Large Pine Tree Damages Sherman Oaks Home

At 1214 p.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department Dispatch Center received a 911 call indicating a large tree had fallen on a home. An Engine was promptly dispatched to investigate the incident. Upon arrival, Fire resources found a very large pine tree, estimated to be 20 feet in diameter, had fallen across Sutton Street and coming to rest on a two story home located approximately 100 to 150 feet away on the opposite side of the street. Two adults and a 2 year old girl were at the opposite end of the home when the tree collapsed.


The 2 story single family dwelling sustained significant damage, outwardly bowing the perimeter walls of the upstairs master bedroom and the downstairs garage, causing the Building and Safety Department to "yellow tag" the structure as unsafe. As the large pine was falling, a 4 inch gas line was lifted 4 feet out of the ground by the root system and the branches ripped down power lines servicing the area.


Access to Sutton Street was shut down by DOT at Greenleaf Street and Cedros Avenue. A consolidated effort between Street Maintenance, DOT, the Gas Company and DWP will address service concerns to the affected area. There has not been a dollar loss estimated at this time and there were no reported injuries. The large pine was estimated to be over 200 years old.

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department