HOLLYWOOD - Nearly 150 Los Angeles Firefighters battled a massive blaze at a large two-story vacant church, just before 6:00 PM January 1st, 2012.

Firefighters arrived at 1717 North Gramercy Place to find heavy fire showing from the second story of a pre-1933 church, with adjacent classrooms attached. Due to the deep set, mid-block location of the structure, the roof was difficult to access with Aerial Ladder Trucks. Therefore, firefighters utilized multiple 35' ground ladders.

Strategically cutting three strips off the rooftop for ventilation helped limit horizontal fire spread, as firefighters under the command of Battalion Chief J. Castro used hand-lines to tackle flames within the 100' x 50' structure.

A very aggressive fire attack ensued for one hour. Some firefighters went through three air bottles battling the inferno during their offensive and exhaustive attack. Flames damaged the basement, first floor, second floor and attic. No injuries were reported.

Loss from the fire is still being tabulated, while the cause of the blaze remains under active investigation.

Dispatched Units: E82 RA82 E227 E27 T27 RA827 E52 E235 T35 EM11 BC5 BC18 E29 E261 T61 DC3 E41 SQ21 BC11 CP2 E26 E229 T29 EM2 UR27 T3 E203 RA3 RA803 E89 UR88 BC14 RA27 E11 E260 T60 E210 T10 E76 RA52 RA35 EM14 EM9 AR27 EA1 RT59 T20 E220 T20 E220 AR7 SU1 E10 T15 E215 E27


Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department