Four people injured in South LA motel fire

Firefighters rescued at least four victims from a blaze at a motel in South Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported. "I looked and smoke was everywhere," said one witness. "There were police and helicopters. It's crazy around here." The fire broke out around 8 p.m. Thursday at a two-story garden-style motel in the 10900 block South Broadway, with the fire burning on both floors. During an offensive attack of the greater alarm fire, LAFD discovered four people who had been injured with smoke inhalation and burns. "LAFD firefighters assisted in the evacuation and medical care of four civilians," LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey said in a statement.

CBSLA

L.A. firefighter hospitalized after battling blaze on church rooftop

One firefighter was hospitalized and three others received medical care while battling a blaze at a one-story church in the San Fernando Valley Tuesday where ambient temperatures reached 105 degrees, authorities confirmed to KTLA. Crews with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to reports of the structure fire at 1525 Glenoaks Blvd., near Harding Avenue in San Fernando just before 1 p.m., according to an LAFD news release. At the scene, firefighters worked to access hard-to-reach spaces and snuff out flames inside the attic of the approximately 7,000-square-foot church. Holes were cut in the decking of the rooftop, which had been under construction, so that crews could get streams of water into the attic. 

KTLA5

LAFD Paramedics Stress Hot Weather Safety

With hot weather predicted, the Los Angeles Fire Department suggests you take action now to:

·      Minimize the risks of sun and hot weather.

·      Prepare your household, pets and workplace.

·      Get relief from and avoid the effects of heat.

Adjust your attire and activities to limit sun exposure, heat and exertion.

LAFD

Photo by Gary Apodaca

LAFD Welcomes Graduates of Recruit Training Academy Class 2023-4

The Los Angeles Fire Department's Recruit Training Academy Class 23-4 celebrated their graduation on June 27, 2024, as they became proud probationary members of the LAFD. Friends and family of the 61 graduates were joined by City of Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley and civic and community leaders, in congratulating and welcoming these newest members of the Department in a ritual filled ceremony at the LAFD Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center. Time was also taken to remember Class 23-4 Recruit Firefighter Jacob Fuerte, who will forever remain in our hearts.

LAFD

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

Fires, firework-related injuries reported across L.A. on July 4th

Firefighters were busy across Los Angeles on Thursday night as Fourth of July celebrations got out of hand in several areas. The L.A. Fire Department responded to a backyard fire in Reseda, where flames quickly spread to multiple cars. People were seen attempting to douse the blaze with water buckets and garden hoses. No injuries were reported. LAFD hadn’t determined the cause of that fire as of Friday morning.

KTLA5

119-year-old abandoned Los Angeles home goes up in flames

More than 85 firefighters were dispatched to a vacant home in L.A.’s University Park neighborhood after it caught fire late Saturday night. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, a fire was reported at the 1905 craftsman style home located at 718 West 30th Street just before 11:40 p.m. Upon arriving, crews found the two-story home fully engulfed; it took 88 firefighters just 35 minutes to fully confine and extinguish the flames in “largely defensive operations,” LAFD said.

KTLA5

Large fire engulfs Downtown LA commercial building before being extinguished by firefighters

A massive fire engulfed a previously burnt commercial building in Downtown Los Angeles on Sunday before firefighters were able to control the flames. The five-thousand-square-foot two-story building, located at 1390 E. Newton Street, was already engulfed in flames by the time that Los Angeles Fire Department crews arrived a little before 8 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. It took more than 80 firefighters just under 50 minutes to control the blaze.

CBSLA

Downtown Los Angeles street takeover ends in inferno

Video shows a wild street takeover in downtown Los Angeles coming to a fiery conclusion overnight. Preliminary information from stringer service OnSceneTV indicates the takeover occurred at the intersection of 18th and Main streets before 3 a.m. Saturday. A Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson confirmed the location and stated that upwards of 50 cars were present. Officers were originally dispatched on calls of fireworks being lit, the spokesperson added. The sideshow, which was attended by hundreds of people, ended with two vehicles ablaze in the middle of the intersection; it was not immediately clear if they were deliberately set on fire or if they caught fire due to another source.

KTLA5

Man Suffers Smoke Inhalation in Garage Fire in South LA

A man suffered smoke inhalation at a detached garage fire Sunday in the Green Meadows community of South Los Angeles, authorities said. Firefighters dispatched at 12:19 p.m. to the structure that had been partially converted to a living space at 340 E. 95th St. had the blaze out within 12 minutes of their arrival, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported. The victim was taken to a hospital for smoke inhalation injuries.

