From Crackle: Help! Fire! Episode 1

A new video series featuring the Los Angeles Fire Department can be seen on the web, beginning this week.

Sony Pictures Entertainment operates a streaming media website called "FireHouse" - sponsored by the "Rescue Me" television series. The new education series is titled, "Help! Fire!" and was produced for the William Rolland Firefighter Education Institute by award-winning producers David and Cameron Barrett.

The video series, to be shown in six parts, highlights the things every homeowner can do to make their environment safer. You'll learn about the dangers lurking in your home or apartment, what to do if you find yourself on fire, how to put out small fires, how the 9-1-1 system works, and much, much more.

A new episode will be introduced every week during the month of October.

The William Rolland Firefighter Education Institute is associated with the LAFD Musem and Memorial in Hollywood, California and aims to develop a wide range of educational programs for both civilians and individuals on the job. Prior to this series, Mr. Rolland's institute released "Shipboard Firefighting," also produced by the Barrett team and also featuring the LAFD.

David Barrett is a consultant to the board of the LAFD Museum and Memorial, and along with his wife, Cameron and their production team, is creating a six-part documentary on the Los Angeles Fire Department. The Barrett's also product training directly for the LAFD, including their "Red Flag" DVD and the upcoming, "Brush Fire Evacuation" DVD. # # #

NOTE: The embedded video player above commences with "Help! Fire!" and then offers random Fire Service videos from across our nation.

Did the video intrigue you? We encourage men and women of unquestionable integrity and intense spirit to consider the Los Angeles Fire Department as their life's work. To learn more, visit: JoinLAFD.org

• Help! Fire! Episode 1


• Help! Fire! Episode 2


• Help! Fire! Episode 3


• Help! Fire! Episode 4


• Help! Fire! Episode 5


• Help! Fire! Episode 6

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 6:19 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Randy Beaty responded to a Civilian Fatality Structure Fire at 958 E 104th St. in Watts.

First Companies arriving on scene reported a single family residence with one room well involved with fire. Initial reports indicated that one person was possibly trapped inside the structure. Firefighters, using a variety of forcible entry tools, cut through locked gates, security doors and window bars to gain access to the interior of the structure.

The fire was located and extinguished within sixteen minutes from the time of dispatch. As firefighters conducted a search of the home, they located a single fire victim, a 94 year old male, who had perished in the blaze. Firefighters reported that they did NOT hear smoke alarms during the firefighting effort and that security bars did hamper access into the structure.

The cause of the fire and the circumstances of the fatality are under investigation. The dollar loss is estimated at $250,000 ($150,000 structure and $100,000 contents).

Submitted by Ron Myers, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 12:45 PM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 2 Rehab Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 93 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Daniel McCarthy, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 1167 South Hoover Street in Koreatown.

Firefighters responded quickly to find heavy smoke showing from a two story apartment building. Making a swift interior assault with handlines, Firefighters confined the fire to one upstairs living unit, extinguishing the flames in just 21 minutes.

There were no injuries.

During overhaul of the blaze, Firefighters entered the basement to discover 25 chairs and a small altar. A further inquiry of residents identified the location as being the "Myunysung Church".

Though the fire was markedly remote from the basement sanctuary, protocol dictated notification of the multi-agency 'House of Worship Arson Task Force' to investigate the blaze.

Investigators estimated fire loss at $100,000 ($75,000 structure & $25,000 contents). Following their comprehensive investigation, the fire was determined to be electrical in nature and categorized as accidental.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 12:43 PM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 LAFD Rescue Ambulance, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 2 Rehab Units, 1 Helicopter, 1 Emergency Lighting Unit, 1 Tractor, 1 Command Post Unit, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 50 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel including LAFD Crew 3, assisted by Park Rangers, Police Officers, Bureau of Street Service and other municipal employees, all under the direction of LAFD Assistant Chief Daniel McCarthy, responded to a Mudslide near 6711 Forest Lawn Drive in the Hollywood Hills between Griffith Park and Universal City.

