2023 LAFD Year In Review by United Firefighters of Los Angeles City

UFLAC is proud to present the 11th Annual Los Angeles Fire Department Year in Review. Our mission is to lead the way to protect and advocate for the health, safety, working conditions, wages and benefits of our members and their families. This publication tells the story of our Firefighters and Paramedics in images taken throughout 2023 when LAFD Crews responded to a record number of more than 509,000 emergency calls for service. As an all-risk fire and rescue agency that serves more than four million people, the LAFD is one of the busiest and most understaffed urban fire departments in the entire country, averaging more than 1,350 calls per day. We are honored to help showcase the dedication and commitment demonstrated by the men and women of the LAFD.

UFLAC

Early Morning Fire Consumes Industrial Building in Downtown Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Fire Department battled a major emergency structure fire early Friday morning in the Industrial Eastside area of downtown Los Angeles. The fire was reported at 4:11 AM on May 3, 2024 at 1804 East 8th Street, with fire through the roof of a vacant 8,532 square foot two-story warehouse style building on firefighter's arrival. A total of 118 LAFD responders under the command of Assistant Chief Melford Beard were involved in the largely defensive firefight, fully extinguishing the stubborn flames in 1 hour and 42 minutes.

LAFD

Firefighters Ask You to Fill the Boot for MDA 2024

Firefighters across the country have collected critical funds in the community since 1954 – one dollar at a time – as part of the "Fill the Boot" program for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). During this 70th year of Fill The Boot, your local firefighters will be continuing this long-standing tradition, as LAFD members kick off the annual program raising funds to support MDA’s vision to accelerate research, advance care, and advocate for the support of MDA families. Dedicated firefighters from your LAFD will hit the streets, asking pedestrians, motorists, customers, and other passersby to donate to MDA on May 29, 30, and 31, 2024 from 8AM to 2PM at locations across the city. Individuals and local businesses can also contribute to firefighters' fundraising efforts by donating online at: https://filltheboot.donordrive.com/team/LACity24 

LAFD

Fire races through San Fernando Valley home

Firefighters in Los Angeles battled a blaze late Wednesday morning that severely damaged a single-family home in the San Fernando Valley. The fire in the 6500 block of North McLennan Avenue was reported around 10:30 a.m. L.A. city fire crews arrived to find the flames had spread throughout the rear of the one-story home and the attic, officials said. Sky5 aerial footage showed firefighters ventilating the roof and using hose lines to douse the flames and protect neighboring homes. All of the occupants evacuated safely.

KTLA5

Fire rips through abandoned restaurant in Boyle Heights

Firefighters were dispatched to a raging structure fire in Boyle Heights on Sunday morning. Preliminary information from the Los Angeles Fire Department indicates that the fire broke out just after 10:30 a.m. at an abandoned “and apparently vacant” building located at 320 South Soto Street. The detached one-story commercial building, formerly a restaurant, was the site of a previous fire, LAFD said.

KTLA5

Brush fire scorches 2 acres in Los Angeles’ Sepulveda Basin

A brush fire erupted overnight in Los Angeles’ Sepulveda Basin neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley. Los Angeles Fire Department crews were called to the 15700 block of Burbank Boulevard shortly after 11:30 p.m. Sunday. Arriving firefighters found flames had already burned about an acre of brush prompting assistance from the Fire Department’s Air Operations team. Helicopters made several passes to knock down the fire, which was contained after burning about two acres.

KTLA5

LAFD Knocks Down Building Fire in Pico-Robertson Area

Firefighters knocked down a structure fire Saturday in the Pico-Robertson area of Los Angeles. The blaze inside an accessory dwelling unit with excessive storage at 1647 S. Bedford St., north of Airdrome Street, was reported at 12:06 p.m., according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey. The department dispatched 28 firefighters to the scene and extinguished the flames in about 20 minutes, Humphrey said. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire was under investigation, Humphrey said.

MyNewsLA

Trash truck erupts in flames, chars parked cars in Los Angeles neighborhood

A massive fire inside of a city trash truck charred several parked cars and spread thick plumes of smoke across a residential street in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Pico-Union Monday. Crews with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 1700 block of Westmoreland Avenue at around 2:15 p.m. on reports of the blaze and that it had spread to other vehicles. “It did look like a movie because they do movies on this block,” a man who lives on the street to KTLA’s Sara Welch. “I was like, ‘Oh, they’re shooting a film,’ because they had it closed down all the way from there.”