MyNewsLA

Los Angeles Firefighters Extinguish Valley Village Home Blaze, Rescue Elderly Man and Mourn Pet Dog's Loss

Early this morning, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a structure fire in Valley Village, successfully dousing the flames that had engulfed a residential shed and part of a one-story home. According to a press release by the LAFD, the incident was reported at 12:18 AM at 4912 N Beeman Avenue. First responders arrived on the scene following an automatic fire alarm notification. They found the attached shed well involved with fire, which had spread into the living space of the residence. While fighting the fire, the team managed a rescue operation, pulling an elderly man from the smoky embrace of the structure. The individual suffered burns to his head and was immediately attended to with medical care on-site.

Hoodline

405 Freeway reopens in Sherman Oaks area after tanker truck fire prompts lane closures

A stretch of the 405 Freeway in the Sherman Oaks area reopened Sunday morning, hours after a tanker truck fire shut down lanes. The fire was first reported on the northbound side of the 405 near Ventura Boulevard around 9:40 p.m. Saturday. The freeway was closed between Burbank Boulevard and Skirball Center Driver as fire crews put out the flames. Video from the scene showed the truck engulfed in flames, which was threatening what was described as 7,600 gallons of diesel fuel, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The driver was able to escape the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by 10 p.m., though heavy traffic remained on both sides.

ABC7

Brush fire contained near L.A.’s Hansen Dam

The Los Angeles Fire Department battled a small brush fire near Hansen Dam for less than an hour Tuesday afternoon before it was contained. The fire was reported at about 2:40 p.m. at 11798 W. Foothill Blvd., firefighters said in an alert, though by 3:30 p.m., LAFD officials said the blaze, known as the Stone Fire, had been contained to about 2 acres.

KTLA5

Crews combat 5th alarm structure fire in Glendale

A business caught fire in Glendale on Sunday, prompting a massive response from firefighters, authorities say. The Glendale Police Department said the fire was reported at 11:25 a.m. and quickly spread to the building next door. All employees of the business successfully evacuated. The fire began at 733 Salem Street, according to authorities. The business located at that address is named Milla Party Rentals. The Los Angeles Fire Department said at 2:26 p.m. that the fire was upgraded to a 5th alarm, and it had “extended significantly since inception.”

KTLA5

Brush fire in Sepulveda Basin near 405 Freeway prompts road closures

A grass fire that broke out Friday evening in the Sepulveda Basin prompted road closures in the area, but there were no reports of any injuries or structure damage. The fire, which burned about an acre, broke out just before 6 p.m. on the southeast corner of Burbank Boulevard and Woodley Avenue. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the fire was affected by southwest moderate to light winds between 10-15 mph. It's unclear what caused the fire.

ABC7

Firefighters Douse Greater Alarm Blaze in Vermont-Slauson, No Injuries Reported

Firefighters in the Vermont-Slauson neighborhood faced a challenging blaze on June 29, that saw flames leap from a power pole to nearby structures. The Los Angeles Fire Department reported a greater alarm structure fire at 1042 W 62nd St, which began outside and quickly spread. According to an LAFD alert, it took 76 firefighters approximately 41 minutes to knock down the fire after it caught onto an outside storage building and then a residential property.

Hoodline

Los Angeles Firefighters Douse Reseda Garage Blaze, Protecting Adjacent Home on Independence Day

Los Angeles firefighters responded to a blaze at a detached garage in Reseda on Independence Day, successfully extinguishing the flames before they could consume an adjacent home. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department's alert, the fire at 18230 W Lull St was reported out at 11:13 PM. Crews had arrived on the scene to find heavy fire emanating from the structure. Efforts by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) prevented the spread of the fire to the nearby one-story home, ensuring that the residents remained safe.

Hoodline

2 men escape burning car after chain-reaction crash in Valley Glen

Paramedics brought two men to a Los Angeles County hospital after their car burst into flames following a multi-car collision Monday night. The four-car collision happened at about 8:15 p.m. when the two men crashed into the back of a car parked on the side of the road. It caused a chain-reaction crash, causing damage to two more parked cars. The two men's car caught on fire shortly after. Luckily, the pair had escaped the wreckage before it burst into flames. The fire consumed the men's car and damaged the rear of the initial car they crashed into, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

CBSLA

Elysian Park brush fire extinguished

A fire in Elysian Park that burned less than an acre of brush was knocked down in 48 minutes by 36 firefighters Friday evening. The fire in steep terrain near the southbound Golden State (5) Freeway and the Arroyo Seco (110) Parkway was reported around 9:07 p.m. Friday, according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Nicholas Prange. Firefighters made an aggressive attack on the burning brush by ground and air, Prange said.