Firefighters arrived quickly following a period of heavy rain to find water, mud and debris overflowing a catch basin below the site of wildfire that consumed three acres of vegetation on August 24, 2006.

The uncontained water, debris and soil flowed over all lanes of a 100 yard section of Forest Lawn Drive near North Coyote Drive, covering the roadway with as much as a foot of mud and miring at least a dozen unoccupied parked vehicles.

Though there were no injuries or need for rescue, several patrons and their vehicles were prevented from departing a nearby athletic club, as the wet soil isolated them and moved onto the patios and first floor interior hallways of three buildings at the adjacent Oakwood Toluca Hills apartments.

Securing a perimeter and determining no need for rescue, Firefighters established Incident Command and coordination of the City workforce responding to the scene.

An LAFD Tractor Company arrived promptly and was soon joined by three skip loaders deployed by the Department of Recreation and Parks from nearby Griffith Park. With their well-coordinated effort, safe pathways were established to the Toluca Lake Tennis Club, as well as to the mired autos, which were moved with the assistance of an LAFD Heavy Rescue Unit.

An unspecified number of occupants from the three impacted apartment buildings accepted temporary on-site assistance from the landlord of the 1,151 unit complex.

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel, including members of the newly formed LAFD Crew 3, remained on scene for nearly ten hours providing safety and support to allied agencies. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the stormwater catch basin overflowing was not formally determined by Firefighters. The status and reopening of the roadway to public access will be determined by the City's Department of Transportation and Bureau of Street Services.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Friday, September 21, 2007 at 7:07 AM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Chris Logan responded to a Auto vs. Metro Rail Gold Line Train near Avenue 50 and Figueroa St. in Highland Park.

When Firefighters arrived on scene, they were immediately confronted with a Metro Rail Gold Line train involved in a collision with an automobile, causing the automobile and the first car of the train to catch fire. Firefighters immediately began attacking the fire while their colleagues searched the automobile and train for patients.

The female driver of the automobile, which had been demolished by the train, was removed by bystanders prior to the Fire Departments arrival. Five individuals aboard the train suffered minor injuries. All six people, including the driver, were transported to local hospitals, suffering from non-life threatening injuries. The cause of the collision is under investigation.

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Submitted by Ron Myers, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Thursday, September 20, 2007 at 4:21 AM, 15 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Arson Units, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, Los Angeles County Health Hazmat, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Timothy Manning responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 9356 1/2 San Fernando Rd. in Sun Valley.

When Firefighters arrived on scene, they were immediately confronted with heavy fire through the roof of a single-story commercial building, approximately 70' x 125'. As hoselines were being extended into the interior of the structure, it was noted that the building was placarded as potentially having hazardous materials stored inside.

A decision was made to withdraw Firefighters from the interior attack and progress into a defensive firefighting effort to contain the spread of the fire and prevent damage surrounding buildings. Firefighters were able to contain the fire in one hour to the building of origin, doing business as "Active Magnetic Inspection Inc.", an aircraft parts plating company.

LAFD Hazardous Materials teams, in concert with a L.A. County Health Hazardous Material unit are currently evaluating the runoff for possible contaminates. Preliminary tests indicate that there are no chemical hazards. One Firefighter suffered second-degree burns to his hand, was evaluated at Sherman Oaks Hospital, and placed off duty. The cause of the fire is under investigation and the dollar loss is still being tabulated.

Submitted by Ron Myers, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
September 18, 2007 Press Conference
Prepared Remarks

"Good Afternoon.

In a moment, it will be my pleasure to administer the oath of office the new – permanent --- Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department: Douglas L. Barry!

But first I want to say a few words about the man who was just unanimously confirmed to lead the Los Angeles Fire Department at this crucial time … and what it means for one of the most professional and important departments in the City.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department are heroes in the truest sense of the word.

Every single day … you face danger head on … while the rest of us would run.

You run into burning buildings -- knowing that you are risking life and limb to safe total strangers.

You’re there 24-7 to protect our families, our homes, our businesses, and our lives …

And you would not be able to do this without trust.

