On Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 8:34 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 9 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, and 1 CERT Coordinator all under the direction of Assistant Chief Roxanne Bercik responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 3305 S Central Ave in South Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find a two-story apartment over a commercial building with heavy fire on the second floor. Confronted immediately with several people hanging from the second floor windows, Firefighters performed coordinated rescues using ladders as fellow Firefighters began an interior attack on the fire. Fortunately, all occupants were able to escape the fire without serious injury.

One civilian was treated and released on scene after suffering a minor second degree burn to the hand. The fire was contained in just 23 minutes and the damage was limited to several units on the second floor and the attic of the apartment building. Firefighters remained on scene for several hours, protecting homeowners belongings from additional damage. During the overhaul phase of the fire, two dogs and one cat were discovered deceased in the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation and the dollar loss has yet to be determined.

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Submitted by Ron Myers, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department