Silver Lake - Three sheds were destroyed and two homes suffered fire damage on June 19th, 2016, as Los Angeles firefighters rushed to save a line of homes while flames spread through about eight acres of dried brush underneath and around a freeway interchange in the heart of Los Angeles. Click here for incident details.

At 1:04 PM the LAFD responded to a reported Structure Fire at the 2200 block of Allesandro Way in Silver Lake community, just South West of where the 2 freeway crosses the 5 freeway.
Firefighters quickly requested additional units and aggressively surrounded the area on the ground while helicopters began making repeated strategic water drops on the head of the fire.

Smoke was visible from as far away as Santa Monica, as firefighters were rushed to the area. The southern end of the Glendale (2) Freeway was closed, south of the Golden State (5) Freeway, near Silver Lake.

At least eight acres burned. Approximately 20 homes were threatened on Corralitas Dr, Lake View Ave, and Silver Ridge Ave. At least three out buildings (sheds?) were destroyed, all on Lake View Ave. Two homes suffered damage from flames, both on Corralitas Dr, one home suffered exterior damage and the other home suffered attic damage. Nearly 200 LAFD firefighters were on-scene, plus LACoFD, Glendale FD, and Park Rangers assisted. The blaze was extinguished in 44 min.

FS 56; Batt 5; West Bureau; Council District 4

BC1 BC11 BC13 BC14 BC18 BC2 BC5 CM22 CM41 E13 E15 E201 E203 E209 E210 E211 E212 E220 E226 E227 E229 E235 E250 E26 E35 E4 E44 E52 E56 E6 E76 E82 E9 E90 EM11 H1 H4 H5 RA12 RA20 RA35 RA55 RA56 RA850 SU2 T1 T10 T11 T12 T20 T26 T27 T29 T3 T35 T50

East Hollywood - Los Angeles Firefighters quickly extinguished a structure fire that tragically claimed the life of an elderly female on May 14, 2016.

Los Angeles - Dense vegetation in the Hansen Dam area created challenging conditions but firefighters halted the fire’s progress, containing it to eight acres.

At 5:17PM, on May 4th, 2016, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported grass fire at 12100 W Osborne St, Pacoima.  The first crews on scene found approximately half an acre burning in very dense vegetation.  Due to the difficulty accessing the fire and the limited water supply, the incident was quickly upgraded to a full brush fire response. Click here for incident details.

LAFD Incident: 050416-1077

SUN VALLEY - Over 150 LAFD firefighters fought a "Major Emergency" fire at a Sun Valley auto salvage yard on April 17th, 2016. The fire ripped through approximately 1 1/2 acres, of the five block long yard, filled with rows of tightly packed vehicles.

Just before 4:00 PM, Los Angeles firefighters responded to 9128 Tujunga Avenue, where they found a large "Pick Your Part" lot with over 15 vehicles well involved in flames. The fire, fanned by 5- to 10-mph winds, rapidly spread through the recycling yard and sent a large plume of smoke that could be seen for miles.

Waves of firefighters were systematically requested and strategically deployed to surround the inferno. Firefighters fought the fire in a “defensive mode,” pouring water on the blaze from the exterior of the auto yard. Firefighters worked closely with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to ensure sufficient water pressure.

Over 150 firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Gregory Reynar, extinguished the flames in two hours and 16 minutes. However, firefighters remained on-scene through the night to ensure no significant flare-ups. Specialized LAFD Hazardous-Materials firefighters took water runoff and air samples to ensure the safety of all. Due to firefighters extensive efforts, no structures were threatened and no one was injured.

The fire cause is under active investigation.

Dispatched Units: AR10 BC10 BC12 BC14 BC5 CM42 E100 E21 E226 E233 E24 E260 E266 E27 E274 E278 E289 E29 E298 E5 E60 E7 E77 E81 E86 E87 E89 E91 E93 E94 E98 EA1 EM11 FT100 H6 HR56 HU59 HU84 PH1 RA89 RT83 SQ21 T26 T33 T60 T66 T74 T78 T89 T98

(Copyright Photos by Rick McClure)

WILMINGTON - An hour-long blaze in an automotive recycling yard torched more than a hundred vehicles Wednesday afternoon.

