On Friday, July 30th, 2010 at 6:51 AM, 16 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 11 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 2 Hazardous Materials Teams, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 2 bull dozers, LAPD, So Cal gas company, dwp, DOT, building & safety, LA County Health Services, Cal Osha, along with other agencies, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Daniel McCarthy responded to a MAJOR EMERGENCY at 936 East 59th Street in South Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived to find a 100’ X 100’ one-story commercial building that sustained a massive explosion, which shook windows of nearby businesses. The front one-third of the building and roof collapsed in addition to being well involved in flames. One victim was thrown into the street from the explosion and pinned under a vehicle. Another victim was found in Cardiac Arrest after being electrocuted from power lines that were down. Emergency Traffic was declared over the radio by the Incident Commander to alert all on scene of the electrical hazard.

Firefighters jumped into action, and made a quick aggressive entry into the collapsing building. They endangered their lives to perform a rapid search of this large welding business, in hopes to rescue anyone possibly trapped. No one was immediately found, and due to the structure tumbling down around them, the Firefighters had to exit and battle the blaze defensively. Over 100 Firefighters were able to successfully knockdown the flames in just 25 minutes.

The Urban Search and Rescue Team, was then able to eliminate hazards and shore up beams, allowing a safer environment to perform a detailed and thorough search. K9 units were utilized to locate anyone possibly trapped under the rubble, however there were no hits and no additional victims were found.

Sadly one adult male deceased from electrocution. A second adult male suffered critical burns and was in the ICU at a California hospital awaiting a transfer to LA County USC hospital.

The cause of the explosion was due to illegal tampering with the gas meter. This enclosed structure was likely filling with natural gas, and when an ignition source sparked it, the powerful and deadly explosion occurred. Monetary loss from the explosion is estimated at $250,000 ($175,000 structure & $75,000 contents).


Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department

On Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 10:58 AM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 2 Division Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Dozer Team, 1 Utility Resource under the direction of Assistant Chief T. Manning responded to a TRENCH RESCUE at 602 N. Palisades Dr. in Pacific Palisades.

Firefighters responded to a three story below grade single family dwelling, where reports of a person buried under an unknown amount of dirt was trapped. As crews quickly assessed the scene, they discovered that an individual who later was described as a 24 year old male, had been working in an 8x8 11 ft trench. The worker who apparently was attempting to water proof the area, was the victim of an unexpected cave in, just prior to the 911 call.

All personnel worked diligently and swiftly to try and dig out the man, but the un-shored, large amounts of dirt and the depth hole proved to be extremely challenging. With an already heavy amount of resources and equipment on scene, a request was made to call in three LAFD USAR Teams in an effort to expedite the rescue operation. A crew had to breach a nearby retaining wall to try and gain access to the victim. Despite the prompt efforts of the Los Angeles Firefighters and Paramedics, the injured male succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

It took 86 fire personnel and rescuers a little over five hours to completely recover the body of the worker. CAL –OSHA will continue an investigation as to what caused the incident, but the exact time and manner of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.



Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Pursuant of a formal Mutual Aid Request, the Los Angeles Fire Department has assigned one helicopter and helitack team to assist U.S. Forest Service Personnel from the Angeles National Forest and allied agencies in their battle against a brush fire southwest of Acton, California, approximately 15 miles northeast of our City.

Click here for map of the Briggs Fire  and nearby Crown Fire

These 6 personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department have been dispatched to the Briggs Fire in accordance with California's Fire & Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid System. Administered by the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA), the system is designed to ensure resources to local jurisdictions when their resources are committed or insufficient for a specific emergency incident.

The City of Los Angeles remains protected by the use of additional staff and reserve apparatus to cover foreseeable local needs.

The men and women of the LAFD ask motorists to remain watchful for these and other convoys of emergency apparatus, and to be mindful of the space necessary for them to safely maneuver on local roads and highways.

Pursuant of protocol, official public and media information regarding this wildfire, including the actions of assigned LAFD personnel, will be provided by U.S. Forest Service Personnel from the Angeles National Forest, which maintains daily jurisdictional authority of the area where the fire is burning.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Pursuant of a formal Mutual Aid Request, the Los Angeles Fire Department has assigned two Strike Teams of firefighters to assist the Los Angeles County Fire Department and allied agencies in their battle against a brush fire southeast of Leona Valley, California, approximately 20 miles northeast of our City.