KTLA5

Brush fire prompts temporary closure of SR-170 in North Hollywood

Firefighters battled a brush fire that temporarily caused lanes of the 170 Freeway to be closed in North Hollywood on Sunday. The blaze was reported a little before 3 p.m. on the embankment just south of Burbank Boulevard and State Route-170, according to Los Angeles Fire Department crews. Firefighters say that the quarter of an acre fire created dangerous driving conditions on northbound lanes of the freeway, prompting California Highway Patrol to issue a 30 minute SigAlert for the off-ramp at around 3:40 p.m.

CBS

Los Angeles Firefighters Extinguish Fierce Eagle Rock Home Blaze in Under 30 Minutes

A ferocious blaze tore through a two-story home in Eagle Rock, causing a battalion of firefighters to swiftly engage in a knockdown battle. The Los Angeles Fire Department reported the incident, which occurred at 5460 E Nordyke St, engulfed the structure in heavy smoke when crews arrived at 09:57 AM yesterday. The firefighters valiantly took on the offensive, according to LAFD's initial alert. With precision, the responders worked furiously to tackle the well-developed attic fire. The LAFD revealed that 30 firefighters took roughly 25 minutes to aggressively get to, contain, and finally put out the menacing flames. The operation was detailed by the Department's follow-up report, outlining how the teams deployed hose lines into the home, which is situated precariously on an ascending hillside.

Hoodline

Los Angeles Firefighters Tame East Hollywood Blaze in Under 20 Minutes, No Injuries Reported

Early this morning, firefighters rushed to a residence in East Hollywood where a blaze had engulfed the attic of a single-family home. the incident, recorded as INC#0458, was reported at 08:57 AM at 1557 N Harvard Bl. A battalion of first responders found "heavy smoke showing" from what appeared to be the attic space, although lower floors of the structure were said to be clear, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Within a mere 19 minutes, the efforts of the Los Angeles Fire Department paid off. Engaging the enemy's grip on the house, a total of 52 firefighters worked in unity to confine and extinguish the raging flames that initially took command of the attic. Their timely and coordinated attack managed to knock down the fire, a testimony to their skill and precision under pressure.

Hoodline

Firefighters Quickly Subdue Blaze in Koreatown Apartment, No Injuries Reported

Chaos erupted in Koreatown on Wednesday evening when a fire broke out in a 3-story apartment building, resulting in dozens of residents being evacuated. The blaze began at approximately 08:11 pm at 235 S Berendo St, with initial reports detailing flames emanating from one of the units on the second floor, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The Los Angeles Fire Department's diligent efforts quickly paid off as they managed to knock down the fire in just 15 minutes, with no reported injuries. Entailing 57 firefighters to put the aggressive flames to rest, the fire was contained to a single unit in the building that has been standing since 1927, this, as per the LAFD knockdown notice. Surrounding apartments were shielded from extension due to the building's design and the rapid response of the fire crews.

Hoodline

LAFD Rapidly Extinguishes Palm Tree Fire in Hollywood Hills Sparked by Dumpster

Hollywood Hills witnessed a blaze on Wednesday evening as Los Angeles Fire Department crews raced to extinguish a tree fire sparked by a dumpster. Sources from LAFD reported that the first responders arrived at the scene near 6700 W Hillpark Dr at approximately 7:53 PM. According to the details provided by the fire alert, flames were found licking up a trio of palm trees after emanating from a nearby dumpster. Commuters faced delays as the Highland Avenue offramp from the southbound 101 was shutdown for the fire-fighting operation. Emitting blue flames caused by an electrical wire and conduit, the fire in the dumpster added an eerie glow to the incident before crews managed to subdue it. Information obtained by the LAFD states that there is "no further threat to the surrounding area," signifying a swift response to what could have scaled into a larger disaster.

Hoodline

Firefighters find 2 bodies inside ‘human-dug cave’ in Southern California

Firefighters found the remains of two people inside what they described as a “human-dug cave or excavation” in Northridge on Sunday, authorities confirmed. The discovery came as the Los Angeles Fire Department was investigating hazardous materials around 10:38 a.m. at 8700 North Lindley Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters found two deceased people inside the man-made cave. A white, powdered substance was also found, LAFD said.

KTLA5

Church sustains heavy damage after fatal crash in Los Angeles

A fatal crash in South Los Angeles claimed the life of one man and, not for the first time, severely damaged a church. A Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson told KTLA that the collision happened on East Manchester Avenue in L.A.’s Green Meadows neighborhood around 12:20 a.m. Saturday. The spokesperson confirmed that the driver, only identified as a Hispanic man, was traveling west on Manchester when he lost control and smashed into Challenge of Faith Church of God in Christ. Due to the force of the crash, the driver was ejected from the vehicle; he was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. A passenger inside the vehicle was transported to a nearby hospital, but their condition is not known.

