Downtown Commercial Occupancy Damaged in Blaze

On Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 9:12 PM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, LAPD and DOT, all under the direction of Battalion Chief Kwame Cooper, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 1421 S. Los Angeles Str. in the South Park area.

The first arriving company on scene reported a one story commercial building with moderate smoke showing. Firefighters were met with heavy smoke, fire and a large amount of storage while trying to gain access. Additional companies were requested as Firefighters quickly established their handlines in an attempt to keep the fire in the area of origin. Heavy smoke and fire was also reported coming from the ventilation holes by the roof team, prompting them to "trench" the roof to gain control as the fire tried to run the attic.

It took thirty three Firefighters nineteen minutes to call a knockdown. The occupancy of fire origin was the Karma Center. Two other occupancies, Moon's Fashions and Nelly's Shoes sustained moderate smoke damage. There were no reports of injury. The cause and dollar loss estimate is undetermined until the completion of the police report.

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

Woman Dies In Fire

On Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 9:21 PM, 7 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Craig Yoder responded to a Structure Fire With A Civilian Fatality at 5720 S. Fortuna St. in South Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived to find fire showing from a small commercial building. Due to moderate winds, the fire was being pushed towards a larger commercial building and several homes. Firefighters began an aggressive attack on the fire while fellow firefighters protected the adjacent buildings. It took 30 Firefighters just under 30 minutes to control the fire. After the fire was knocked down, the body of a female in her 40's was discovered and declared deceased at the scene.

A 40 year-old male suffered burns to his arms and a 17 year-old complained of smoke related problems. Both patients were transported to local hospitals for care. The cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the fatality are under investigation. The dollar loss is still being tabulated.

Submitted by Ron Myers, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Strong Wave Injures Fisherman in San Pedro

On Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 5:30 PM, 3 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 LAFD Rescue Ambulance, 2 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, all under the direction of Battalion Chief Brian Cummings, responded to a reported Cliff Rescue at 807 W. Paseo del Mar in the San Pedro.

The initial report coming into the Dispatch Center indicated two swimmers were in distress in the ocean in the vicinity of "Mossy Rock." As Firefighters arrived onscene, further investigation indicated responders were searching for three fishermen who had been washed off the rocks by waves. Two of the men had managed to rescue themselves and get to safety. The third fisherman was rescued by a surfer in the vicinity and brought to the shore.

Firefighters assessed the 39 year old man and prepped him to be air lifted to an area where Paramedics could render treatment before he was airlifted to a local hospital, in stable condition. The two other fishermen were evaluated and released at the scene.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department would like to stress the importance of safety while fishing. Here are a few safety tips:

• Fishing from rocks is dangerous and many people lose their lives each year.
• Fishermen and others put themselves in a position where they could be washed from the rocks - at the lower level trying to land the fish.
  
• No fish is worth your life!
  
• Select an area that does not have a slippery surface
• Before the start of fishing, look for an area you can swim to if washed from the rocks.
• Wear a flotation device in areas where swells can become large
• Always fish with a partner
  

Go to www.angelfire.com/ia3/fishing/safetyonland for more safety tips.

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Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

Fire Destroys Warehouse in Lincoln Heights

On Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 2:24 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, DOT, LAPD, DWP and L.A. County Health, all under the direction of Battalion Chief Raymundo Gomez, responded to a Structure Fire at 2412 N. Eads St. in the Lincoln Heights/Solano Canyon area.

Firefighters responding to a reported structure fire found a one story, 75 foot by 50 foot metal clad warehouse, nestled between single family dwellings, showing smoke and fire which prompted the IC to quickly request additional companies. As fire companies arrived on scene, they briskly advanced hoselines to gain control of the fire. The intense flames lapped under the eaves of the neighboring single family dwelling, causing fire to extend into the attic. Firefighters promptly advanced hoselines coordinated with roof ventilation to attack and control the fire.

Firefighters checking for exposures to the rear of the original fire building, found several barrels of an unknown content stored to the rear of the building. The Squad, being part of the first alarm assignment, was diverted to investigate if the contents were hazardous. Evaluation of the barrels by the Squad indicated the barrels contained an assortment of cleaning solvents for floor and tile.

It took 83 Firefighters 22 minutes to call a knockdown on the fire. The cause is undetermined until the completion of the fire investigation. The dollar loss to The Imperial Manufacturing Company was estimated at $400,000 [$300,000 structure and $100,000 contents]. The estimated loss to the single family dwelling was $12,000 [$10,000 structure and $2,000 contents]. The Red Cross was called to assist in rehousing 7 family members displaced from the residence, 5 adults and 2 children.