The Eastsider

LAFD Extinguishes South Park Residence Fire, No Injuries Reported

Early this morning, Los Angeles firefighters responded to a blaze at a single-family residence in South Park, where they successfully extinguished a fire within 45 minutes, as reported by the Los Angeles Fire Department. The incident, recorded as INC#0175, occurred at 175 E 49th St, with the LAFD stating that crews initiated an interior fire attack coordinated with rooftop ventilation measures, culminating in the knockdown of the flames at 2:06 am.

Hoodline

Fire Breaks Out at Sunset Boulevard Home

It took 37 firefighters 35 minutes to extinguish a fire that broke out at a Hollywood home Sunday morning, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Firefighters responded at around 7 a.m. to 8100 Sunset Blvd. near the West Hollywood border to find the one-story single-family home showing fire from the front. Crews breached the entrances to fight fire and search for victims and ventilated the roof to let out pressurized smoke and heat, according to the LAFD.

Hollywood Patch

LAFD Extinguishes Late Night Cypress Tree Fire in Northridge Threatening Homes

Firefighters in Northridge were met with an unusual challenge late last night as a row of Cypress trees became ablaze, threatening nearby homes. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reported the fire at 11:57 PM on July 5 at 8370 N Paso Robles Avenue, stating "prelim" information indicated the residential structures were at risk. This initial alert was posted on LAFD's official website. The fire department's quick response was crucial in averting potential disaster, crews arrived and were met with large flames reaching up towards the night sky, originating from the trees located perilously close to several homes.

Hoodline

LAFD Quick Response Saves Wilmington Home From Fire, No Injuries Reported

Wilmington residents were able to breath a collective sigh of relief on the evening of July 6, when a structure fire at a one-story home was swiftly managed by the Los Angeles Fire Department. The incident, which occurred at 24817 S Baypoint Avenue, began with a blaze that claimed the attached three-car garage of the residence. Flames threatened to spread to the attic, but thankfully, it was later confirmed to be only smoke that had made its way there.

Hoodline

Fire in Sherman Oaks Allegedly Caused by Lithium Battery

Firefighters extinguished a fire in a Sherman Oaks apartment building that was allegedly ignited by a lithium ion battery on one of the building’s balconies. The fire was reported at 5:44 p.m. Thursday at 14748 W. Burbank Blvd., several blocks east of the San Diego (405) Freeway, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The department dispatched 30 firefighters to the scene and they extinguished the flames in 23 minutes, according to LAFD spokesman Nicholas Prange.

MyNewsLA

LAFD Rapidly Contains Dora Incident Brush Fire in Woolsey Canyon with Multi-agency Effort

In the early hours of July 1, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded to a brush fire in Woolsey Canyon that threatened to spread over a four-acre span, pushed by mild winds ranging between 2 to 3 mph. According to a report by the LAFD, the blaze, which has been named the Dora Incident, was successfully contained within roughly half an hour as firefighters diligently worked against the night to control the threat. Despite the quick action of the fire crews, the incident necessitated collaboration between various sectors. The LAFD was joined by their counterparts from LA County and Ventura County Fire Departments, demonstrating a concerted effort to battle the blaze that lay at the city's edges, however, at the time of the fire, the LAFD companies dispatched Automatic Aid on scene.

Hoodline

Multi-Agency Response Tackles Brush Fire in Santa Susana Mountains

On the evening of July 6th, a vehicle fire in the Santa Susana Mountains quickly evolved into a brush fire that threatened to spread through the dry vegetation. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reported an immediate response in conjunction with the Los Angeles County (LACoFD) and Ventura County Fire Departments (VCFD) to the incident, which took place in a remote area of Browns Canyon Road. According to the LAFD's alert, the fire managed to quickly grow to one-eighth of an acre.

Hoodline

Multi-vehicle crash kills child, leaves 9 hospitalized in South Los Angeles

A multi-vehicle crash killed a child and left nine others hospitalized in South Los Angeles Friday night. Authorities responded to a three-vehicle crash near 630 East Century Blvd. in the Green Meadows neighborhood at around 6:20 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Arriving crews found a 12-year-old girl who was pronounced dead at the scene. Nine other people were injured including six adults and four juveniles. An adult female driver was trapped in a vehicle and required extrication. She was transported to the hospital in moderate condition. All other victims were able to exit the crushed vehicles on their own, officials said.

