On Monday, August 3, 2009 at 6:23 AM, 13 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Dennis Waters responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 2961 E Wynwood Ln. in South Boyle Heights.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and fire from the top floor of a 2 story apartment complex. Fire attack teams quickly deployed handlines in a effort to stop the spread of fire thru common walls. Firefighters made forceable entry into the structure and found most of the contents already consumed. Do to the strategic and simultaneous efforts of Firefighters performing vertical ventilation as well as an aggressive ground attack, the flames were confined to one unit.

The well coordinated effort of 96 Firefighters were able to mitigate and control this early morning blaze without any civilian injuries. Eight occupants were displaced and the American Red Cross was summoned to clothe and shelter these residents. There were minor facial and foot injuries to two firefighters respectively.

A knockdown was obtained in just 15 minutes limiting the damage to $250,000 ($200,000 structure & $50,000 contents). The cause of this fire was attributed to a water heater.


Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department