Los Angeles Firefighters were summoned at 4:48 PM on September 18, 2013 to multiple reports of vehicles burning at Apple Auto Dismantling, 2701 East Anaheim Street in Wilmington. Noting a large, black plume of smoke, the first due fire crews immediately requested additional personnel to respond.

Entering the large salvage yard, Fire Department crews found 15 to 20 cars already engulfed. The intense fire soon spread in the 150' by 200' area of tightly packed autos, requiring copious amounts of water and firefighting foam to douse the flames.

Nearly 70 firefighters under the command of LAFD Assistant Chief Ralph Terrazas were able to fully extinguish the blaze in just one hour. There were no injuries.

The fire was confined to the yard, damaging 105 autos. Fire loss was estimated at $450,000. The cause of the blaze is listed as under investigation.

Dispatched Units: E38 E49 E85 T85 E285 BC6 RA38 E36 E112 E248 T48 E264 T64 DC1 EM13 BC13 FT17 E17 T15 E215 E10 BC4 E11

A roof collapsed while Los Angeles Firefighters battled a Major Emergency Structure fire in a South Los Angeles church.

At 5:15 AM, on March 28, 2016, the LAFD (LINK) responded to 8401 S Hoover Street in the Vermont Knolls area of South Los Angeles to find a large two-story church building (LINK) with fire showing and reports that people were trapped inside. Additional resources were quickly requested.
Firefighters forced entry into the Bethany Greater EDC building (Link) and an aggressive interior attack ensued, along with coordinated vertical ventilation, and a initial search for persons inside.

During the intense firefight the roof partially collapsed and a "Mayday" was called, due to the possibility of a down, missing, or trapped firefighter. The Incident Commander rapidly requested a Company Accountability Report (CAR), fortunately all firefighters were accounted for and no one suffered injury. Firefighters began a defensive firefight, withdrawing companies from the inside and off the roof, to use large hose streams to pour water onto the blaze from the exterior.

Approximately 125 firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Donald Frazeur, extinguished the flames in 1 hour 42 minutes. The fire cause is under active investigation by the LAFD Arson Section. The church suffered significant damage and the estimated dollar loss and dollars saved is being tabulated. The flames were confined to the structure of origin and did not extend into near by buildings.
It was later determined that the church was not currently in use, but was occupied by homeless individuals that self exited prior to LAFD arrival.

Dispatched Units: E233 E33 T33 RA33 E264 E64 T64 RA864 BC13 E46 E266 T66 E65 CM22 EM13 BC11 E66 RA264 E221 T21 EM11 BC18 T5 E205 E5 UR5 RA5 HR56 UR88 BC4 RA857 SQ21 E57 RM2 EA1 E26 E94 E215 T15 RA246 RA46 E210 T10 AR1 EM1 E85 E226 T26 E21 E211 T11 BC1 BC5 RM3 AR11 AR10 EM35 CM31 AR17 PH1 BC13 AR14 E57


???
did the roof collapse first or mayday first
how much roof collapse
Address 8401 is correct. "Bethany Square?" large, north end was 2-story, single story.

ic- Assistant Chief Donald Frazure

DBA- previousaly a church not currently in use, occupied by homeless and self exited prior to lafd arrival. (vacant borded up fully occupied homeless couches shopping carts tv. Red tagged.)

early reports of persons trapped

Los Angeles Firefighters Battle Major Emergency Fire in Glassell Park

In the early morning of February 1st, 2016, marking the 130 year anniversary of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), scores of firefighters battled a massive out door blaze fueled by wind that extended into nearby structures.

At 5:18 AM, two employees notified 9-1-1 that there was a fire at 3019 N Fierro Street in Glassell Park. Firefighters quickly arrived on scene to find a large industrial commercial area with outdoor combustible storage and a corrugated steel building well involved in fire.