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Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

LAFD Fire Station Construction Update

In November 2000, the voters of Los Angeles resoundingly approved the Proposition F Bond Measure to replace 19 existing Fire Stations and construct one new Fire Station.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department are pleased to provide a status update regarding the twenty above mentioned Fire Stations, as well as two non-Prop F projects.

Here is a current overview:

- Fire Station 89 (North Hollywood), Regional Station at the current location of 7063 Laurel Canyon Boulevard. A groundbreaking ceremony on August 20, 2003 marked the start of construction on an apparatus storage facility and training classroom. That work was completed in August 2004 and a Grand Opening ceremony was held on December 9, 2004. Fire Station expansion will use Proposition Q funds.

- Fire Station 77 (Sun Valley), Standard Station at 9224 Sunland Boulevard. A groundbreaking ceremony on October 24, 2003 marked the start of construction on a new 6-bay fire station. The new station opened for service on June 22, 2005. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on September 17, 2005.

- Fire Station 83 (Encino), Standard Station at 4960 Balboa Boulevard. A groundbreaking ceremony on April 26, 2004 marked the start of construction on a new 6-bay fire station. The new station opened for service on January 19, 2006. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on February 26, 2006.

- Fire Station 5 (Westchester/LAX), Regional Station at 8900 Emerson Avenue. A groundbreaking ceremony on May 13, 2004 marked the start of construction on a new 7-bay fire station, apparatus storage facility and classroom. The new station opened for service on April 13, 2006. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on June 24, 2006.

- Fire Station 65 (Watts), Standard Station at 1801 East Century Boulevard. A groundbreaking ceremony on May 10, 2004 marked the start of construction on a new 6-bay fire station. The new station opened for service on July 20, 2006. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on September 30, 2006.

- Fire Station 59 (Sawtelle/West LA), Regional Station at the current location of 11505 West Olympic Boulevard. Construction of a training and apparatus storage building was completed November 1, 2006. A Grand Opening ceremony to recognize that project and a Fire Station expansion utilizing Prop Q funds was held on April 14, 2007.

- Fire Station 114 (Van Nuys Airport), LAFD Air Operations and Airport Rescue Firefighting facility at 16617 Arminta Street at Van Nuys Airport. A groundbreaking ceremony on June 26, 2004 marked the start of construction for a multi-role facility that provides airfield emergency response as well as serving as the operational base and maintenance site for all LAFD helicopters. The station opened for service on March 8, 2007. A Grand Opening ceremony will be held on May 31, 2008.

- Fire Station 81 (Panorama City/North Van Nuys), Standard Station and Drill Tower at 14355 Arminta Street. A groundbreaking ceremony on June 14, 2004 marked the start of construction on a new 7-bay fire station, drill tower, recruit training center and apparatus storage facility. The station opened for service on March 19, 2007. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on July 14, 2007.

- Fire Station 62 (Mar Vista), Standard Station at 11970 West Venice Boulevard. A groundbreaking ceremony on October 17, 2005 recognized the June 2005 start of construction on a new 6-bay fire station, which opened for service on May 29, 2007. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on January 5, 2008.

- Fire Station 84 (Warner Center/Woodland Hills), Regional Station at 21050 Burbank Boulevard. A groundbreaking ceremony on September 9, 2004 marked the start of construction for a new 7-bay fire station, apparatus storage facility and classroom. The station opened for service on September 18, 2007. A Grand Opening ceremony has yet to be scheduled.

- Fire Station 36 (San Pedro), New Satellite Fire Station at 1005 North Gaffey Street. A groundbreaking ceremony on May 2, 2005 marked the start of construction on the new 3-bay station, which opened for service on July 8, 2007. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on November 10, 2007.

- Fire Station 43 (Palms), Standard Station at 3690 Motor Avenue at Regent Street. A groundbreaking ceremony on February 6, 2006 marked the start of construction for a new 6-bay fire station that opened for service on September 25, 2007. A Grand Opening ceremony has yet to be scheduled.

- Fire Station 87 (Granada Hills), Regional Station at 10124 Balboa Boulevard. A groundbreaking ceremony on September 19, 2005 marked the start of construction on a new 7-bay fire station, apparatus storage facility and classroom that opened for service on November 11, 2007. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on May 3, 2008.

- Fire Station 67 (Playa Vista), a non-Prop F new Standard Station at 5451 Playa Vista Drive. A groundbreaking ceremony on December 16, 2004 marked the start of construction on a new 7-bay fire station that opened for service on October 15, 2007. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on February 16, 2008.

