Tag: fire

City Discusses Lithium-Ion Battery Notice

January 21, 2025 ·

Photo courtesy of the city of Malibu Facebook page.

MALIBU—The city of Malibu indicated on their Facebook page a warning about lithium-ion batteries as a result of the Palisades Fire.

An individual’s home may be impacted by lithium-ion batteries, battery storage systems, and electrical vehicles that have been partially damaged or destroyed. The city warns that batteries can re-ignite, explode, or emit toxic gases even after the fire has been extinguished.

Household items with lithium-ion batteries include:
-Electric/hybrid vehicles
-Electric bikes/scooters
-Wheelchairs
-Home alarms
-Power banks/stations
-Drones
-Power tool batteries
-Game controllers
-Digital cameras
-Headphones, cell phones, laptops, tablets, calculators
-Vaping devices

Individuals can protect themselves by:
-If you hear a popping or hissing noise, or see smoke or fire:

-Do NOT attempt to extinguish the fire
-Leave the area immediately
-Move upwind at least 330 feet away
-Call 911

Avoid touching fire-damaged products containing lithium-ion batteries—they can still ignite. For more information about recovery resources, visit Recovery.LACounty.Gov/.

By Trevor

LAFD Battle Studio City House Fire

January 9, 2025 ·

Photo courtesy of Joshua Newton.

STUDIO CITY—On Wednesday, January 8, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported a 4-story house fire at 8:52 p.m. The blaze was reported at 3656 N Sunswept Drive.

By 10 p.m., firefighters reported the fire had been knocked down. It took over 50 firefighters to extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries during the incident.

The fire extended into the surrounding vegetation, created small spot fires and caused some (extent not known at this time) damage to exposed buildings.

The collapse of the home was captured by reporters on live television with Fox 11 in Los Angeles.

By Trevor

Garage Fire Battled In Sherman Oaks

December 16, 2024 ·

The LAFD battled a garage fire in Sherman Oaks on December 15. Photo by Guido Jansen.

SHERMAN OAKS—The Los Angeles Fire Department battled a garage fire on Sunday, December 15. The blaze was reported at 8:21 p.m. at 14321 W. Hartsook St. A detached garage well involved in fire, exposing another garage. By 8:50 p.m., the LAFD reported the incident transpired at 14314 W Magnolia Blvd.

The first arriving 20 firefighters extinguished the fire in 29 minutes with no injuries reported.

Firefighters contained the fire to the unit of origin, prevented extension to the exposed garage. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No additional details about the fire have been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

LAFD Battle Structure Fire In Sherman Oaks

December 9, 2024 ·

Photo courtesy of Spencer Davis.

SHERMAN OAKS—On Saturday, December 7, the Los Angeles Fire Department battled a structure fire in Sherman Oaks. The blaze was reported at 8:52 p.m. at 4605 N Tobias Avenue.

The fire involved a one-story single family dwelling with a detached garage fully involved with fire. Reports of imminent roof collapse and downed power lines. No additional details about the blaze have been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

Multi-Level Garage Fire In Woodland Hills

November 27, 2024 ·

Photo courtesy of Spencer Davis.

WOODLAND HILLS—On Monday, November 25, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that they battled a fire that erupted at a garage and attic of a one-story home. The incident was reported at 8:14 p.m. at 23016 W Sylvan St.

By 8:36 p.m. a total of 35 firefighters took just 22 minutes in a well-coordinated firefighting offense to extinguish heavy fire at the 4,300 square foot one-story home. There were no reports of any injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

By Trevor

Dangerous Fire Conditions Possible In Malibu

November 19, 2024 ·

Dangerous Fire Conditions Possible In Malibu

MALIBU—On Monday, November 18, the city of Malibu reported that dangerous fire weather is expected from Monday night November 18 thru Thursday, November 21, due to Santa Ana winds 15 – 30 mph, gusts up to 45 mph in some areas.

The public should be prepared for potential fires, evacuations, power & traffic signal outages, hazardous roads. Come to a complete stop at any malfunctioning traffic signal. Individuals should be extremely cautious with any activities that could start a fire, such as working with landscaping equipment.

Closely monitor weather conditions and emergency information on local news, especially AM / FM radio which will function with handheld and car radios which will work when the power is out.