Firefighters were met by several challenges such as 25 mph wind gusts fueling the flames and affecting hose streams, large piles of combustible storage (predominately boxed plastic straws), propane cylinders, and high voltage power lines. Waves of additional firefighters were requested. A defensive firefight commenced, pouring copious amounts of water from the exterior.

Approximately 150 firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Donald Frazeur, fully extinguished the Major Emergency Fire in one hour and 40 minutes.

At least three nearby structures on the property were damaged, however firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading beyond the property. Fortunately due to firefighters swift attack, no one was injured. San Fernando Road was shut down in both directions for the firefight.

The fire cause is being determined by LAFD Arson Investigators and the estimated dollar loss is being tabulated.

Dispatched Units: AR1 BC1 BC2 CM22 DT1 E12 E201 E210 E211 E212 E220 E221 E235 E250 E35 E42 E44 E55 E56 E59 E9 EA1 EM2 EM25 HE1 LD1 RA55 RA56 RA850 RM1 RM2 RT59 SU2 T1 T10 T11 T12 T20 T21 T35 T50 TO24 TP1

In the early morning of February 1st, 2016, marking the 130 year anniversary of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), scores of firefighters battled a massive blaze fueled by wind that extended into nearby structures. Click here to read more.

With seasonal wind and rain expected in Southern California, the Los Angeles Fire Department is encouraging residents to take the simple steps necessary to protect themselves from injury and their property from storm damage.

When rainstorms impact the Los Angeles area, flood control channels, rivers and arroyos can quickly fill with fast-moving water, creating a potentially life-threatening danger to anyone who gets caught or swept away. It is against the law to be inside most flood control channels, regardless of the weather.
We urge you to visit the National Weather Service website and listen to NOAA (All Hazards) Weather Radio - or local radio and television stations - for the latest weather information and emergency bulletins.
FLOOD PREVENTION AND STORM PREPAREDNESS TIPS

• Ensure that all drains, gutters and downspouts are clean and functioning properly. This is especially important for flat-roofed buildings.
• Keep stormwater drainage systems (pipes, ditches, swales and small channels) free of debris.
• Move valuable or easily damaged items away from low-lying areas prone to flooding.
• Closely examine windows, skylights and doors that may benefit from caulking or weatherstripping.
• Inspect your attic for "leaks" of sunlight, or signs of previous water damage that may indicate where pre-storm repairs are needed.
• Establish household supplies (bucket, mop, towel and tarpaulin) to minimize damage from sudden leaks or stormwater seepage.
• Prepare your household to remain safe (battery powered lamps, no candles) and functional (fully charged cell phone, manual garage door operation) in the event of a storm related power outage.
• Review how to safely turn off your home's electric, water and natural gas service in the event of severe storm damage, remembering that water and electricity don't mix.
• Gather and safely store important documents to take with you in case of evacuation.
• Put the free Flood Safety App from the American Red Cross on your smartphone.
• Discuss your Family Emergency Plan and prepare an Emergency Supply Kit that includes food, water, medications, flashlight, battery-powered radio, rain gear and first aid supplies.
• Confirm out-of-state family contacts so that friends and relatives can determine your location and status.
• Consider the safety of those with disabilities or access and functional needs.
• Plan for the needs of pets at home and if you are evacuated.
• Identify multiple safe routes from your home or workplace to high ground.
• Have sturdy, sensible shoes with nonskid soles for use in a rainstorm. Pack an umbrella, small flashlight and rain coat.
• Check your car's wipers, lights, tire inflation and tread wear to assure safe operation, and keep your vehicle fueled in case power is cutoff to local fueling stations.
• Monitor local news for the status of streets, highways and transit systems.
• Be aware of local driving laws, and how to operate your vehicle safely or use public transit in conditions altered by weather.
• Determine if your home is located in a flood hazard or landslide prone area.
• Landscape slope areas with plants that are fire retardant, water wise, suitable for erosion control and allow for smart water retention or reuse.
• Large trees that could threaten your home should be examined by a certified arborist. Confirm that any hillside on your property has been evaluated by a licensed soil engineer.
• If necessary, consult an engineer or licensed contractor to design or build permanent water and debris control systems for your property.
• Contact your insurance agent to assure that your flood and storm coverage is adequate and in effect. Confirm the 24-hour contact, policy and claim filing numbers for your insurer(s). Place that information in your mobile phone and keep a printed copy in the glove box of your car.
• Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, hand tools and other materials handy for addressing additional stormwater issues.

