On Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 8:24 PM, 15 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 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, DOT, Emergency Air and Rehab Tender 40, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Daniel Mc Carthy, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 1684 N. Michael Ln. in the Pacific Heights area.

The initial report coming into the OCD Dispatch Center indicated an auto was burning in the parking structure. Once Fire Department resources arrived on scene, they found an auto, fully engulfed in flames and extending into a condominium unit located on the second floor of a three story, condominium complex. Fire resources aggressively deployed handlines and began the fire attack, while the roof team attempted diligent ventilation efforts. The persistent fire traveled up the walls and through the heater ducting in the open web roof and floor construction, spreading to two adjacent units. The occupants of the units had self evacuated.

It took 106 Firefighters two hours and fourteen minutes to contain and knock down the fire. The cause was listed as accidental, overheated brakes igniting a vehicle tire. The preliminary dollar estimate was $1.2 million dollars ( $1 million structure and $200,000 contents). The Red Cross was not needed as the displaced family relocated to an area hotel. There was no report of civilian or Firefighter injury.

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Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department