Look up and note your zone on Genasys Zone, LA County’s emergency information website at https://protect.genasys.com/search. During a disaster, evacuation, shelter and other emergency information will be posted there, and agencies will use those zones in messaging.

On November 6, the Broad Fire in Malibu led to power outages west of Malibu and the nearby Santa Monica Mountains into Calabasas and Agoura Hills. The public was warned to be prepared for possible evacuations, power outages, hazardous road conditions, and traffic signal cuts. Motorists were advised to stop completely at any intersection with a traffic light that is not functioning properly according to California law. Monitor AM/FM radio (99.1 FM KBUU) for information.

Some residents were warned and forced to evacuate as a result of the Broad Fire. The Red Flag warning was in effect until Thursday morning with wind gusts up to 75 mph were expected. Santa Monica College campus in Malibu was closed Wednesday as a result of the fire.

The public is informed to make sure that sign up for emergency alerts from the city of Malibu, at www.malibucity.org/alerts, and LA County, at https://ready.lacounty.gov/alerts.

By Trevor

Automotive Parts Store, Restaurants Damaged By Fire

November 19, 2024 ·

Photo courtesy of Spencer Davis.

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Saturday, November 16, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that a fast-moving fire in Hollywood consumed an automotive parts store and seriously damaged a pair of adjacent restaurants.

The LAFD received the first of several 9-1-1 calls at 4:21 p.m. on November 16, reporting a fire at 1306 North Highland Avenue in Hollywood.

Firefighters arrived quickly at the northeast corner of Highland Avenue and Fountain Avenue to find heavy smoke showing from AutoZone, an automotive parts retailer anchoring a 10,100 square foot one-story L-shaped strip mall that shared a roof and attic with an adjoining delicatessen and sushi restaurant.

Assuring all occupants safely evacuated AutoZone, first arriving firefighters, bolstered by additional responders, commenced an unwavering attack with handlines on ever-growing flames deep within the auto parts store for a half-hour, until conditions became untenable due to visible structural compromise.

The flames were fed by contents of the auto parts store that spread within the attic to heavily impact the northern section of Fat Sal’s Deli and the adjacent Sushi Ajito, a well-coordinated transition was made to defensive operations as 124 LAFD responders under the command of Assistant Chief Douglas Lewis worked tirelessly for an additional 90 minutes to fully extinguish the major emergency blaze before any off premises buildings could be affected. There were no injuries were reported.

Though 9-1-1 callers initially reported an “explosive fire” involving a “battery” within the auto parts store that employees sought unsuccessfully to control with fire extinguishers, the specific cause of the fire remains under active investigation.

By Trevor

LAFD Battle Fire On Gregory Avenue

November 12, 2024 ·

Photo courtesy of Cullan Smith.

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Monday, November 11, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported they were battling a greater structure alarm fire in Hollywood.

The LAFD reported the incident at 11:24 p.m. on West Gregory Avenue. Offensive fire attack on flames from a one-story commercial building threatening a one-story home and three-story apartment building.

By 11:50 p.m. 54 Firefighters took just 26 minutes in an offensive fire attack that confined flames to a one-story detached garage at the rear of the property, preventing fire spread to an adjacent one-story home and three-story apartment building.

There were no reports of any injuries. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

By Trevor

Broad Fire Threatens Properties In Malibu

November 7, 2024 ·

Photo courtesy of the city of Malibu Facebook page.

MALIBU—On Wednesday, November 6, it was reported by the city of Malibu that the Broad Fire threatened properties throughout the region. Malibu City Hall was close to the public Wednesday and the Senior Center, Community Center at Bluffs Park, swimming pool, and all parks are closed until further notice. In an abundance of caution, all scheduled public meetings are also being suspended this week.

A wildfire in Malibu Canyon and Pacific Coast Highway was reported and progress has taken a standstill. Extremely hazardous fire conditions (strong winds) were reported. Malibu Canyon southbound was closed, but northbound is open. All lanes of PCH are closed from Corral Canyon to Webb Way. The brush fire was reported around 9 a.m.

Forward progress held at 50 acres. Crews were on scene, cutting fire lines. Three structures were damaged including one home. The Los Angeles County Fire Dept responded with water dropping aircraft, but they’re being released. Shelter in place order was issued for Malibu Road from Webb Way west to PCH. The Fire Department remained on scene for mop-up.

