Tag: Los Angeles Fire Department

TOPANGA CANYON—On Monday, December 1, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that an individual fell from a tree and died. The incident was reported at 3:24 p.m. at 7400 N. Canoga Avenue. The victim was conducting a tree trimming operation before falling onto a 10 foot high iron fence.

The worker succumbed to his injuries and was determined dead by LAFD. The victim’s name has not been disclosed. He was trimming a palm tree. The fall rendered the patient beyond medical help. An LAFD USAR team will utilize a high angle rope system to carefully recover his body, which is currently covered by a sheet and shielded from public view by a tarp to preserve the decedent’s dignity.

The Mayor’s Crisis Response Team is en route to the scene to provide emotional support to fellow workers. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office was notified and will assume responsibility of the body upon arrival. Any additional inquiries can be directed to LAPD Topanga Division INC #2890. No additional details about the incident have been disclosed to the public.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, November 10, the Los Angeles Fire Department battled an electrical fire in Beverly Grove.

The fire was reported at 1:39 p.m. at 8701 Gracie Allen Drive. A large (approximately 1,000 pound) lithium-ion battery (from a motorized cart) was off-gassing on the “Plaza North Interstitial” (between 3rd floor and plaza level).

There is no fire problem at this time. Given the size and weight, firefighters are determining the safest option for getting the battery to the ground and outside for mitigation. There were no reported injuries or impact on the facility operations as a result.

 

By Danny Jones

GRIFFITH PARK—On Friday, October 24, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported an automobile fire in Griffith Park. The incident was reported at 7:39 p.m. on Eastbound 134 freeway.

Three conventional fuel vehicles on the top rack of an auto hauler caught fire (unknown source of ignition). The bulk of the fire was knocked down quickly by the 12 firefighters on scene.

The Forrest Lawn off ramp was closed for an unknown period of time due to the now disable big rig blocking lanes. The California Highway Patrol was on scene directing traffic, but there were long delays on the EB 134 freeway. There were no reports of any injuries. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

 

By Danny Jones

 

 

 

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—The Los Angeles Fire Department reported on Monday, October 6 they are investigating a chemical spill that transpired in Hollywood. The incident was reported at 8:46 a.m. at 1600 N. Vine Street.

Resources with the LAFD and Los Angeles Police Department were on scene for a chemical investigation of two, one-gallon bottles of an unknown liquid taped to the front doors of a bank.

There are no reported medical complaints, and it is a static situation. By 12:40 p.m. officials indicated that after a thorough investigation by both LAPD and LAFD, the liquid inside the bottles was identified as a type of resin/polymer and was determined not to be a hazard.

The materials were removed, and any affected businesses/areas were reopened. There were no reported medical complaints. The LAFD indicated there were no additional details to report.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Sunday, August 17, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported they battled a structure fire in Beverly Grove.

The fire was reported at 10:17 a.m. at 321 S San Vicente Blvd. Paramedics with the LAFD transported a 30-year-old female with serious burns to a local hospital.

A total of three occupants and a pet cat escaped the smoke-charged residence, reportedly following a microwave malfunction.

The LAFD Arson is investigating the cause of the fire. No additional details about the incident have been disclosed to the public.

By Danny Jones

BRENTWOOD/PACIFIC PALISADES—The Los Angeles Fire Department had to rescue 2 hikers recently in Brentwood and Pacific Palisades.

On Friday, August 15, officials received a report of a hiker in trouble at 11:40 a.m. at Mandeville Canyon Park.

LAFD ground and air responded to an exhausted octogenarian male hiker on a remote section of the Westridge Spur Trail south of the Mandeville Fire Road in Mandeville Canyon Park.

An LAFD Rescue Helicopter lowered a Flight Paramedic to medically assess the patient, who declined hospital transport. The LAFD air crew hoisted the man and LAFD Flight Paramedic into the hovering helicopter for transfer to a safe landing location at Will Rogers Park. No additional details about the incident has been disclosed to the public.

On Saturday, August 16, a hiker had to be rescued after the LAFD received a call at 10:44 a.m. at 3001 Rustic Canyon Rd. The LAFD air and ground resources are coordinating to aid an injured mountain biker (29 year-old male, fair condition) on a remote trail. Crews hoisted the patient to an LAFD helicopter and will transport directly to a local hospital.

By Dann y Jones

WOODLAND HILLS—On Friday, August 1, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported a kitchen fire erupted at the Blu Jam Cafe at 4:31 p.m. The establishment is located at 23311 W. Mulholland Dr.