View View Larger Map of the Crown Fire (You can also pan, click & zoom the map above!)
These 44 personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department have been dispatched to the Crown Fire in accordance with California's Fire & Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid System. Administered by the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA), the system is designed to ensure resources to local jurisdictions when their resources are committed or insufficient for a specific emergency incident.

The City of Los Angeles remains protected by the use of additional staff and reserve apparatus to cover foreseeable local needs.

The men and women of the LAFD ask motorists to remain watchful for these and other convoys of emergency apparatus, and to be mindful of the space necessary for them to safely maneuver on local roads and highways.

Pursuant of protocol, official public and media information regarding this wildfire, including the actions of assigned LAFD personnel, will be provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, which maintains daily jurisdictional authority of the area where the fire is burning.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Monday, July 26, 2010 at 6:35 AM, 20 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 10 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 8 Arson Units, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 LAFD Heavy Equipment Operators, 1 LAFD Emergency Air Unit, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 153 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel, as well as responders from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Investigators from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), all under the direction of LAFD Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire with Civilian Fatalities at 821 South Esperanza Street in South Boyle Heights.

Firefighters arrived swiftly to discover heavy smoke showing from a one story 100 x 100, lightweight constructed commercial building.

Entry teams used several tools in an attempt to force their way into the structure through a series of security doors. Due to the building’s lack of structural integrity, volume of fire and concerns for firefighter safety, the Incident Command Team shifted from an offensive firefighting strategy to that of a defensive firefighting strategy.

After a bulk of the flames was knocked down, entry teams as well as roof team were able to mount an aggressive attack on the blaze. The structure, doing business as a tire and muffler shop, had tires and other auto parts stored on the roof and in several locations within the occupancy. The fire, which was difficult to fight, was skillfully confined to only the building of origin.

One victim, who had reportedly, attempted to extinguish the flames on his own, suffered 1st and 2nd degree burns over 40% of his body before being rescued by firefighters and paramedics.

A second victim who had left the scene earlier returned with severe burns to his upper body. The first victim a 61 y/o male is listed in critical condition while the second victim a 33 y/o male was treated at the scene.

Both victims were apparently within the building at the time of the incident and were able to escape with their lives. The two men were transported to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. It is unclear as to why the men and possibly others were inside the business at that hour.

During continued operations and despite the prompt and valiant efforts of all 153 personnel at the scene, firefighters later discovered two unconscious, non-breathing adults without vital signs of life. Both were declared deceased at the scene.

The ages and genders could not be immediately determined and no other victims were found.

The stubborn fire was finally knocked down 1 hour after the initial call.

Pursuant of protocol, Investigators from the Los Angeles Fire and Police Departments were summoned for a joint investigation, later joined by members of the ATF's Los Angeles Field Division and National Response Team.

A positive identification of the deceased, as well the cause, time and manner of their deaths will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Saturday, July 24,2010 at 7:10 PM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Peter Benesch responded to a Civilian Fatality Structure Fire at 11594 W. Riverside Dr. in Valley Village.

Firefighters arrived quickly to discover heavy smoke showing from the rear of a one story 650 square foot single family home. Although firefighters made quick entry to extinguish the flames, the burned body of an adult female was subsequently discovered. Without vital signs of life, she was determined deceased at the scene.

Smoke alarms were noted within the residence, but their functional status has not yet been determined. There were no security bars or other obvious impairments to impede egress from the home.

It took 37 firefighters only 11 minutes to fully knock down the flames. The physical damage from the fire was confined to the room of origin.

The exact cause of this fire will remain the focus of an active joint investigation by Los Angeles Fire and Police Department officials. A positive identification of the deceased woman, as well as the exact cause, time and manner of her death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.

The monetary value of this incident can not really be tabulated when there is a loss of life.

On July 26, 2010 the Los Angeles Police Department released a statement that included the sketch of a possible suspect, in what they describe as an "arson related homicide".

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Friday, July 23, 2010 at 5:59 PM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 LAFD Rescue Ambulance, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 3 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Rudy Hill responded to a Greater Alarm Brush Fire at South Bound 110 fwy at Hill St. in Lincoln Heights/Solano Canyon.

Firefighters arrived to find a column of smoke and 1/4 acres of medium to heavy brush burning. The incident started alongside the steep hills near the 110 freeway, just outside Dodger Stadium.

Although the fire was slow moving, command teams quickly assessed the need for helicopters, as ground crews were unable to reach the bulk of the flames due to steep terrain. Three LAFD water dropping helicopters were put into action, holding the blaze in check from the air, while firefighters below continued the fight on the ground.