There were power outages west of Malibu and the nearby Santa Monica Mountains into Calabasas and Agoura Hills. The public was warned to be prepared for possible evacuations, power outages, hazardous road conditions, and traffic signal cuts. Motorists were advised to stop completely at any intersection with a traffic light that is not functioning properly according to California law. Monitor AM/FM radio (99.1 FM KBUU) for information.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District announced that, due to strong winds and hazardous fire conditions, power outages, and potential road closures, all four Malibu schools will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 7. All programs at Webster Elementary, Malibu Elementary, Malibu Middle and Malibu High are affected. The Malibu Boys & Girls Club will be closed and all campus activities and events are canceled for the day. For more information visit https://www.smmusd.org/.

Caltrans District 7 posted on X “@LACOFD responded to #BroadFire at E88 W. Pacific coast Hwy & S. Malibu Canyon Rd. in Malibu Bluffs Park. @LACOFD requested northbound PCH closed at Webb Way & southbound PCH closed at John Tyler Road. Map below. www.Quickmap.dot.ca.gov.

Some residents were warned and forced to evacuate as a result of the Broad Fire. The Red Flag warning was in effect until Thursday morning with wind gusts up to 75 mph were expected. Santa Monica College campus in Malibu was closed Wednesday as a result of the fire.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station posted on Facebook at 7:05 p.m. that the Los Angeles County Fire Department reports the Broad Fire’s forward progress has stopped. The fire has been held at 50 acres and is 15 percent contained.

By Trevor

Structure Fire Extinguished By LAFD On Ventura Blvd.

October 22, 2024 ·

Photo by Cullan Smith.

SHERMAN OAKS—On Monday, October 21, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that at 2:38 a.m. a structure fire in Sherman Oaks had been extinguished at 13817 W Ventura Blvd.

At 2:07 a.m. firefighters responded to a structure fire to find an outside fire extending into a 50’ x 100’ one story, commercial building.

A knockdown was achieved in 31 minutes with no injuries reported. The metal clad building sustained damage across the back and into the rear of the building. No further details about the fire has been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

Two-Story Single-Family Blaze In Brentwood

August 19, 2024 ·

The LAFD battled a single-family blaze in Brentwood. Photo by Guido Jansen.

BRENTWOOD—On Friday, August 16, the Los Angels Fire Department reported they were battling a two-story structure fire in Brentwood.

The blaze was reported at 12:04 p.m. at 2501 N Banyan Dr. The property was under construction with fire showing. The LAFD reported that by 2:23 p.m. the fire was contained.

The first arriving 26 firefighters extinguished the fire in 19 minutes with no injuries reported. The interior of the home was still exposed framing, but the firefighter’s quick actions stopped the fire from extending to other parts of the property.

By Trevor

Firefighters Battle Blaze At Two-Story Condo

August 8, 2024 ·

Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel.

WOODLAND HILLS—On Wednesday, August 7, the Los Angeles Fire Department battled a two-story condo fire in Woodland Hills.

The fire was reported at 12:15 p.m. at 22101 W. Burbank Blvd. The two-story condo complex (four units, each 2 stories) with fire inside the walls. Two additional task forces requested due to the size of building and need for more firefighters to locate the fire and determine if there is extension from the pipe alley through the adjoining units.

Over 50 firefighters conducted a coordinate search to locate, isolate and extinguish fire in the walls of a two story (4 unit, each two floors) condo complex. During the 45 min operation, firefighters used thermal imaging cameras and strategically opened walls where needed to extinguish the fire. There are no reported injuries reported. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation.

By Trevor

One Person Killed In Studio City Fire

August 6, 2024 ·

Photo by David Von Diemar.

STUDIO CITY—The Los Angeles Fire Department announced one person was killed during a fire in Studio City on Monday, August 5.

The LAFD reported that at 9:23 p.m. they were called to the scene of a structure fire at 4258 N Colfax Avenue. The two-story garden-style apartment complex had heavy fire in one unit on the first floor.

By 9:40 p.m., officials reported 36 firefighters extinguished the blaze in 17 minutes. Firefighters conducted a search in the unit and located a deceased person. LAFD Arson investigators are responding per protocol for a fatality.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner will determine the identity of the victim and cause of death. No further details about the fire or the cause have been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

Structure Fire Battled On Detroit St. In Hollywood

July 29, 2024 ·

Photo by Paul Bulai via Unsplash.

