On Sunday, January 21, 2007 at 3:38 AM, fourteen Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, four LAFD Rescue Ambulances, one Arson Unit, one Urban Search and Rescue Unit, one Hazardous Materials Squad, two EMS Battalion Captains, three Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and one Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 97 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Alfred Hernandez, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 13125 Vanowen Street in North Hollywood.



Firefighters responding to reports of a vegetation fire arrived quickly to discover heavy fire in the attic of a three unit courtyard-style one-story series of bungalows, threatening a pair two story apartments to the east and west. Firefighters using handlines mounted a swift offense, confining the fire to the three one-story structures and extinguishing the flames in just 27 minutes.

Three civilians were assessed for smoke inhalation and medical complaints, with only one 18 year-old male desirous of further treatment. He was taken to Kaiser Hospital in Panorama City in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries.

One Firefighter sustained minor 1st and 2nd degree burns to his hand while conducting vertical ventilation operations on the roof. The Firefighter was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. No other injuries were reported.

All three units suffered extensive damage and were declared uninhabitable. Loss from the fire is estimated at $375,000 ($300,000 structure & $75,000 contents). The cause of this early morning blaze is listed as undetermined and remains under active investigation.

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Submitted by Ron Myers/Brian Humphrey, Spokesmen
Los Angeles Fire Department