As more companies were called into action, additional personnel were strategically placed, halting the fire from its advance.

With relatively slow wind speeds being 13 mph, a relative humidity of 35%, and the temperature at 86 degrees, firefighters were able to knock down the flames in less than 1 hour. Due to the strong efforts of 71 firefighters, this fire was completely extinguished with no threats to civilian or any structures.

Thanks to the quick work of all the crews at the scene, only 3 acres was consumed by this blaze. Happily the Dodger game which was about to begin near by, was able to start on time with no interruption from the smoke. The cause of the fire is still being investigation by LAFD Fire Officials.



Submitted by Devin Gales,Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Randall Opperman III, the son and grandson of active duty Los Angeles Firefighters, is in a brave fight for his life at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and needs your blood and platelets.

A blood drive to support young Randy and other children in medical need will be held:

Tuesday, July 20, 2010
7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Fire Station 87
10124 Balboa Boulevard
Granada Hills, CA 91344

Donors will be treated by firefighters to a pancake breakfast in the morning and lunch of Tri Tip sandwiches in the afternoon.

All blood types are needed. Those with medical questions - or who are interested in donating platelets, are encouraged to contact Childrens Hospital Blood Services directly at (323) 361-2441.

Our sincere thanks to the many who made this special blood drive a success. Though young Randy has been helped through your stunning generosity, other children remain in need. If you live near Los Angeles, you can save the life of a "future firefighter" by visiting: chla.org/donateblood

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman (and blood donor)
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 at 10:00 PM, 12 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Rehab Air Tender under the direction of Assistant Chief David Yamahata responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 1107 North Bronson Avenue in Hollywood.

In response to multiple 9-1-1 calls, Firefighters quickly responded to a one-story metal-clad commercial building with heavy smoke and fire showing. Firefighters commenced a fierce interior attack through the smoke filled 100' X 150' structure that was loaded with movie props. This 54 year-old building was doing business as "C.P. Three Prop House" (C.P. is in reference to cinema props). Additional Firefighters were requested as it became difficult to access the seat of the fire, which was located at the north wall of the structure (D-side of the building). Truck companies remained on the triple gable roof, and were able to continually evaluate smoke and ventilators to guide the firefighters inside the structure to the source of the fire.

A total of 91 Firefighters battled the stubborn flames for one hour and 22 minutes before confining the flames entirely within the 22,319 square foot occupancy. Happily no civilian or Firefighter were reported injured during this incident. The dollar loss is still being tabulated and the cause of this late night blaze remains under an active investigation.

(photos)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Tuesday, July 13th, 2010 at 11:43 PM, 41 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 21 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 8 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team and 2 Bulldozers under the direction of Deputy Chief Mario Rueda responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 761 East Slauson Avenue in South Los Angeles.
More than 200 Los Angeles Firefighters were requested over the course of the incident to help battle a blaze at a large two-story commercial structure that encompassed six occupancies over an entire city block. Firefighters quickly arrived at United Alloys and Metals to find heavy fire at an industrial facility known for processing titanium and super alloy scrap.

The 73 year-old structures between Paloma Avenue and Mckinley Avenue, were quickly engulfed in flames and forced firefighters into a defensive attack early during this huge fire fight. Shortly after midnight the decision was made to pull all Firefighters out of the structure and attack the flames from the exterior. Approximately 20 minutes following this decision a partial wall collapse, roof collapse, and a total of three explosions took place. These massive blasts rained down debris of concrete and titanium on Firefighters and even shattered windows of emergency vehicles. From this point forward it became a heavy stream operation with ladder pipes and portable monitors that provided huge volumes of water against the intense flames. Despite the challenges of extinguishing burning titanium and the devastating explosions, the blaze was controlled in just five hours. Exhausted Firefighters were relieved the next morning by their colleagues who continued the extended overhaul and detailed salvage procedure. Firefighter/Specialists certified in heavy equipment operation brought LAFD tractors to the scene to assist in the painstaking extinguishment of debris, an effort that continued through out the balance of the next day. Building and Safety Inspectors were also called to assess the structural integrity of the buildings.

Three firefighters were injured, two sustained small but severe burns to their hands, one of which also had burns to his ears and low oxygen saturation. The third firefighter injured his ear drums. All three were treated at local hospitals.