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—The Los Angeles Fire Department reported on Thursday, July 25 that they battled a one-story single-family structure fire at 4:27 p.m. located at 1432 N. Detroit Street.

By 4:48 p.m., officials indicated the blaze was contained. Crews deployed hose lines and ascended ladders to ventilate the roof. The coordinated effort of 42 firefighters on scene resulted in the flames being extinguished in 21 minutes. There were no reported injuries during the incident. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

By Trevor

Structure Fire On Franklin Avenue Extinguished

July 23, 2024 ·

The LAFD battled a three-story apartment fire in Hollywood. Photo by Maxim Tajer via Unsplash.

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Sunday, July 21, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported at 11:22 p.m. that they extinguished a fire located at 7230 W. Franklin Avenue.

The LAFD reported Firefighters discovered fire affecting four total units of a three-story apartment building. Crews coordinated interior fire attack with roof ventilation, and all flames were extinguished in 41 minutes by a total of 56 firefighters.

Two patients were treated for smoke inhalation. Crews remained on scene for overhaul. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. There were no reports of any other injuries.

By Trevor

LAFD Battle Two-Story Vacant Fire

June 26, 2024 ·

Photo courtesy of Cullan Smith via Unsplash.

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Tuesday, June 25, the Los Angeles Fire Department battled a two-story vacant fire at 6920 Sunset Blvd. The fire was reported at 6:33 a.m.

Men and women of the LAFD responded to the 2-story vacant structure, they found heavy fire showing, from this site of a previous burn. Firefighters are utilizing heavy streams to protect exposures.

It took 45 firefighters, 29 minutes to knockdown flames in the vacant building. One 35-year-old female patient was transported to a local hospital with burn injuries. LAFD heavy equipment operators, along with Building and Safety, will be on-scene to evaluate the building (the site of multiple previous burns) for demolition due to safety concerns.

Sunset Boulevard was closed between Highland Avenue and Orange Drive. PIO Adam Vangerpen was on-scene for media staging at Sunset and Highland to address the blaze. There were no reports of any additional injuries.

By Trevor

LAFD Battles Two-Story Hollywood Fire

May 28, 2024 ·

Photo courtesy of Teerapong mahawan/Shutterstock.

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—The Los Angeles Fire Department battled a two-story fire in Hollywood on Sunday, May 26. The fire was reported at 1:52 a.m. at 1816 N. Wilton Place.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing from a two-story vacant craftsman-style home. For a portion of the fire, firefighters retreated into the defensive mode and fought the fire from the exterior only. They transitioned again inside the structure to finish extinguishing the flames in hard-to-reach areas.

It took a total of 70 firefighters, 49 minutes to access, confine, and extinguish the flames. There were no reports of any injuries during the blaze. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

By Trevor

LAFD Battle Blaze At Abandoned Hotel

May 20, 2024 ·

The LAFD battled a blaze at an abandoned hotel in Hollywood. Photo by Guido Jansen via Unsplash.

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Sunday, May 19, the Los Angeles Fire Department battled a fire at an abandoned hotel at 1624 Schrader Blvd. The LAFD was alerted of the blaze at 3:15 a.m.

The fire was categorized as a Major Emergency at 4:15 a.m. A total of 126 LAFD firefighters were assigned to battle the blaze with heavy fire in the sub-floor/basement, both above ground floors and attic of a vacant and abandoned two-story hotel. There were no reports of any injuries.

It took 98 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish heavy fire in the sub-floor/basement, both above ground floors and attic of a vacant and abandoned two-story hotel. The cause of the fire is under investigation. LAFD Public Information Officer – Firefighter David Ortiz arrived on the scene to address the media at 5:20 a.m.

By Trevor

Fire Extinguisher Training On May 15

April 29, 2024 ·

The city of Malibu will be hosting fire extinguisher training on May 15. Photo by Piotr Chrobot via Unsplash.

MALIBU—The city of Malibu announced on its website on April 25 that it will be offering two free fire extinguisher training sessions for community members as part of the city’s efforts toward community-wide emergency preparedness, Wednesday, May 15, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Malibu City Hall.

The one-hour training sessions will be taught by the City’s Fire Safety Liaisons. A classroom session will cover fire extinguisher mechanics, decision making on when to use a fire extinguisher, and safety considerations. The second part of the training will include a live- fire hands on exercise, with safety supervision.