KTLA5

7 Hospitalized Following 3-vehicle Collision During Rush Hour in Winnetka, Los Angeles

Yesterday's rush hour turned chaotic in Winnetka as a three-vehicle collision sent seven people to the hospital, including a baby and two teens. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the incident which occurred at about 5:45 PM on 20900 W Saticoy St. According to LAFD alerts, at least seven patients required medical assistance following the crash. Upon arrival, responding units found no entrapment, with all individuals being attended on site. While a 17-year-old female refused further medical care, the other victims were transported to area hospitals. As reported by official updates, the transported individuals all sustained minor injuries and were in good-to-fair condition, mishaps in our often unpredictable roads having claimed another series of unfortunate events. Among those injured were an 18-month-old male and a 14-year-old female, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of such unfortunate events.

Hoodline

Violent two-car crash leaves six injured in Mid-City

At least one person was rescued by firefighters after getting trapped inside of their car during a violent two-car crash in Mid-City on Sunday that left six people injured. The crash happened at around 6:30 p.m. in the 4700 block of W. Venice Boulevard near La Brea Avenue, according to Los Angeles Fire Department officials. Firefighters used hydraulic tools to rescue the trapped occupant from inside of their car. Five of the six victims were hospitalized following the crash. One, a man in his 40s, denied medical transport. Two women aged 51 and 62 were listed in critical condition, a 51-year-old man was listed in serious condition and both a 40-year-old woman and 13-year-old girl were said to have suffered moderate injuries, according to LAFD Public Information Officer Nicholas Prange.

CBS

Body found at bottom of San Pedro cliffs

A body was discovered at the bottom of a cliff in San Pedro on Saturday, the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed. Reports of a person at the bottom of the cliffs near Point Fermin came into LAFD at 12:38 p.m., according to authorities. Land, air and sea units each responded to the area, where a deceased person was found. Crews later recovered the body. No identifying information was immediately given for the person.

KTLA5

8 students hospitalized after ingesting marijuana edibles during field trip to La Brea Tar Pits

Eight high school students were taken to the hospital Tuesday afternoon after they ingested cannabis edibles during a field trip to the La Brea Tar Pits, authorities said. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, a security officer came across the group and noticed the teens were "acutely ill." The officer then called 911. Paramedics responded to the site on Wilshire Boulevard and determined "each had an altered level of consciousness following their reported ingestion of cannabis edibles," LAFD said. The teens are in fair condition and are expected to be OK.

ABC7

Fiery crash on southbound 5 Freeway in Granada Hills causes traffic jam, leaves 1 injured

Multiple lanes were shut down after a person was injured in a fiery crash involving two big rigs on the southbound 5 Freeway in Granada Hills Wednesday afternoon, authorities said. The crash was reported at about 12:20 p.m. Wednesday near Roxford Street, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department and the California Highway Patrol. One of the drivers escaped his burning cab and passing motorists stopped to help put out flames on his clothes and body, according to the LAFD. The man was taken to a trauma center with critical burn injuries.

ABC7

Hollywood Streets Closed as Winds Topple Scaffolding onto Power Lines, LAFD Responds to Urgent Danger

Chaos gripped a slice of Hollywood yesterday when gusting winds sent scaffolding crashing into power lines, prompting an urgent response from the Los Angeles Fire Department. The incident, recorded as INC#0951, occurred around 2:05 PM at 1086 N St Andrews Place. According to a statement by authorities, the scaffolding, towering at four to five stories, was violently swept from its anchorage and lay precariously against the wires on the north side of Santa Monica Blvd. The imposing metal structure, mercifully unpeopled at its unexpected descent, posed an immediate danger that prompted street closures and an advisory for motorists to steer clear of the vicinity between Wilton and Western. LAFD Urban Search and Rescue specialists were dispatched to the scene quickly to both assess and address the hazardous situation. Firefighters established a perimeter, determined to keep onlookers and vehicles at a safe distance from the potentially perilous scene. "

Hoodline

LAFD and LA County Lifeguards Respond to Vessel Capsize in Los Angeles Harbor, Six Rescued Near San Pedro

Chaos hit the waters of Los Angeles Harbor yesterday when a vessel capsized near San Pedro, prompting a rapid response from local fire and lifeguard units. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) fire boat crews were dispatched at approximately 5:20 PM to the scene, where they found the overturned boat and set out to assist with righting the sinking craft. In a noteworthy coordinated effort, the LA County Lifeguard Boat picked up six individuals from the ill-fated vessel and brought them ashore for medical assessment by LAFD Paramedics, as reported by LAFD's official communication.