TRUST of your fellow firefighter …

And TRUST in the leadership of the Fire Department …

And that’s why Doug Barry is – without a doubt – the right man at the right time for the LAFD.

Chief Barry is a born leader and a consummate professional.

Since taking over as Interim Chief, he’s brought intensity… intelligence… and integrity to the Department.

This is a man who has faced every challenge there is to face… all the way from the firehouse to the Chief’s office and everywhere in between.

And at every rung on the ladder, Chief Barry has earned the respect and support of the many hard-working and dedicated fire fighters in the service.

But I didn’t simply hire Chief Barry because he has the respect of the rank-and-file in the Department.

Chief Barry is simply the right man - at the right time - to reform the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The Chief has worked to create a culture of respect in every single fire station … where hazing and harassment are unacceptable.

And when incidences of hazing, harassment or discrimination are discovered, Chief Barry has made sure that they are handled swiftly and thoroughly …

Under his leadership, his staff is recruiting and training a Fire Department that looks more like Los Angeles.

He’s leading a comprehensive recruitment strategy to reach out to women and underrepresented communities.

And he is helping to foster an environment that embraces diversity at all levels.

As I said when I nominated Chief Barry last month … he never intended to be a candidate for the permanent job.

But witnessing the great progress he has made at the helm of the Fire Department as Interim Chief, I had a responsibility as Mayor of the people of Los Angeles to change his mind.

Please help me in welcoming the new Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department, Doug Barry."

Fire Chief Douglas Barry
September 18, 2007 Press Conference
Prepared Remarks

"Thank you, Mayor Villaraigosa, for your unwavering support during my tenure as Interim Fire Chief, and for the confidence that you are showing in me by my appointment to permanent Fire Chief. I also want to thank the members of the City Council, Fire Commission, and employee organizations for their support, as well as the encouragement and well wishes of individual Department members and members of the community.

Lastly, I must thank my family for their understanding of my commitment to the Department … not only as Fire Chief, but also throughout my career.
As I officially begin my tenure today, I do so with a great deal of pride that the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department are the best in the world. They serve the community everyday with undying dedication and courage, and for that I am proud and honored to serve them as Fire Chief.

The Fire Department has a rich and colorful history, and I would be remiss if I failed to recognize that I stand here today as the Department’s first African-American Fire Chief. Because of the sacrifices of many African-American firefighters - such as those of Mr. Arnett Hartsfield here with us today – who came before me, the Fire Department is at a crossroad in its existence and there are many challenges before us.

In the coming days, weeks, and months, the character and resolve of the entire Fire Department will be tested. However, as Fire Chief, I confidently accept those challenges, not because of my ability alone, but because I know that with the combined efforts of the entire Department, we can and will overcome them together.

I view this time in the Department as one of opportunity. We have the opportunity to re-define who we are as a Department, to re-assert ourselves as leaders in the Fire Service community, and to establish ourselves as a model for other departments to emulate. It will be our responsibility to seize these opportunities and take full advantage of them.

In closing, I again thank Mayor Villaraigosa and the City Council for my appointment and confirmation, and I look forward to leading the finest Fire Department in the world."

Submitted by Ron Myers, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

From Look To The Stars...

...Buzz Aldrin, Sylvester Stallone, Jay Leno, Kevin Eubanks, Stan Lee and James Caan were among the many luminaries who offered their support this past Friday for the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Greater Alarm Gala in Hollywood.



This annual event supports the Fallen Firefighters Memorial for the purpose of creating and maintaining the LAFD Firefighter Museum and Memorial, as well as providing children’s fire safety programs.

[Stars of the NBC TV series Heroes] signed and dedicated their helmet to "The Real Heroes". Members of the cast of Wicked performed... (read more...)

The Los Angeles Fire Department would like to thank the many concerned members of our community who lent their support to this emotion and pride-filled annual event. If you are interested in attending next year's gathering, please contact the LAFD Historical Society at (323)464-2727 or visit: LAFDmuseum.org


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department invite you to join City Officials, Civic Leaders, and members of our community in honoring former interim Fire Chief Douglas L. Barry, who will publicly take his Oath of Office as LAFD's commanding officer on the steps of City Hall this Tuesday.