The fire was inside one unit in a one-story strip mall. Companies on scene reported heavy smoke from the restaurant and requested additional companies, including help from Los Angeles County Fire resources that were nearby at the time of incident origin. DOT was notified for traffic control.

By 5:04 p.m., the kitchen fire in the Blu Jam Cafe was declared extinguished in 33 minutes. A total of 117 firefighters on scene were able to confine the fire to just one unit, preventing spread to the rest of the strip mall.

Companies remained on the scene for overhaul and salvage of any property that is possible — expect traffic to be affected in the area. There were no reports of any injuries.

Blu Jam Cafe was established in 2006. On their website, the establishment states:

“Fresh ingredients including produce are delivered all week long at each of our locations. We strive to serve the best, so we source the best. We take pride in partnering with smaller companies, farms and purveyors because we believe in attention to detail, quality and service. This is the Blu Jam way.

Some of our friends include Babe Farms, Grimmway Farms, Lili Farms, Milo’s Poultry Farms, Creekstone Farms, Wild Isles, Butternut Mountain, Bar-M, Chasin Foods, Caffe LA, Kaena Wines, and the list continues to grow as we go.”

They have locations in Hollywood, Downtown LA, Brentwood, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills and Atwater Village.

By Danny Jones

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Sunday, June 29, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported they battled a fire in Hollywood.

The fire was reported at 1:55 a.m. at 6221 W. Afton Place at a one-story, craftsman style single family dwelling with fire showing.

Firefighters are in the offensive mode with additional resources enroute. A total of 32 firefighters extinguished the blaze by 2:17 a.m. There were no reports of any injuries reported.

There were no other structures damaged during the blaze.

By Danny Jones

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Wednesday, January 1, the Los Angeles Fire Department disclosed they battled a brush fire at 12:17 a.m. at 1699 Via Las Palmas. The size holding for the brush fire was initially reported at approximately 5-8 acres with a slow rate of spread. It was later updated to 8-9 acres.

Officials reported that with three LAFD helicopters and LACoFD Copter 22 making continuous water drops, LAFD firefighters on the ground and LACoFD Hand Crews, crews were making good progress on extinguishing the fire as they reported at 2:56 a.m.

By Thursday, January 2, the LAFD reported at 4:46 a.m. they contained the brush fire. Firefighters completed the hose line around the perimeter of the fire and it was fully contained. Some resources will be released as the mop up operation continues to ensure no flare ups. No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported. The fire was held at eight acres. No additional updates are anticipated.

By Trevor

HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, November 19, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that at 1:34 a.m. at 1086 N. St. Andrews Place in Hollywood. The blaze was reported at a one-story row of commercial with fire from one unit (a laundromat).

By 2:01 a.m., 74 firefighters extinguished the fire in 27 minutes with no injuries reported. Crews held the fire to the unit of origin (laundromat), preventing the spread to the common attic or adjoining units. Cause TBD. No further details about the fire has been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Saturday, September 14, the Los Angeles Fire Department indicated that they battled a fire at 6110 W Santa Monica Blvd. The blaze was first reported at 7:28 p.m. at a commercial building showing smoke that was approximately 75′ x 100′ DBA, an auto body repair shop.

Firefighters faced challenges making entry to reach the seat of the fire which delayed the fire attack. There were several holes open on the roof to vent while interior attack is getting water on the fire.

By 8:48 p.m., the LAFD reported the blaze was extinguished. It took 38 firefighters to extinguish the fire in one hour and 22 minutes. One firefighter is being evaluated for heat related illness that was sustained.

There were no other injuries reported during the incident. No additional details about the fire have been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

STUDIO CITY—On Friday, August 23, at approximately 4:30 a.m., a metro bus slammed into a light pole on Lankershim Boulevard close to the 101 Freeway where some of the homeless are living in tents. Initial reports by the Los Angeles Fire Department indicated there were five individuals with non-life-threatening injuries.

The following information was provided by the Los Angeles Fire Department webpage under Alerts:

“Studio City; Final patient count of seven. Six were transported with non-life-threatening injuries (however categorized as trauma patients due to the amount of damage done to the vehicles) and one declined LAFD transportation.”

Surveillance camera footage showed that the passenger entry door was ripped off. Shattered glass littered the sidewalk. There was significant damage to the front end of the bus.

One of the seven passengers injured indicated that everything was going along just fine up until the point of the crash. “I had to climb out the top… It was bad. Really bad… My neck is killing me, my face is killing me,” said Nicholas Tate.

