On Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 1:05 AM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 84 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Ronald Jackson, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 6402 Platt Avenue in West Hills.

Firefighters responding to an alarm company notification of a smoke detector activation, arrived quickly during an intense rainstorm to find fire showing from a 50' x 100' one-story veterinary office.

Swiftly forcing entry into West Hills Animal Hospital, which was secured and appeared closed for business, Los Angeles Firefighters commenced a well-coordinated search of the premises in accordance with LAFD protocol that assumes a building occupied until proven otherwise.

Though there were no human occupants, firefighters soon rescued two cats and two dogs from the smoke-charged structure. Despite the efforts of medically-trained firefighters, only one canine survived.

Cradling the surviving puppy in his arms, a firefighter was soon met by a hospital staff member summoned to the scene. Assisting the LAFD in providing oxygen to the conscious and breathing pet, the veterinarian later took the animal to a nearby pet emergency clinic.

While their colleagues skilfully protected medical records and equipment below, firefighters held the flames within the attic and circumferential mansard of the former fast food establishment, extinguishing the fire in just 30 minutes.

No human injuries were reported.

Monetary loss to the facility has been estimated at $160,000 ($100,000 structure & $60,000 contents). The cause of this early morning blaze is categorized as electrical, and attributed to stormwater impact on an illuminated sign attached to the front of the building.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department