Nominated pursuant of the City Charter by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on August 21, 2007, Chief Barry was recently confirmed for the position by the City Council, paving way for this historic moment to which all are invited:

Tuesday, September 18, 2007
1:00 PM
Los Angeles City Hall
200 North Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 6:17 PM, 27 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Squad, 1 Emergency Air Unit, 2 LAFD Bulldozers with Tender, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 175 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Daniel McCarthy, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 2842 East Olympic Boulevard in LA's Industrial Eastside south of Boyle Heights.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find thick smoke banking to street level from a 150' x 150' one-story commercial structure. Forcing entry through a trio of rolling steel security doors, Firefighters were met by heavy fire in what appeared to be as many as five interconnected occupancies.

From atop the building's arched truss roof, Firefighters promptly determined the blaze had spread throughout the common attic of decades-old non-fire sprinklered brick structure fronted by a modern facade.

Teams of Firefighters quickly secured additional access and protected an exposed commercial structure to the west, as their colleagues worked in earnest to extend handlines into the raging fire, fed by floor-to-ceiling storage of flammable fabrics and other combustible merchandise.

Olympic Boulevard was promptly closed between Lorena and Soto Streets during the firefight, and Department of Transportation staff were soon joined by Los Angeles Police Officers to manage traffic and the large but respectful crowd of onlookers, some of whom strayed from a busy freeway interchange nearby.

With high voltage power lines snapping overhead and Firefighters plans for a tenacious interior attack stymied by the sheer volume of fire, the Incident Commander ordered a swift transition to defensive tactics and the application of master streams.

The building began to fail within minutes of the move to defensive operations, as Firefighters brought several master streams to bear upon the flames, which were fed by the collapsing structural elements.

The fire was confined to the quintet of related commercial occupancies under a common roof, and fully extinguished in just one hour and 45 minutes.

One Firefighter was later transported to White Memorial Hospital in good condition for a brief medical evaluation following his possible exposure to waterborne electric current through a hose stream. He was subsequently released to return to duty.

No other injuries were reported.

Fire loss has not been tabulated. The businesses involved include 'Bahram Azizi' and 'Mathalye Store' as well as unnamed video and swimming pool novelty establishments.

Los Angeles Fire Department heavy equipment operators were expected to be on scene throughout the night with bulldozers to render the structure safe and move tons of smoldering debris.

A joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and LAFD Arson Section Investigators determined this 'Major Emergency' fire to be accidental in nature.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Pursuant of a formal Mutual Aid Request, the Los Angeles Fire Department has assigned one Strike Team of Firefighters to assist allied agencies, including San Bernardino National Forest Firefighters in their battle against a brush fire northwest of Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County, California approximately 90 miles east of our City.

View Larger Map (you can also click, grab and zoom the map above!)

These 22 personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department have been dispatched to the "Butler 2 Wildland Fire" in accordance with California's Fire & Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid System, administered by the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. The system is designed to ensure that additional resources are provided to local jurisdictions whenever their own resources are committed or insufficient for a specific emergency incident.

The City of Los Angeles remains fully protected by the use of additional staff and reserve apparatus to cover foreseeable local needs, and we remind local residents that these resources can be recalled to our City as necessary.

The men and women of the LAFD ask motorists to remain watchful for these and other convoys of emergency apparatus, and to be mindful of the space necessary for them to safely maneuver on local roads and highways.

Pursuant of protocol, official public and media information regarding this wildfire incident, including the actions of assigned LAFD personnel, will be provided by the San Bernardino National Forest personnel who maintain daily jurisdictional authority of the area where the fire is burning.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 1:59 AM, 19 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Tractor Unit, and 1 Air Utility, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 6 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Roxanne Bercik responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 3416 S. Orange Drive in the Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw area.