By Sharon

PACIFIC PALISADES—The LAFD reported on July 18 at 4:39 p.m. that the successfully extinguished a brush fire located at 1000 N Palisades Dr.

Firefighters arrived to find approximately one-eighth of an acre of medium brush with approximately 10 mph onshore winds. There were no structures threatened during the blaze. Crews quickly surrounded the fire with hose lines and extinguished the flames by ground attack.

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

By Trevor

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Monday, June 17, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported a small brush fire at 7529 W Franklin Avenue in Hollywood.

Firefighters extinguished a 20-foot x 20-foot (400 square feet) vegetation fire that consumed grass, trees and a shed. Due to the location and access issues, it took firefighters 81 minutes (4:42 a.m.) to extinguish the flames.

LAFD Air Operations provided critical water drops to keep it from growing while ground crews gained access. There were no reported injuries during the incident. The cause of the brush fire is under investigation.

By Trevor

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Sunday, June 9, the Los Angeles Fire Department battled a kitchen fire that erupted at 2:07 p.m. at 3662 N Barham Blvd. First arriving on the scene were 22 LAFD firefighters that took a total of 18 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish a kitchen fire.

The fire was reported on the second-floor apartment at a large three-story center hallway apartment building. There were no reports of any injuries during the blaze. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

By Trevor

BRENTWOOD—On Monday, June 3, the Los Angeles Fire Department disclosed that it rescued a mountain biker via helicopter. The incident was reported to the LAFD at 8:05 p.m. at Sullivan Fire Road.

One adult male mountain biker sustained an injury on a remote trail  about halfway up Sullivan Fire Road, and west of the Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park.

An LAFD rescue helicopter lowered a flight paramedic to medically assess and stabilize the patient. The biker was then safely hoisted into the hovering helicopter for in-flight care during direct transport to an area hospital to be treated for injuries sustained during the incident.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On April 3, at approximately 5:30 p.m., a vehicle left the highway by the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Malibu Canyon Road. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) the vehicle plummeted approximately 150 feet down a cliff and into the vegetation down below.

The driver and lone occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Canyon News reached out to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office. Kelly, the Public Information Officer in the Medical Examiner’s Office responded quickly with the following information:

Reports indicate there were two cliffside rescues. This rescue in Malibu was assigned case number is 2024-05591. The deceased has been identified as a 63-year-old female by the name of Tracy Ann Vancura of Camarillo.

The second cliffside rescue happened on April 4, at 7:41 a.m. at 3730 Roxbury St. in San Pedro.

LAFD reported in a press release those firefighters responded by land, air, and sea. First responders able to reach the injured party located at the bottom of Point Ferman Cliffs but discovered that the patient had already died.

A recovery effort was initiated to recover the remains of the individual. The Medical examiner’s case number is 2024-05612. The name and identifying factors of the deceased are still pending notification of next of kin.

By Sharon

WOODLAND HILLS—On March 31, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) arrested one individual for attempting to set fire to Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) station 105, located at 6345 Fallbrook Ave, in Woodland Hills.

The Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call for trespassing at Station 105 after receiving reports of a man attempting to use the LAFD diesel fuel pump and spray the outside of the building. The suspect was successful in using the fuel pump that requires a pin code to operate.

A LAFD Captain indicated only one member of Station 105 was present at the time of the incident.

Authorities located and arrested the suspect at a nearby homeless encampment where he allegedly resides. No additional information is available about the suspect at this time.

By Sharon

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

WESTWOOD—The Los Angeles Fire Department announced that a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 911 S. Malcolm Avenue was extinguished on Sunday, March 31.

The LAFD reported the blaze at 1:25 a.m. with almost 40 LAFD firefighters extinguishing the blaze in 31 minutes (1:56 a.m.). They were able to access, confine, and fully extinguish heavy fire in the attic and second floor of a 3,795 square foot two-story home (built 1927).

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

By Trevor

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

BRENTWOOD—On Saturday, February 24, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported via an alert at 7 p.m. a hazardous condition near 1445 N Bundy Dr. LAFD received a 9-1-1 call due to concern a hillside near homes may be slipping/moving.

Firefighters were in close communication with residents in the immediate area (approximately five homes in the vicinity). There is currently no evacuation order. There is no widespread or escalating hazard.

Fire crews left the incident after investigating. Building and Safety performed an initial assessment and will be sending out a specialist within two days for an additional slope assessment.

Responders on scene were in close communication with residents, explaining the situation and findings. No official evacuation order was given. No reported injuries. Additional questions are referred to LA Department of Building and Safety. There are no additional details to report at this time, noted LAFD Spokesperson Nicholas Prange.