To register for either training session, email Emergency Services Coordinator Sarah Flores at saflores@malibucity.org.

By Trevor

Storage Shed Fire In Westwood

April 24, 2024 ·

A storage shed caught fire in Westwood on April 23. Photo by Emily Marsh via Unsplash.

WESTWOOD—On Tuesday, April 23, the Los Angeles Fire Department battled a storage fire that transpired in Westwood. The blaze was reported at 10:12 a.m. at 1391 S. Westwood Blvd.

It took 60 firefighters about 29 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish flames in a storage shed to the rear of a one-story row of commercial businesses. This prevented the fire from spreading to the common attic shared by an adjacent one-story restaurant and gallery.

There were no reports of any injuries during the incident. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

By Trevor

Two-Story House Fire In Sherman Oaks

April 15, 2024 ·

Firefighters battled a blaze in Sherman Oaks on April 12. Photo courtesy of Cullan Smith via Unsplash.

SHERMAN OAKS—A two-story house fire was reported by the Los Angeles Fire Department on Friday, April 12. The fire was reported at 3:49 p.m. at 3935 N. Witzel Drive. The fire was reported in the attic and concealed wall space adjacent to fireplace/chimney.

The first arriving 30 LAFD firefighters took just 28 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish fire in the attic of a 3,397 square foot two story home. The blaze was extinguished at 4:17 p.m.

There were no reports of any injuries. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

By Trevor

Firefighters Battle Four-Story Building Fire

April 1, 2024 ·

One person was displaced after a fire in Hollywood on March 28. Photo by Maxim Tajer via Unsplash.

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On March 28, the Los Angeles Fire Department extinguished a four-story residential building fire at 1310 N Detroit Street. The LAFD reported the blaze at 4:57 p.m.

Los Angeles City and County firefighters responded to a four-story residential building with smoke showing from the rear. Crews made access to the smoke-filled building, instructing residents to shelter inside of their apartment units. Firefighters located one unit on the third floor with contents burning inside, causing the heavy smoke conditions throughout the building.

It took the first 50 LAFD firefighters (along with help from LACoFD) 36 minutes to access, confine, and extinguish the flames. Thankfully, firefighter communications with residents (telling them to stay in their units without opening the door to the smoky conditions) kept the many building occupants safe. There were no reported injuries despite the building being heavily occupied.

One man returned home from the store to find his apartment destroyed. The American Red Cross is responding to assist the individual during this time of being displaced by the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

By Trevor

Firefighters Battle Sherman Oaks Automotive Fire

March 20, 2024 ·

The LAFD battled an automotive blaze in Sherman Oaks on March 19. Photo by Maxim Hopman via Unsplash.

SHERMAN OAKS—On Tuesday, March 19, the Los Angeles Fire Department indicated they battled a knockdown structure fire that was reported at 9:47 p.m.

The home was located at 15314 Dickens St. where firefighters responded to an automotive shop (collision repair & paint shop) to find heavy smoke coming from inside the building.

Crews got access to the inside of the building and found multiple vehicles burning inside. It took the first 28 firefighters just 18 minutes to access, confine, and extinguish the flames. There were no reported injuries during the blaze. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by officials.

By Trevor

Cara Delevingne Studio City Home Destroyed By Fire

March 18, 2024 ·

An early morning fire has destroyed the home of actress and model Cara Delevinge. Amador Loureiro via Unsplash.

STUDIO CITY—The home of model and actress Cara Delevinge, 31, was destroyed by a fire on Friday, March 15. The Los Angeles Fire Department noted they responded to the blaze at 6:13 a.m. at 3265 N. Oakdell Lane in Studio City.

Firefighters arrived to find a 6,650 square foot two-story home built in 1971, with heavy fire in the rear, which consumed one room in the rear and developed into a deep-seated attic fire. Crews confirmed all occupants were out of the home, and then pulled back into defensive mode due to the long duration of heavy fire exposing the structure. The house subsequently sustained a roof collapse, as firefighters continued to apply hose streams from the exterior.

It took 94 firefighters two hours and 16 minutes to access, confine, and extinguish the flames. One firefighter was transported in fair condition, and one occupant sustained minor smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by officials.

