On Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at 2:40 PM, five Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, five LAFD Rescue Ambulances, one EMS Battalion Captain and one Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief David Yamahata responded to a reported Explosion at 2000 North Avenue of The Stars in Century City.

Dispatchers received several calls reporting an explosion in the kitchen area, on the first floor of a 10-story modern high-rise building. When Firefighters arrived, they observed the high-rise building, which had self evacuated prior to arrival, with "nothing showing".

Firefighters wearing full protective gear, including their "Mini-Radiac" personal radiation detection device, immediately implemented the High-Rise Incident Command system, made access into the building, and took control of the elevators and fire control room.

Additional Firefighters made their way to the kitchen area on the first floor where the explosion was reported to have occurred.

Firefighters discovered moderate damage within the kitchen area from what appeared to be a small explosion. There was no fire, however, there were several individuals who were injured. Firefighters secured the area, and assisted the injured out of the area.

A total of nine people were treated on scene and transported to area hospitals complaining of injuries. Fortunately, all of the injuries appeared to have been minor, ranging from flash burns to bumps and bruises. The injured included three Southern California Gas Company employees.

There was no compromise in structural integrity due to the blast. The cause of the blast has been determined to be an accident related to a natural gas leak. The dollar loss has not been determined.


Submitted by Brian Ballton, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department