded for a working chicken house fire. May 3, 2019.

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

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

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

North Hollywood Blaze Hits Multiple Businesses by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 5:33AM on June 10, 2019, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 5241 N Lankershim Blvd. With a large plume of smoke visible while enroute, firefighters knew it would be difficult fight. The 94-year old building, approximately 150' x 75', had heavy fire and smoke showing upon arrival of the fire companies. Firefighters initiated an offensive attack with companies going both to the roof and inside to battle the flames. Twenty minutes later, as the fire evolved, it became too dangerous to remain inside the structure and the operation transitioned to defensive mode.

Truck companies initiated ladder pipe operations while Engine companies used both the wagon battery and heavy stream hand-lines. Thousands of gallons of water streamed into the fire, abating the bulk of the flames. However, the challenged remained reaching the remaining fire in pockets not accessible from the exterior. Two hours and 16 minutes later, 113 firefighters, under the guidance of Incident Commander Assistant Chief Stephen Gutierrez, achieved knockdown.

Despite the challenging conditions, seven businesses were saved by the relentless efforts of Your LAFD firefighters. The large building housed a dozen separate businesses and firefighters limited the damage to five at the epicenter of the blaze. Ultimately, the five businesses suffering varying levels of fire, smoke and/or water damage were Greenhouse, Tokyo Delve's Sushi, Chili Rollz, District Pub and Joe Coffehouse.

The scene remained active throughout the morning while firefighters performed overhaul operations and the LAFD Arson Section conducted the cause investigation of this non-injury fire.

LAFD Incident 061019-0252

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LAFD Incident: 091122-0156

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

Bloomfield Engine 1-2 by cheliman

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Major Emergency Fire in South LA by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

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

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

The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.

LAFD Incident: 040321-0852

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

Sun Valley Commercial Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 3:13PM on April 22, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 8200 block of N San Fernando Road in Sun Valley for a reported structure fire.

Firefighters arrived to find a one story, commercial building with fire showing. This was a vacant structure which had previously burned.

43 firefighters extinguished the fire in 20 minutes with no injuries reported. The fire was contained to the building of origin, prevented from extending to the attached businesses.

LAFD Incident 042222-1018

Fire Box 6-7 Chicken house fire by LeafsHockeyFan

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Hurlock, Dorchester County, Maryland. Fire Box 6-7 on a foggy morning, multiple fire departments responded for a working chicken house fire. May 3, 2019.

Solar Panel Fire at Target by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:24AM on June 24, 2023 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 8900 block of N Balboa Bl in Northridge.

Firefighters arrived to find a large retail store (DBA Target) with smoke showing from the roof.

While fire attack ensuring the interior of the store and attic were clear, the truck company ascended to the roof to find a portion of a solar array on fire.

They conducted a drop bag operation to bring a handline aloft and quickly extinguished the fire with no injuries reported.

The fire did not penetrate the roof into the attic or the structure.

LAFD Incident 062423-0684

Greater Alarm in Downtown LA by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 12:05PM on April 3, 2020 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 900 block of S Maple Ave in Downtown LA. 60 firefighters engaged in the fire fight and extinguished the flames in 37 minutes. Vertical ventilation was not conducted due to rooftop parking. Companies performed forcible entry to the fire unit and adjacent units, all containing textiles, advancing hose lines to the rear and preventing fire from spreading to other units. However, smoke did damage some goods inside of both units directly adjacent. Due to the size of the incident, LAFD Arson Sectionfire investigators responded for the cause investigation, which remains active. No injuries were reported by civilians or firefighters.

LAFD Incident: 040320-0597

Attic Fire Held by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 12:52 on January 1, 2020 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 10300 block of S Antwerp St for a reported structure fire. 38 firefighters extinguished the non-injury attic fire in 13 minutes.

LAFD Incident: 010120-0128

Watts House of Worship Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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WATTS - At 11:20 AM on February 5, 2022, LAFD responded to the 1700 block of South Santa Ana Boulevard to find an outside vegetation fire extending into a two-story house of worship. It took 76 Firefighters just 49 minutes in offensive operations to access, confine and fully extinguish the flames . No reported injuries. The specific cause of the fire is under active investigation.

LAFD Incident: 020522-0672

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

Aggressive Actions Stop Apartment Fire by Los Angeles Fire Department

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

Photo by Greg Doyle

LAFD Incident: 040217-0948

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

Box Truck Fire Downtown by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 8:01PM on January 14, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 1140 block of S Central Ave in Downtown Los Angeles for a reported structure fire. In 34 minutes, 26 firefighters extinguished a fully involved box truck, which extended to the attic of the exposed two story commercial building, with no injuries reported.

LAFD Incident: 011422-1630

Reseda Fire Sends Two to Hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 11:07PM on March 7, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 19200 block of W Saticoy for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a two-story garden-style apartment with fire showing. Crews quickly deployed hose lines and contained the fire to its unit of origin. It took 26 firefighters just 13 minutes to extinguish the flames. Firefighter-paramedics evaluated and treated four patients, and transported at two of them to the hospital .Thankfully, everyone escaped the building, as audible alarms could be heard from functional smoke detectors warning occupants of the danger.

LAFD Incident: 030622-0163

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

Greater Alarm Fire in Koreatown by Los Angeles Fire Department

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At 12:08AM on May 15, 2020 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 200 block of S Vermont Av in Koreatown. Firefighters arrived to find a commercial strip mall (mixed one and two story) with heavy fire showing from the 2nd story on one end of the mall. A defensive operation ensued and 71 firefighters fully extinguished the fire in 45 minutes. The facade of the building collapsed due to loss of structural integrity from a previous burn. LAFD Arson section is conducting the cause investigation. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Use of This Photo Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: LAFD

LAFD Incident: 051520-0004

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