The damage has been estimated at $5,000,000 ($4,000,000 structure & $1,000,000 contents). The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The LAFD battled a similar blaze at 900 East Slauson Avenue on Friday, June 11th of this year.

(photos) (video) (video)

Submitted by Erik Scott and Cecil Manresa, Spokesmen
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Monday, July 12th, 2010 at 3:45 AM, 7 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 LAPD Haz-Mat Team, 1 LACoFD Haz-Mat Team, LA County Sheriffs, Union Pacific Security and various other law enforcement agencies under the direction of Battalion Chief Patrick Butler responded to a Hazardous Material Incident at Eastman Avenue X Union Pacific Avenue in the Hobart area, LACoFD's jurisdiction.
A total of 68 Los Angeles Firefighters were gradually requested to assist our friends at Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The lengthy incident involved a confined space, that of a 60' long by 10' wide, train-tanker with possible hazardous materials (Haz-Mat) inside.

Firefighters made entry into the 30,000 gallon tanker wearing full Haz-Mat suits and began removing packages that were covered in an oil type substance. Two Firefighters experienced increased heart rate and dizziness after making entry, both were evaluated medically at USC hospital as a precaution, but were expected to be released back-to-duty the same day.

Just before 10:00 AM, an unknown object, similar to the size and shape of a coffee can, was found inside. Due to the suspicious nature of this item, the Fire Department Haz-Mat removal operation was halted. LAPD Bomb Squad took over the scene, and as a safety measure, carefully detonated the object at approximately 5:00 PM. The Fire Department was then able to safely resume entry.

Due to the nature of the incident and surrounding circumstances, LAPD will continue to take the lead role and provide any additional information. All LAFD Firefighters were released just before 9:00 PM. A total of 78 packages of what the LAPD previously referred to as marijuana was safely removed.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department

On Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 11:45 AM, 2 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 LAFD Rescue Ambulance, 1 Arson Unit, under the direction of Battalion Chief John Duca responded to a Auto Fire / Civilian Fatality, WestBound 118 Freeway At the Golden State Freeway in San Fernando.

Responding to reports of an automobile on fire, firefighters arrived on scene to discover a vehicle off the left shoulder of the freeway engulfed in flames. Apparently just minutes before the incident, individuals attempted to alert the driver, who was still in motion on the freeway, that the rear of the automobile was on fire. The driver continued for some distance before colliding into the median, pinning the driver’s side door.

Civilians on scene attempted to rescue the individual, but the flames proved to be too intense. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, but were unable to rescue the 46 year old male victim, who was later declared deceased at the scene. There is no clear evidence as to what caused the vehicle to catch fire or the condition of its driver prior to this incident.

A positive identification of the deceased man as well as the exact cause, time and manner of death will be determined by L. A. County Coroner Officials. This incident will continue to be an active investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

(photos)

Submitted by Devin Gales, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Friday, July 9th, 2010 at 1:18 PM, 13 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Kwame Cooper responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 1609 South Oak Street in the Pico Union area.

Firefighters arrived on scene within three minutes to find a two-story four-plex with heavy fire showing. Additional personnel were summoned to provide a swift and well-coordinated attack on the flames. An aggressive entry was made into the residence with hose-lines, while others ascended ladders to the tiled roof and performed vertical ventilation.

Eighty-six Firefighters extinguished the blaze in 31 minutes and prevented any damage to nearby structures. No one was injured in this fire, although a total of ten persons, including 6 adults and 4 children were displaced. Those ten individuals were provided temporary shelter and disaster assistance by volunteers from the American Red Cross.

This devastating fire resulted from a five year old girl and a four year old boy that were playing with matches. Many are surprised to learn that the leading causes of fire deaths for children is from playing with matches and lighters. The Los Angeles Fire Department along with our friends at the U.S. Fire Administration would like to stress the following safety tips:

• Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight.
• When a child is curious about fire, calmly and firmly explain that matches and lighters are tools for only adults.
• In addition, instruct toddlers to tell you when they find a match or lighters.
• Please never use matches or lighters as amusement for your children. They may imitate your actions.

The dollar loss to the 88-year old residence is still being tabulated.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Thursday, July 8th, 2010 at 10:56 PM, 14 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Assistant Chief David Yamahata responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 4844 West Jefferson Boulevard in the Jefferson Park area.

 
Firefighters arrived quickly to find a 75' X 100', two-story commercial building, doing business as L.A. Shoji & Decorative Products Inc, with smoke and fire showing. Additional firefighters were immediately requested.