It was reported earlier that both of Delevinge’s cats died as a result of the fire, but the model later clarified via social media that those reports were inaccurate.

Delevingne was not home at the time of the fire. She posted the following message on her Instagram page:

“My heart is broken today. I cannot believe it. Life can change in a blink of an eye. So, cherish what you have.” She also posted on her page. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the firefighters and people that have showed up to help…”

The actress has appeared in the films “Paper Towns,” “Suicide Squad,” “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” and “Tell it Like a Woman.” She has walked in fashion shows for Tory Burch, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Dolce and Cabana and Louis Vuitton.

By Trevor

Traffic Collision Results In Fire

March 5, 2024 ·

A traffic collision erupted into a fire in Griffith Park. Photo courtesy of Nico Amatullo via Unsplash.

GRIFFITH PARK—On Sunday, March 3 it was reported by the Los Angeles Fire Department that a traffic collision transpired at 10:58 p.m. on eastbound 134 freeway at 48 Riverside Drive.

One passenger vehicle fell from the Riverside Drive (sometimes referenced as Victory Boulevard) freeway overpass, striking the concrete center divider of the Ventura Freeway (SR134) below, and catching fire. Two individuals from that vehicle self-extricated prior to the arrival of the LAFD.

A 65 year-old male and a 60 year-old male (unknown affiliation) with unspecified injuries were taken by paramedics to regional trauma centers in serious, but stable condition. No other injuries were reported. Firefighters remained at scene to control the stubborn flames of the still burning vehicle. No escalating or off-site hazard has been identified.

By Trevor

Fire Damages Pacific Palisades Home

March 5, 2024 ·

A fire erupted at a Pacific Palisades home on Sunday, March 3. Photo courtesy of Max Kukurudziak via Unsplash.

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Sunday, March 3, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that they battled a two-story fire at a home at 2:02 p.m. at 17606 W Camino De Yatasto.

A total of 31 firefighters took 34 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish a fire involving a vehicle and contents within the garage of a 5,288 square foot property. There were no reports of any injury. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by officials.

By Trevor

Two People Rescued From Burning Structure

January 24, 2024 ·

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On January 17, firefighters with the Los Angeles Fire Department rescued two men from a burning building, before extinguishing the flames consuming a one-story Hollywood home.

Firefighters responded to reports of smoke in the area, and arrived to find a one-story single-family home with fire showing at 3 a.m. on the 1300 block of North Cherokee Avenue.

The LAFD reported on its website that while initiating an offensive fire attack, the first engine company found two people trapped behind a double-keyed security gate inside the structure. Firefighters used forcible entry tools to access the area, and rescued two adult males that were transported to a local hospital (one in critical condition, one in grave condition). The status of the victims’ injuries is not known.

During the rescue, the fire continued to expand. The engine company resumed fire attack operations after rescuing the two patients, but the fire had grown rapidly. The crew was inside the structure when a flashover occurred. Only one member was found to have burns on their ears, but all four members of the crew were transported for observation at the hospital. All four firefighters were released later in the morning.

It took 48 firefighters 31 minutes to access, confine, and extinguish the flames. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

By Trevor

Hazardous Fire Conditions And Potential PSPS Power Outages

November 8, 2023 ·

MALIBU—The city of Malibu reported on its website that Southern California Edison informed the city of a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff on Serra, Cuthbert and Nicholas circuits in Malibu 9 a.m., Wednesday, November 8 through 3 p.m. on Thursday, November 9 due to hazardous fire conditions, in order to prevents its equipment from starting a fire.

The Cuthbert Circuit area is approximately Latigo Canyon Road to Bonsall Drive and from PCH approximately one mile inland. The Nicholas Circuit area is from Malibu Lagoon eastward to Getty Villa and about 4 miles inland. Serra circuit runs through Malibu Canyon and approximately from Seaver Drive inland to Mulholland Highway. Look up circuit maps and other PSPS information on the city of Malibu website. Individuals can view current power outages and other PSPS information on the SCE website.

The National Weather Service issued a Fire Weather Watch for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, including Malibu, due to gusty Santa Ana winds and very low humidity from 12 p.m. Wednesday, November 8 through 6 p.m., Thursday, November 9.

There is a 50 percent chance of winds reaching Red Flag duration Wed. afternoon through Thursday afternoon. North/northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 40 to 50 mph, and humidity ranging from 8 – 20 percent. If fire ignition occurs there could be rapid spread of wildfire that would lead to a threat to life and property. See NWS LA/Oxnard weather information.