- Fire Station 13 (Korea Town), Standard Station at 2415 West Pico Boulevard. A groundbreaking ceremony on July 10, 2006 marked the start of construction on a new 6-bay fire station that is now 99% complete. Completion is scheduled for June 2008. The in-service and Grand Opening dates have yet to be scheduled.

- Fire Station 21 (South Los Angeles), Regional Station at 1192 East 51st Street behind the existing station. A groundbreaking ceremony on April 3, 2006 marked the start of construction on a new 6-bay fire station, apparatus storage shed and classroom that is now 93% complete. Completion is scheduled for June 2008. The in-service and Grand Opening dates have yet to be scheduled.

- Fire Station 4 (Civic Center), Standard Station and Dispatch Center at 450 East Temple Street. A groundbreaking ceremony on January 19, 2006 recognized the start of construction on a new 7-bay fire station, Fire Dispatch Center and City EOC that is now 98% complete. Completion is scheduled in July 2008. The in-service and Grand Opening dates have yet to be scheduled.

- Fire Station 78 (Studio City/Valley Village), Standard Station at 4041 Whitsett Avenue. A groundbreaking ceremony on October 23, 2006 marked the start of construction on a new 6-bay fire station that is now 83% complete. Completion is scheduled in July 2008. The in-service and Grand Opening dates have yet to be scheduled.

- Fire Station 31 (Sylmar), a non-Prop F new Standard Station at 16320 Foothill Boulevard. A groundbreaking ceremony on November 1, 2006 marked the start of construction on a new 3-bay fire station. Completion is scheduled in July 2009.

- Fire Station 64 (South Los Angeles), Regional Station at 10811 South Main Street. A groundbreaking ceremony on February 15, 2007 marked the start of construction on a new 7-bay fire station, apparatus storage shed and classroom, which is 72% complete. Completion is scheduled in September 2008.

- Fire Station 94 (Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw), Regional Station at current location, 4470 Coliseum Street. A groundbreaking ceremony on February 21, 2008 marked the start of construction for an enhanced facility that includes an expanded Fire Station, apparatus storage building and multi-purpose room, which is 5% complete. Completion is scheduled in December 2009.

- Fire Station 82 (Hollywood), Regional Station in the Hollywood area. Design and construction of a new 7-bay fire station, apparatus storage shed and classroom are still being determined. Completion is anticipated in September 2010.

Comprehensive information regarding each Proposition F Fire Station project, including construction photos, can also be accessed via a detailed monthly report in PDF format.

If you have questions or concerns about the Proposition F Projects listed above, please visit:

www.lafd.org/propf.htm

..or call the Proposition F Team directly at (866) 257-7673.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Five Acre Brush Fire Near Griffith Park Observatory

On Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 3:38 PM, 41 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 2 Arson Units, 2 Rehab Units, 4 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 9 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Brush Patrol, the Dozer Company, 1 CERT Coordinator, 3 L.A. County Camp Crews with 3 Supervisors, a Battalion Chief and Helicopter, Park Rangers and General Services, under the direction of Assistant Chief Daniel McCarthy, responded to a Major Emergency Brush Fire at 2301 Hobart Bl. in the Hollywood Hills area.

Firefighters responded to reports of a brush fire near the Griffith Park Observatory. Arriving units found approximately a quarter acre of light brush burning. Winds were not a factor at the bottom of the canyon, yet reports indicated that winds were gusting significantly at the top of the canyon. As Firefighters worked diligently to put out the flames, an LAPD airship overhead relayed to the IC that a spot fire was flaring up approximately 100 feet below and another 300 feet away from the Observatory. A Strike Team was quickly dispatched to the Observatory for structure protection and to safely evacuate approximately 50 people. Additional reports indicated the fire had spread to heavy brush and additional companies were dispatched to the fire.

Assisting agencies and approximately 250 LAFD Firefighters were able to contain the fire to only five acres, with a knockdown called at 2 hours and 51 minutes. There was one minor injury to a Park Ranger and no dollar loss to structures. The cause of the fire is undetermined until the completion of the fire investigation.

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Submitted by d'Lisa Davies on behalf of Lauren deRosier
Los Angeles Fire Department

Small Grass Fire Quickly Extinguished in Sherman Oaks

On Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 3:25 PM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Helicopter, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 2 LAFD Water Tenders, 1 Brush Patrol, the Dozer Company and DOT, all under the direction of Battalion Chief James Cairns, responded to a Greater Alarm Grass Fire at 6201 Woodley Av. in the Van Nuys area.