The first Firefighters to arrive on scene reported a large commercial building, approximately 50 feet x 150 feet with heavy fire showing. As Firefighters attacked the fire from the interior of the structure and were advancing hoselines, they were met with increasing heat and heavy fire conditions. With heavy fire escaping from the roof of the structure, all Firefighters were ordered out of the structure and off the roof and into a defensive mode. Firefighters quickly transitioned into a defensive mode and concentrated efforts on protecting adjacent structures.

It took 130 Firefighters just under 1 hour to control the fire. The building was currently in use refinishing furniture and doing business as "RB Finishing Company". There were no reported injuries and the cause is under investigation.

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Submitted by Ron Myers, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

We welcome you to join Los Angeles Firefighters and their families this Saturday for the inaugural "Paws in the Park" celebration in Encino.

Paws in the Park is a free family- and pet-friendly gathering at the Balboa Sports Center Park this Saturday, September 15, 2007 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and you are invited!

View Larger Map (you can also click, grab and zoom the map above!)

Presented by the Southern California Responsible Pet Owners Coalition, Paws in the Park will include a breed showcase, agility competition, rally, contests, giveaways and amazing demonstrations of working animals, including LAFD's own 'Wilshire The Fire Dog' as well as search & rescue and law enforcement canines.

Don't forget your camera...

As a special bonus, Laddie, the 9th generation of Weatherwax Lassie dogs, and owner/trainer Bob Weatherwax will judge the contests and award prizes for pet/owner look alike, longest ears, "waggiest" tail, and yes - "stupid" pet tricks we all adore.

It's a day you won't want to miss, and admission is free!

While animals are the stars of this show, the Los Angeles Fire Department will be on hand to share important human and pet disaster preparedness tips.

So pack a lunch for your family - and your pet, and plan on joining us this Saturday at Balboa Sports Center near Burbank Boulevard in Encino!

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

The Los Angeles Convention Center is a year-round host to exciting events, and members of your Los Angeles Fire Department are pleased to assist visitors from across the globe who gather there.

This week, the Wired NextFest brought many technology innovations to Los Angeles. None however, seemed to garner as much attention from attendees - or Firefighters, as The World's Fastest Electric Motorcycle.

Described by its inventor as a "giant cordless drill" the KillaCycle is capable of 0-60 mph in just 0.97 seconds.

LAFD Paramedics arrived nearly as quickly **

Los Angeles (CA) – The inventor of the “KillaCycle” electric motorcycle almost killed himself during a demonstration at the Wired NextFest conference. Bill Dube, a government scientist during the day and electric bike builder at night, did a “burn out” in front of the Los Angeles Convention Center, but accidentally accelerated too much and... (read more and view video...)

**we are pleased to say that he did survive his ordeal!

Our advice? Whether its 200 horsepower or 200,000 watts, and whether you're going 50 feet or fifty miles: Always wear a helmet!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Thursday, September 13, 2007 at 4:08 PM, 8 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 8 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, LA County Health HAZ MAT, LAPD and DOT, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Daniel McCarthy, responded to a HAZ MAT incident at 555 Universal Hollywood Dr. in the Cahuenga Pass area.

The initial 911 calls into the OCD Dispatch Center were for a chemical spill at the Universal Hilton Hotel. Additional callers from the Hilton complained of throat irritation and shortness of breath, prompting the dispatchers to upgrade the incident to Haz Mat, and resources were ordered.

Laundry room employees had inadvertently mixed ammonia and bleach, creating a chemical known as Chloromine, which forms Hydrochloric Acid in the lungs. Fire Department personnel arriving on scene found that the affected area was confined to two floors, one housing the laundry and one housing the kitchen area. Approximately 30 employees were evacuated and assessed at the scene after being triaged. Most declined medical transport, opting to see their private physicians. Two males, a 53 year old complained of throat irritation and chest tightness. The second male, 44 with an asthma history, complained of severe shortness of breath. Both were transported to area hospitals.

It took 71 firefighters a little over two hours to render the two floors tenable and safe to reoccupy by Hilton employees.

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 7:57 AM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, Medical Director, MTA Officials, MTA Police and DOT, all under the direction of Battalion Chief John Biggs, responded to a Goldline Incident at 131 N. Av. 55 in the Highland Park area.