WHAT IF YOU NEED SANDBAGS?
In an effort to assist Los Angeles residents with extreme storm needs, the Los Angeles Fire Department and Bureau of Street Services are making ready-to-fill sandbags available at locations citywide. To find the Neighborhood Fire Station or Bureau of Street Services location closest to you, contact the City's 3-1-1 Ambassadors. They are pleased to direct you to the closest municipal source of sand and/or sandbags.
PERSONAL SAFETY DURING A STORM OR FLOOD

• When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!
• Limit non-essential travel, and avoid the urge to sightsee. Remind all household members not to play or linger near catch basins, canyons, flood control channels or storm drains.
• Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the leading cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
• Never drive through a flooded area where you cannot see the pavement, or bypass road barriers. 
• If you become stranded in your car by moving water, stay with your vehicle and move to the hood or roof if water continues to rise.
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Deadly electric current can travel through water.
• Report downed power lines in the City of Los Angeles to the Department of Water and Power (1-800-DIAL-DWP). If the downed wires threaten life, call 9-1-1.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU FALL IN MOVING WATER?

• Remain calm. Don't waste energy yelling for help after someone has spotted you.
• Get ready to be rescued.
• Try to float on your back with your legs straight and your feet pointed downstream.
• Use your legs to shove yourself away from obstructions.
• Keep your head up so that you can see where you are going.
• Watch for obstacles and debris! If a tree or other stationary object is blocking the channel, forcing water over it, try to flip over on your stomach and approach the obstacle head-on, crawling over the top of it.
• Most victims in swift water die when they get pinned against obstacles or get trapped in submerged debris and vegetation.

WHAT IF YOU SEE A PERSON OR PET FALL INTO MOVING WATER?

• Do not go into the water after the victim.
• Do not try to pull the victim out with your hands, rope or similar device. Do not attach anything to yourself and toss it to a victim in the water. The force of the current will pull you in.
• If possible, throw a floatation device to the victim, such as a boogie board, Styrofoam ice chest, basketball or other unattached object.
• Immediately call 9-1-1.
• Tell the 9-1-1 operator that a person or animal fell into the channel and is being swept downstream.
• Give accurate information about where and when you saw the victim and what the victim was wearing.
• Though members of your Los Angeles Fire Department are specially trained and equipped to respond to water rescues, not every victim survives. We therefore remind you that when it comes to swift moving water: 'Stay Away and Stay Alive!'

WHAT IF YOU WITNESS STORM DAMAGE?
City of Los Angeles residents should call 3-1-1 or (213) 473-3231, use an on-line form or the MyLA311 app to report potholes, downed street trees, damaged or inoperative street lights or traffic signals, clogged street drains and any storm-related property damage requiring an inspection or action by City of Los Angeles officials.
WHAT IF YOU EXPERIENCE STORM DAMAGE?
If, despite your best efforts, you become a victim of storm or floodwater damage, please visit LAFD.ORG for helpful flood recovery tips.

Just before 2:00 PM on November 14, 2015, firefighters rescued an injured hiker at Stoney Point in Chatsworth.

A LAFD ground and air response, including Urban Search & Rescue specialists, rushed to assist a man who was badly injured and trapped in rugged terrain.

The 23 y/o male fell approximately 20' and was wedged between large boulders. Firefighters carefully extricated him and provided pain management. Then, hoisted him into a helicopter and flew him to local Trauma Center in serious condition.

Los Angeles - LAFD Firefighters and Arson investigators were very busy through the night, extinguishing and investigating a series of eight fires in the North Hollywood and Sun Valley areas that may have been intentionally set. (Sunday, October 25, 2015)

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department want to keep Halloween safe and fun for everyone. Firefighters encourage you to review a list of helpful Halloween Safety Tips at:

www.lafd.org/hween.htm


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department