On Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 9:12 PM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, LAPD and DOT, all under the direction of Battalion Chief Kwame Cooper, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 1421 S. Los Angeles Str. in the South Park area.

The first arriving company on scene reported a one story commercial building with moderate smoke showing. Firefighters were met with heavy smoke, fire and a large amount of storage while trying to gain access. Additional companies were requested as Firefighters quickly established their handlines in an attempt to keep the fire in the area of origin. Heavy smoke and fire was also reported coming from the ventilation holes by the roof team, prompting them to "trench" the roof to gain control as the fire tried to run the attic.

It took thirty three Firefighters nineteen minutes to call a knockdown. The occupancy of fire origin was the Karma Center. Two other occupancies, Moon's Fashions and Nelly's Shoes sustained moderate smoke damage. There were no reports of injury. The cause and dollar loss estimate is undetermined until the completion of the police report.

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department