Hoodline

Hiker Rescued by Paramedics After 15-Foot Fall in Runyon Canyon

Air and ground rescuers came to the aid of a hiker after he fell 15 feet in a remote area of Runyon Canyon Thursday night, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Crews in a helicopter and on the ground coordinated to locate and assist the 35-year-old man, who sustained injuries after the fall, which occurred around 7 p.m., the LAFD said. The man was able to walk down the trail and meet an ambulance for treatment and transport to a local hospital, firefighters said.

Hollywood Patch

Car struck by train in South LA's University Park, minor injuries reported

Passengers on a train were evacuated Saturday morning after it struck a car in South Los Angeles's University Park, resulting in minor injuries to five people inside the car, authorities said. Firefighters responded to the scene at 901 Exposition Blvd. at about 10 a.m. and found the car passengers with minor injuries, none requiring them to be taken to a hospital, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The train's passengers were all escorted to a safe, shady spot while transportation officials sorted out alternate means of travel for them, LAFD officials said.

CBS

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national observance started in 1949 to bring attention to the importance of mental wellbeing. We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

988

Above & Beyond

LAFD Firefighters Recognized for Saving Local Business

The Los Angeles City Board of Fire Commissioners recognized a group of firefighters, after a business owner penned a letter to the Fire Chief extending his gratitude for saving his business. Firefighters responded to 911 East 59th Street at 12:28 PM on December 16, 2023 to find heavy fire showing from a one-story commercial building in the Florence area of Los Angeles. Over 80 LAFD firefighters battled flames for over an hour to protect businesses on either side of the fire unit, and extinguish the flames. Business owner Harrison Karabel went out of his way to compose a letter and send it to Fire Chief Kristin Crowley to express his appreciation.

LAFD

Events

Captain II

Dennis L. Coville

Deceased: 5/3/2024

Appointed: 5/13/1972

Assignment: FS 98

Retired: 10/20/2002

ACTIVE DUTY

Firefighter I

Jacob I. Fuerte

Deceased: 4/15/2024

Appointed: 2/12/2024

Assignment: Drill Tower 81

Apparatus Operator

Fred R. Chovil

Deceased: 4/19/2024

Appointed: 2/3/1958

Assignment: FS 69

Retired: 2/6/1985

Firefighter III

Roberto S. Sanchez

Deceased: 4/15/2024

Appointed: 2/16/1975

Assignment: OCD

Retired: 7/5/2000

Engineer

David J. Breuer

Deceased: 4/6/2024

Appointed: 9/23/1957

Assignment: FS 50

Retired: 7/11/1988

Engineer

William J. Sneeringer

Deceased: 4/5/2024

Appointed: 5/19/1958

Assignment: FS 72

Retired: 11/1/1976

Firefighter III

Randall W. Brass

Deceased: 3/30/2024

Appointed: 4/13/1986

Assignment: MFC

Retired: 3/31/2016

Fireboat Pilot

Philip M. Jungferman

Deceased: 3/28/2024

Appointed: 9/22/1947

Assignment: FS 49

Retired: 6/1/1978

Firefighter III

Randall W. Brass

Deceased: 3/23/2024

Appointed: 8/23/1969

Assignment: FS 88

Retired: 4/20/2000

Captain

A. D. Brown Jr.

Deceased: 3/18/2024

Appointed: 4/1/1957

Assignment: FS 8

Retired: 7/8/1984

Fireman

Robert M. McCubbin Jr.

Deceased: 3/14/2024

Appointed: 1/29/1959

Assignment: OCD

Retired: 10/26/1983

Engineer

Walter H. Engstrom, Jr.

Deceased: 3/11/2024

Appointed: 2/1/1955

Assignment: FS 92

Retired: 11/1/1976

UFLAC’s 2023 LAFD Year In Review

UFLAC is proud to present the 2023 Los Angeles Fire Department Year in Review. UFLAC’s mission is to lead the way to protect and advocate for the health, safety, working conditions, wages and benefits of our members and their families. This publication tells the story of our dedicated First Responders who continued to protect lives and property in Los Angeles while risking their own safety during another extraordinary year. In 2021, our Firefighters and Paramedics responded to more than 475,000 emergency calls for service throughout Los Angeles - an average of 1,300 calls per day.

As an all-risk fire and rescue agency serving more than four million people, the LAFD is one of the busiest and most understaffed big city fire departments in the entire country. UFLAC is honored to help showcase the dedication and commitment demonstrated by the men and women of the LAFD. Click HERE to view the publication.