Early morning reports into the OCD Dispatch Center indicated that a truck and an MTA Goldline train had collided. Fire resources arriving on scene found a truck which had collided with a southbound train traveling to Union Station. The collision caused the train car to partially derail from the tracks. Further assessment of the incident found the driver of the pick-up, a 35 year old male was trapped inside the vehicle and a physical rescue assignment was requested. Rail traffic was shut down in both directions during the incident. Due to the mechanism of injury, the severe passenger space intrusion and trauma center criteria, the driver listed in critical condition was transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital.

Of the 60 people aboard the inbound train who were assessed at the scene, there were 5 reported injuries. Four female passengers ranging in age from 26 to 55 years complained of minor neck and back injuries. A 52 year old female experienced a fractured left ankle while trying to extricate herself from the train. All were transported to area hospitals.

MTA officials stated that train service was disrupted for approximately 2 to 3 hours and service was restored at 1:00 p.m. The cause of the accident in under the investigation of the LAPD.

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Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 6:04 PM, 24 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 Emergency Air Unit, 1 Emergency Lighting Unit, the LAFD Tractor Unit, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 7 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 157 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel, joined by the Los Angeles Police Department, City Departments of Transportation, Building & Safety and Housing, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Alfred Hernandez, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 246 West 57th Street in South Los Angeles.



Firefighters responding to a call from a passerby arrived quickly to discover thick smoke and heavy fire showing from a 100' x 50' two-story building of apartments over commercial businesses.

As intense flames began to consume the structure and actively threaten a trio of buildings nearby, Firefighters brought heavy streams to bear on what soon became a defensive operation to protect a two story residential fourplex to the west, a single story duplex to the east - and a residential fourplex again further east.

A relentless attack on fire within the brick building of fire origin allowed Firefighters to confine the flames to a carpet warehouse and tile store at one end of the non-fire sprinklered structure, sparing a meat market and convenience store and the two apartments above.

Residents of the threatened homes nearby were able to self-evacuate without injury as teams of Firefighters battled the swift moving blaze, which took hold of and severely damaged the adjacent duplex and caused lesser damage to the pair of four-occupancy structures.

As portions of the heavily involved buildings began to fail, Firefighters moved quickly to limit fire spread, extinguishing the flames in just 54 minutes.

Though Firefighters treated the adult male owner of the carpet and tile business for a 2nd degree burn to his left forearm, the man declined transportation.

There were no other civilian or Firefighter injuries.

Firefighters went to great lengths to aid 35 members of seven families severely impacted by the blaze, spending dozens of man-hours, and working closely with Building & Safety officials and the Housing Department, to assure many of their homes tenable.

The American Red Cross provided food and clothing assistance to three families, but determined no need for temporary housing, as those involved either safely returned to their homes or sought accommodations with friends and family.

A pair of LAFD Tractors were summoned to demolish the precarious structures and to move hundreds of rolls of carpet involved in the blaze, their overhaul efforts continuing past dawn the following day.

Overall fire loss is estimated at $3.95 million, to include the destruction of the carpet and tile firm and its considerable inventory, as well as the structural and contents loss ($475,000) of the residential duplex.

Inadequate clearance between stored combustibles and fluorescent ceiling lights was determined to be the cause of the fire.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 10:44 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Arson Units, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, as well as two Companies of Los Angeles County Firefighters, a total of 50 personnel under the direction of LAFD Battalion Chief Mark Stormes, responded to a Structure Fire with Injuries at 839 North Fuller Avenue in Hollywood.

Summoned by Los Angeles Police Officers responding to a law enforcement matter at the location, Firefighters arrived quickly to discover smoke showing from one ground floor unit of a 2 story apartment building.

As Firefighters extended hoselines to the rear southwest corner of the ten unit building, their colleagues were directed to a 58 year-old woman as well as a 67 year-old man described as her spouse.

The woman had apparently fled the fire with minimal aid, but her husband, found semi-conscious within the burning apartment, required both rescue and resuscitation by Police Officers prior to the Fire Departments arrival.