Be prepared for potential fires, evacuations, and power outages and hazardous road conditions due to branches in the road and traffic signal outages. Under California law, always approach an intersection with a malfunctioning traffic signal as if it were an all-way stop sign.

Malibu is coordinating on preparedness with the LA County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments, Caltrans and LA County Public Works.

The Public Safety Team is coordinating with the Sheriff’s Host Team and Malibu Homeless Outreach Team to engage with people experiencing homelessness in Malibu about fire prevention and being prepared for potential evacuations. The Public Works Team will be patrolling the roads monitoring for road hazards, debris, and downed power lines.

The city and Malibu CERT Team are coordinating to be prepared to use radio repeaters and handheld radios and set up an Emergency Information Station at Zuma Beach in case of widespread power outage to be able to provide emergency information and supplies to the community if necessary. The city and KBUU 99.1 FM are coordinating to post emergency information in the local radio broadcast.

By Trevor

Hundreds To Be Forced Out Of Apartments Due To Renovations

May 11, 2023 ·

BRENTWOOD—On Monday, May 8 residents of the 25 floor Barrington Plaza high rise apartment building were given a 120-day notice to vacate their properties.

“According to the property manager Douglas Emmett, the real estate investment plans to implement $300 million worth of safety upgrades to the old buildings over the next several years such as a fire sprinkler system,” CBS news stated.

The property was built in 1961. New properties requiring mandatory fire safety sprinklers has been in place since 1974.

French student Jeremy Bru, 19, was killed in a fire at the Barrington Plaza in January 2020. The fire also injured 11 people.

The city said Barrington Plaza is one of 55 residential high-rise buildings in Los Angeles lacking fire sprinkler systems.

“The timing couldn’t be worse and I am certainly sensitive to where we are with the housing crisis,” stated Los Angeles Councilwoman Traci Park.

“Yesterday, I got all these papers and I said Oh my god, I had no idea that this was happening” 94 year old Emma Schmole told CBS news.

“We were literally planning to stay there until we died if need be, given that it was rent stabilized” Andrew Rahm stated to ABC7.

Residents will need to vacate their properties by September 5. A total of 578 units were issued letters to leave their properties. The plaza contains three high rise buildings and 712 apartments.

Officials stated tenants can meet with relocation services and are eligible for relocation compensation.

By Rob

Residents Escape Santa Monica Apartment Fire

April 4, 2023 ·

SANTA MONICA—Captain Patrick McNulty, Public Information Officer for the Santa Monica Fire Department indicated in an email to Canyon News that on Sunday, April 2, they received multiple 911 calls at 10:39 a.m. of a structure fire at 1011 4th Street in the Wilmont Neighborhood.

Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a fire in one unit on the first floor of a three-story apartment complex. Firefighters attacked the fire while simultaneously searching adjacent units to ensure no occupants were trapped. Three residents and one dog were forced to jump into the swimming pool to escape the blaze prior to the fire departments arrival.

Within 20 minutes, the fire was extinguished before it spread to the units above and was confined to the first-floor unit where the fire originated.

Due to the size and complexity of the apartment complex and the potential for fire spread and trapped occupants, the SMFD requested resources from LAFD to assist along with help from Santa Monica Public Safety Communications, Santa Monica Police, Building & Safety, and McCormick Ambulance. There were no injuries to residents or first responders, and no residents were displaced as a result of the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation by SMFD investigators.

By Donald

LAFD Contain Brush Fire In Brentwood

June 18, 2021 ·

BRENTWOOD—On Tuesday, August 3, at approximately 1:27 p.m., firefighters with the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LAFD) responded to the 16200 block of West Mulholland Drive about a reported brush fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters found approximately one-quarter acre of heavy brush burning, with a light wind.

“Twenty-four LAFD firefighters held the fire burning in heavy brush to one-quarter acre in 25 minutes, protecting nearby schools, a church, and homes,” said LAFD Spokesman Nicholas Prange in an official announcement.

LAFD volunteer firefighters continued to improve containment lines around the perimeter of the extinguished fire’s footprint. Crews remained on the scene to make sure there were no hot spots remaining. There were no reported injuries or structure damage and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

By Danielle