On Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 11:02 PM, 16 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 116 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Ralph Terrazas, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 3518 East 15th Street in South Boyle Heights.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to discover fire through the roof of a 60' x 125' metal-clad two-story commercial building housing a metal polishing and refinishing firm.

The half-dozen workers within the business when the fire erupted, were able to escape unharmed prior to the Fire Department's arrival.

Firefighters made swift entry to find intense fire in the easternmost portion of the non-fire sprinklered building. Aided by strategic vertical ventilation performed with chainsaws by their colleagues on the roof above, LAFD crews were able to stand their ground against towering flames, eventually driving back the fire and sparing a full 75% of the business from damage.

No injuries were reported.

Fire loss to LAX Wheel Refinishing is estimated at $130,000 ($100,000 structure & $30,000 contents). The cause of this late night blaze remains under active investigation.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department