It was during those resuscitation efforts that the man became combative with Police, and was later placed in their custody before being transferred to the care of Firefighter/Paramedics.

The flames, held in check by Police Officers wielding fire extinguishers, were briskly confined by Firefighters to the apartment of origin and extinguished in less than 10 minutes.

Five uniformed Los Angeles Police Officers were evaluated and later transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for smoke exposure, along with the injured male civilian, who remained in police custody.

All were described as in good condition.

The injured female civilian, also in good condition, was transported to a different area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

During fire cause investigation, one Los Angeles Fire Department Arson Investigator sustained a signficant laceration to his knee from broken glass. He was transported by LAFD ambulance to clinical care, where he was placed off duty.

Loss from the fire is estimated at $5,000 ($2,000 structure & $3,000 contents). The cause of the blaze is categorized as incendiary, with the adult male in custody implicated in the crime.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Monday, September 3, 2007 at 9:18 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 87 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Jeffery S. Mottram, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 6955 Hayvenhurst Avenue in Van Nuys.

Summoned by a passerby, Firefighters arrived quickly to find smoke showing from the roof of a two-story industrial building, with no evidence of fire alarm activation.

Forcing entry, LAFD crews made their way to the core of the non-fire sprinklered warehouse to discover intense flames in an enclosed storeroom.

Noting the omnipresence of exotic reptiles including snakes within the building, Firefighters commenced a well-coordinated interior fire attack from the east and west with a pair of handlines, allowing them to safely and effectively hold the blaze in check as a mezzanine expectedly collapsed upon itself.

The precise confinement and knockdown of the flames took Firefighters just 25 minutes.

With the fire extinguished, Firefighters deployed powerful ventilation fans at key points around the building to provided large volumes of fresh air to the reptiles, which escaped the fire unscathed.

As the strategic horizontal ventilation cleared smoke from the building, Firefighters noted the presence of a green liquid in water runoff within the structure. The anomalous liquid was soon determined to be a benign food coloring utilized in the on-site processing of pet food.

No Firefighter injuries were reported.

Loss from the blaze is estimated at $150,000 ($75,000 structure & $75,000 contents). The cause of the fire remains under investigation.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Monday, September 3, 2007 at 8:57 PM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 4 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 45 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Mark Stormes, responded to a Structure Fire with Civilian Injury at 5324 West Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy fire showing from the westernmost of a trio of commercial storefronts below apartments. They were also confronted by a burn victim in her mid-60's with her hair ablaze and clothes burned off.

As their colleagues promptly tackled the blaze, Firefighters provided immediate care for the gravely injured woman, reportedly the proprietor of a palm reading and tarot card business that was the focus of the fire.

The woman, who sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns to more than 80% of her body, was transported to Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in critical condition.

Firefighters confined the fire to the one business, extinguishing the flames in less than 11 minutes. No other injuries were reported.

Monetary loss from the fire is estimated at $30,000 ($20,000 structure & $10,000 contents).

The cause of the fire is categorized as suspicious and remains under joint investigation by Los Angeles Police and Fire Department officials.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Monday, September 3, 2007 at 6:56 PM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 LAFD Rescue Ambulance, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 68 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Jeffery S. Mottram, responded to a Vehicle Fire with flames extending to vegetation adjacent to the westbound off ramp of the Ventura (101) Freeway at Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Woodland Hills.

Firefighters responded quickly to discover a three-axle semi-truck with its single cargo trailer well ablaze. Despite ambient evening temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, Firefighters deftly and relentlessly deployed large volume hose streams to do battle with intense fire, which had extended into flammable vegetation along the north side of busy freeway.

Responders were aided by a pair of LAFD helicopters serving an aerial reconnaissance and command role, as Firefighters defended a four-story office building and parking structure threatened by the flames.

Swift and tenacious fire attack was made possible by scene safety and traffic control efforts of California Highway Patrol Officers, permitting Firefighters to hold the vegetation fire to two acres and fully extinguish the truck and brush in just 39 minutes.