Ten companies of Los Angeles Firefighters responded to a reported grass fire. As resources arrived on scene they found approximately two acres of light to medium grass on fire and spreading into light brush. The quick actions of LAFD ground crews, with the aid of a water dropping helicopter and L.A. County camp crews, were able to gain control of the slow moving fire.

It took approximately 60 Firefighters 1 hour and 8 minutes to call a knockdown on the fire, keeping it to only five acres. There were no reported injuries or damage to structures. A spark from the crash of a model airplane initiated the fire.

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Submitted by d'Lisa Davies on behalf of Lauren deRosier
Los Angeles Fire Department

One Business Lost in Mission Hills Major Emergency Fire

On Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 1:36 AM, 17 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 8 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 7 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Tim Manning, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 1518 W. San Fernando Rd. in the Mission Hills area.

The initial call into the OCD Dispatch Center indicated a large cloud of smoke could be seen from a near by apartment complex. The first arriving Firefighters on scene found a large, one story commercial complex of ten to twelve occupancies, with heavy smoke and fire coming from one of the units. Additional companies were ordered.

As Firefighters focused on advancing hoselines for an aggressive interior attack, the roof team indicated the building was constructed with a light weight roof. The ventilation team began an intense effort to keep the bulk of the fire in the occupancy where the fire originated. The gallant efforts of the roof and interior firefighting teams was halted due to worsening conditions. A large microwave tower and air conditioning unit hung precariously from the roof, imposing a serious safety concern to the Incident Commander. Observers were assigned to watch the objects for any movement that could threaten Firefighter safety. All members were cleared from the structure and a defensive attack was initiated 19 minutes after arriving on scene. Shortly after, there was a partial roof collapse with 100 % failure of the roof imminent.

After the bulk of the fire was knocked down, interior handlines were re-established. It took 133 Firefighters 1 hour and 50 minutes to call a complete knockdown on the fire. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the area of origin, The Sigue Corporation. The cause and estimated dollar loss are undetermined until the completion of the fire investigation. There were no reports of injury.

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Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

Multi Agency Major Emergency Brush Fire in Sylmar

On Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 1:31 PM, 23 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, Water Tender 77, Angeles National Department of Forestry, 4 L.A. County Camp Crews with a Supervisor, Battalion Chief and Helicopter, LAPD, DOT, CHP and Park Rangers, a multi agency effort under the direction of Assistant Chief Tim Manning, responded to a Major Emergency Brush Fire at the WB 210 FY at Hubbard Street in the Sylmar area.

Units released from the Lowell Brush Fire contacted the OCD Dispatch Center indicating another loom up in the area. The first Firefighters on scene reported approximately two to three acres of light to medium grass and brush on fire and upgraded the incident to a brush assignment. Earlier reports also indicated that winds were gusting from five to twenty five miles per hour in that area. This gusting caused the small grass fire to throw off spot fires in different directions. One fire spotted to the north exposed three single family residences, while another fire spotted to the south close to a housing tract. The Lowell incident caused resources to be extremely close and enabled Firefighters to be quickly dispatched for structure protection and an intense attack to both flanks of the fire. Water tenders were expeditiously provided by the ANF and Park Rangers.

A Sigalert was issued for the WB lanes of the 210 Freeway due to smoke banking down onto the freeway traffic. The multi agency effort enabled Firefighters to gain control of the fire and call a knockdown in one hour and 30 minutes. There was no report of injuries, no loss of structures and no call for evacuation. The cause of this fire is under investigation.

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Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

Spark Starts Small Brush Fire

On Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 11:46 AM, 9 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 Arson Unit, 3 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, Water Tender 77, Glendale Fire and L.A. County Fire, under a Unified Command, responded to a Brush Fire at 6150 W. Day St. in the Tujunga/Sunland area.

The call into the OCD Dispatch Center indicated that a grass fire had started and was burning towards heavier brush. A Brush assignment was initiated. Because of the location of the fire, Glendale and Los Angeles County Fire Departments also responded with brush assignments consisting of five Engines and a Battalion Chief. The Angeles National Department of Forestry was also alerted.

The small grass fire spread to medium brush fueled by light winds, burning slowly uphill towards a single family residence located at the ridge of the hilltop. Structure protection Firefighters had lines in place and there was no damage reported to that structure. With the close proximity of borders, the LAFD, L.A. County and Glendale firefighters aggressively attacked the fire with the aid of airborne operations, keeping the fire under three acres. A small spot fire erupted but was quickly knocked down and kept to less than one acre.

The cause of the fire was accidental, occurring from a spark caused by a landscaping tool while clearing brush. There were no injuries reported and no dollar loss, which is greatly attributed by the quick actions of firefighting personnel.

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Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department