By Trevor

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

SHERMAN OAKS—An apartment fire transpired in Sherman Oaks on the 1400 block of Magnolia Boulevard on Sunday, November 12 that left a man injured.

The fire was reported at 7:44 p.m. Firefighters located a small kitchen fire in a 2nd floor unit of a two story garden style apartment building. They quickly extinguished the fire and transported an adult male patient in serious condition with various burn injuries. LAFD Arson is responding for the investigation per protocol for a burn injury.

The victim, whose name and age has not been disclosed sustained burns as a result of the fire. He was taken to a local hospital to be treated for injuries sustain. The LAFD were first alerted of the blaze after a 9-1-1 call at 7:31 p.m.

The exact cause of the fire has not been disclosed to the public and is under investigation.

By Trevor

TOPANGA CANYON—The Los Angeles Police Department Major Crimes Division indicated on Monday, October 23 that they are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect responsible for an arson that transpired in the Topanga Division.

The LAPD reported on October 21, around 7:58 p.m., Topanga Area patrol officers responded to an arson investigation in the 23000 block of Welby Way. A suspect walked onto the victim’s property and ignited an American flag on fire that was connected to a flagpole. The suspect fled from the location on foot and the Major Crimes Division is investigating if the incident has a hate crime connection.

The suspect is described as a male, standing between 5 feet and 9 inches and 5 feet and 11 inches tall, and weighs between 160 to 170 pounds. Major Crimes Division is collaborating with the Los Angeles Fire Department Arson about the case.

Anyone with details about the fire is asked to contact Major Crimes Division at (213) 486-7260. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wanting to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

By Trevor

WOODLAND HILLS—Firefighters responded to a fire caused by an “electrical malfunction” on the second floor of a two-story home on Saturday, July 22.

Two elderly residents of the home, located at 4946 Llano Drive, “evacuated themselves from the structure after smelling smoke coming from the floor above,” according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Firefighters were dispatched at approximately 9:15 a.m. Within 19 minutes, 18 firefighters extinguished the flames, containing them to the room-of-origin, and preventing the fire from spreading to other areas of the house.   

No injuries were reported, though the Red Cross was notified to assist the two displaced elderly residents.

By Paige Strickland

SHERMAN OAKS—On Monday, June 26 at approximately 9:15 a.m. the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LAFD) responded to a call of an odor overpowering shoppers, making them physically sick. The incident took place at the Sherman Oaks Galleria located in the 15300 block of Ventura Boulevard. Firefighters responding to the call found six individuals sickened by the odor.

Those that fell ill from the suspicious smell complained to first responders it irritated their eyes, made them watery, and caused them to have scratchy throats. One person had to be taken to an area hospital for treatment.

According to firefighters, materials experts are testing the air in the atmosphere for a possible HAZMAT situation. They have not found a significant amount of a hazard to be able to identify the mysterious smell.

No further details regarding the incident or its cause are available at this time.

By Sharon

PACIFIC PALISADES—A neighborhood squabble on Monday, April 10, at approximately 11 a.m. ended in a barricade situation with the Los Angeles Police Department on April 11.

On April 11, KCAL reported that officers responded to a 911 call in the 17200 block of Sunset Boulevard near Pacific Palisades. The caller indicated a man tore the door off his neighbor’s home. Officers arrived arriving at the scene with the suspect barricading himself against police inside his home.

Video from the scene depicted a shirtless man wrapped in an American flag being hoisted onto and handcuffed to a gurney. First responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department transported the individual to an area hospital. The names of the individuals involved have not been released to the public.

By Sharon

GRIFFITH PARK—On August 9, at approximately 12:30 p.m. the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call for a fire at 4730 Crystal Springs Drive. Firefighters discovered a body hanging from a tree near the merry-go-round on fire.

Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department haven’t disclosed details about the victim to the public. Authorities do not suspect foul play and the death has been ruled a suicide.

LAPD Detective Michael Ventura indicated he suspects the condition of wounds to the body self-inflicted.

“It appears to be self-immolation. This is going to be somebody who brought some gasoline, brought some lighters. We have had these, they are rare, but we do have cases where people will self-immolate, or they choose to set themselves on fire,” Detective Ventura said.

Authorities noted the deceased individual may have frequented the park. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact LAPD at 1-877-275-5273 or after hours and on weekends call 1-877-527-3247

For anonymous tips contact LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org or Tipsters at www.lapdonline.org.

By Sharon