The truck driver, a 54 year-old Idaho man, sustained a burn injury to his right wrist. He was transported to nearby Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Medical Center in good condition.

No other injuries were reported.

Firefighters were able to spare much the truck cabin from fire damage, but the trailer - including its cargo of bagged flour, was a total loss.

The truck fire was attributed to a mattress that became entangled in the undercarriage of the truck and trailer, igniting the latter as the driver attempted to exit the freeway.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Pursuant of a formal Mutual Aid Request, the Los Angeles Fire Department has assigned one Strike Team of Firefighters, one seasonally contracted Helitanker, and one Bulldozer crew to assist the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Angeles National Forest Firefighters in their battle against a brush fire in the vicinity of Soledad Canyon Road and Briggs Road near Acton, California north of our City.

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These twenty-seven personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department have been dispatched to the "North Fire" in accordance with California's Fire & Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid System, administered by the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. The system is designed to ensure that additional resources are provided to local jurisdictions whenever their own resources are committed or insufficient for a specific emergency incident.

The City of Los Angeles remains fully protected by the use of additional staff and reserve apparatus to cover foreseeable local needs, and we remind local residents that these resources can be recalled to our City as necessary.

The men and women of the LAFD ask motorists to remain watchful for these and other convoys of emergency apparatus, and to be mindful of the space necessary for them to safely maneuver on local roads and highways.

Pursuant of protocol, official public and media information regarding this wildfire incident, including the actions of assigned LAFD personnel, will be provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Angeles National Forest personnel, which maintain daily jurisdictional authority of the area where the fire is burning.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Monday, September 3, 2007 at 1:40 AM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team and DOT, all under the direction of Battalion Chief Patrick Shanley, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 7602 N. Vineland Av. in the North Hollywood area.

Initial reports coming into the OCD Dispatch center from an adjacent market, indicated the building located across the street was on fire. The first arriving Fire Department resources found a one story, commercial strip mall, 60 foot by 100 foot, with one occupancy well involved with fire. An immediate request for a second assignment of additional resources was made.

The fire had started and fully engulfed the Mexican bakery, Panaderia Chihuahua, extending into the laundromat, Lavanderia Coin Laundry located next door. The responding fire companies went into a diligent interior fire fight utilizing 1-3/4 and 2-1/2 inch hose lines, coordinated with an aggressive trench ventilation operation, to gain control of the early morning blaze. It took a concerted effort of approximately 75 firefighters to bring the blaze under control in 26 minutes.

The cause of the blaze is undetermined at this time. The total dollar loss of the three occupancy, strip mall complex was estimated at $285,000. The origin of the fire, the bakery, the estimated loss was $200,000. The laundromat, sustained moderate smoke and fire damage with the dollar loss estimated at $75,000. The third occupancy, La Pizza Loca, sustained light smoke and fire damage and the dollar loss was estimated at $10,000. There were no reported injuries.

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Saturday, September 1, 2007 at 10:30 PM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Arson Unit and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 33 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Michael Bowman, responded to a Structure Fire with Civilian Injury at 8646 Orion Avenue in North Hills.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover intense fire showing from the rear of a one-story single family home, with reports of at least one person unaccounted for and possibly trapped within the five bedroom residence.

Teams of Firefighters extended hoselines within the smoke-charged 2,185 square-foot building to do fierce battle with fire that fully involved one room at the rear of the structure.

Fellow Firefighters performed a simultaneous primary search for victims, quickly discovering and removing an adult male occupant from the building, placing him in the care of their Paramedic-trained colleagues.

The 25 year-old man, described as a visitor to the home, suffered moderate smoke inhalation and an altered level of consciousness. He proved to be the only person missing or injured, and was transported in serious condition to Mission Community Hospital.

The American Red Cross was summoned to provide humanitarian assistance to the 6 adult and 4 child residents displaced by the swift-moving blaze.

Tenacious teamwork by Los Angeles Firefighters is credited with extinguishing the fire in just 13 minutes and limiting loss to $35,000 ($25,000 structure & $10,000 contents).

The cause of this late night fire remains under investigation.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department