On Tuesday, July 4, 2006 at 3:47 AM, four Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, three LAFD Rescue Ambulances, two Arson Units, one EMS Battalion Captain and one Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Chris Kawai responded to a Civilian Fatality Structure Fire at 4014 Effie Street in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover a one-story single family dwelling well-involved with fire. Entering the nearly 740 square-foot residence, they made quick work at tackling a firmly entrenched fire.

While battling flames within the 92 year-old craftsman-style bungalow, Firefighters discovered the body of a female adult in a rear bedroom. Without vital signs of life, she was declared deceased at the scene.

No other injuries were reported.

Firefighters have determined that the residence lacked functional Smoke Alarm(s) as required by law. Though the home's windows were fitted with security bars, there is no indication at this time that they were an impairment to egress.

While neighbors have described the illegal use of personal fireworks taking place in the neighborhood throughout the night, the specific cause of this fire remains under active investigation by Police and Fire Department officials.

Monetary loss from the blaze is estimated at $110,000 ($80,000 structure & $30,000 contents).

A positive identification of the deceased woman, as well as the exact cause, time and manner of her death will be determined by Coroner's officials.

(video)

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Tags: LA, Los Angeles, LAFD, Los Angeles Fire Department