This 10,000 square foot building had offices on two-stories in the front and a large one-story screen manufacturing facility in the rear that was separated by a wall with a rolling steel door.

As Firefighters focused on rapidly advancing hose lines for an interior attack, the roof team began aggressive ventilation. Flames shot through each hole cut by Truck Companies on the arched truss roof. As the blaze grew, Firefighters were able to strategically stand on the bearing wall that separated the manufacturing facility for support. However, the gallant efforts of the firefighters on the roof and interior were halted due to worsening conditions.

Within 30 minutes, all members were cleared from the structure and the Incident Commander ordered Firefighters to commence a Defensive attack. Shortly there after, there was a partial roof collapse toward the rear of the building.

Firefighters began using large handlines and ladder pipes capable of delivering copious amounts of water. Due to the intense effort of all on scene, the bulk of the damage remained in the manufacturing facility where the fire originated and no injuries occurred. The first arriving 111 firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze in one hour and 12 minutes.

The 74 year old building was cordon off due to it's structural integrity being compromised and having significant exterior cracks.

Monetary loss from the blaze is still being tabulated and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Thursday, July 8th, 2010 at 3:16 PM, 20 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Assistant Chief Patrick Butler, along with Ventura County Fire Department all assisted the Los Angeles County Fire Department (Incident Commander) and responded to a Major Emergency Brush Fire just north of the West-Bound 118 Freeway crossing Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Chatsworth.

Firefighters arrived to find five acres of light to medium brush burning uphill. With the assistance of California Highway Patrol Officers cordoning off #2, #3 & #4 lanes of the freeway, firefighters swiftly anchored the flames as fire spread northward toward homes along Poema Place and Kanaina Court.

A well coordinated air and ground assault from the Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department and Ventura County Fire Department kept the fire from burning out of control, but not before the fire had charred over 10 acres of grass and brush.

The swift arrival of water-dropping helicopters, combined with nearby resident's compliance with strict brush clearance regulations, prevented any homes from being damaged.

Pursuant of protocol and due to the location of the fire, official public and media information regarding this wildfire, including the actions of the assigned 100 LAFD firefighters, will be provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, which maintains daily jurisdictional authority of the area where the fire took place.

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Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Monday, July 5, 2010 at 12:52 PM, 1 Company of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 LAFD Rescue Ambulance, 1 Arson Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 13 Los Angeles Firefighters under the direction of Assistant Chief Craig Fry, responded to a Firework Injury near 1031 North Sanford Avenue in Wilmington.

Summoned by uniformed Los Angeles Police Officers at the scene, Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find a 15 year-old male with critical facial burn injury.

According to witnesses, the boy had been scavenging flammable powder from discarded and unused personal fireworks, adding the volatile mixture to the remnants of a so-called "safe and sane" ground display.

While reportedly attempting to ignite the homemade firework, intense flames suddenly enveloped the boy's entire face, causing deep and painful second-degree burns and severely damaging his eyes.

The injured teen was transported in critical condition by LAFD Paramedics to St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach for emergency trauma care, after which he was transferred by private ambulance to a regional burn center.

No other injuries were reported.

It is important to note that the possession or personal use of any firework has been outlawed in Los Angeles since World War II.

Given the unstable nature of personal use fireworks and that items involved may have been altered to even greater instability, Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department Bomb Squad methodically managed the scene and assisted in key stages of the investigation.

This incident remains under a joint and active investigation by Los Angeles Fire Department Arson/Counter-Terrorism Investigators and Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Criminal Conspiracy Section.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

On Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 6:06 PM, 2 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 1 LAFD Rescue Ambulance, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Michael Bowman responded to a Plane Crash at 1233 East Rose Avenue in Venice.

LAFD Firefighter/Dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting that a small plane had crashed near the eighth hole of Penmar golf course in the city of Venice.

Firefighters on scene quickly made their way to the downed aircraft and discovered only one person was on board of the Cessna 152. That person, a male adult, was declared dead on the scene. No one on the ground was injured or killed.

The heavily damaged aircraft did not catch fire and leaked only a small amount of fuel. Monetary loss is estimated at $150,000 for the aircraft and $1,000 for damage to the golf course.

The cause of the crash is under investigation by the FAA, NTSB and LAPD along with a variety of other regulating bodies. A positive identification of the deceased male, as well as the cause, time and manner of his death will be determined by the Coroner's Office.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department