KTLA5

Rollover crash off Southern California freeway leaves 1 dead, 1 injured

One person is dead and another injured after a rollover crash off the 118 Freeway in Pacoima Wednesday, officials confirmed to KTLA. Crews with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the area of 10910 N. Hadden Avenue just before 5 p.m. on reports of the deadly incident. Details are limited and it’s unclear exactly what led to the crash, but officials said the vehicle rolled off the freeway and came to rest near the intersection of Haddon Avenue and Fielding Street right by Paxton Park. One of the two victims was ejected, while the other remained trapped inside the vehicle. 

KTLA5

Woman Rescued from Mulholland Drive Embankment

A 23-year-old woman was rescued by Los Angeles Fire Department crews after slipping down an embankment off Mulholland Drive not far from the scenic outlook. The rescue happened just before 2 a.m. at 8469 Mulholland Drive, according to LAFD spokeswoman Lyndsey Lantz. A fire department helicopter illuminated the slope while crews worked to bring her up. There were no vehicles involved in the accident and no major injuries, according to Lantz.

Los Angeles Patch

Pedestrian seriously injured after being struck by L.A. Metro train in Hollywood

A pedestrian suffered serious lower body injuries after being struck by a train at a Hollywood Metro station Friday afternoon, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The collision occurred shortly after 5 p.m. at the Hollywood/Highland station when a pedestrian stepped onto the tracks in front of the train, a Metro spokesperson said. The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating, the spokesperson added. Rescue workers removed the pedestrian from under the train and paramedics then took the person to a hospital, a fire department spokesperson said.

LA Times

500 Gallons of Oil Spill in North Hollywood

An oil spill of approximately 500 gallons in North Hollywood closed two major intersections as Los Angeles Fire Department personnel scrambled to keep the sill from reaching storm drains in the early morning hours. Fire crews and Hazmat personnel responded to 4701 Lankershim Blvd around 10 p.m. Wednesday and attempted to limit the spill to from spreading, said LAFD spokesman Nicholas Prange.

MyNewsLA

Exhausted Hiker Rescued by Air from Pacific Palisades Trail

A hiker suffering from exhaustion needed to be rescued by air from a Pacific Palisades trail Saturday afternoon, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. LAFD air and ground crews responded to the Bienveneda Trail, north of the Leacock Trail, at around 3:30 p.m. for a report of a 66-year-old female hiker suffering from exhaustion, according to firefighters. An LAFD rescue helicopter lowered a flight paramedic to assess and stabilize the patient. Crews planned to hoist the patient into the helicopter for in-flight care and transportation to a local hospital, according to the LAFD.

Pacific Palisades Patch

Minor Injury Reported After Car Crashes Into Beauty Salon On Saticoy Street In Lake Balboa

A vehicle crash on Saticoy Street resulted in a beauty salon's unexpected disruption yesterday when a solo car plowed into the storefront. According to Los Angeles Fire Department's alert, the incident occurred at 1:11 PM at 17210 W Saticoy St. within the Lake Balboa neighborhood. Dodging a more tragic outcome, only a single minor injury was reported from one person inside the beauty salon at the time of the collision. Having sustained a minor foot injury, further details regarding the identity and association of the individual with the salon remain unclear, as stated by the LAFD. The Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety were made aware and sent an inspector, who was expected to arrive by 3:00 PM to assess the structural integrity of the impacted establishment.

Hoodline

Los Angeles Fire Department Swiftly Handles Minor Refrigerant Leak at North Hills Food For Less

On the evening of July 8th, Los Angeles Fire Department crews responded to a call regarding a hazardous materials incident at a Food For Less grocery store located at 16208 W Parthenia St in the North Hills area. According to a maintenance worker, the emergency was due to an accidental minor refrigerant leak. The LAFD arrived at the scene around 8:27 PM and, as per LAFD reports, immediately confirmed that the leak was contained, posing no risk of further escalation or off-site hazard. Paramedics assessed up to five individuals who experienced respiratory and eye irritation, indicative of exposure to the substance.

Hoodline

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

Events

Apparatus Operator

Richard B. Matthews

Deceased: 7/6/2024

Appointed: 4/20/1963

Assignment: FS 80

Retired: 6/28/1992

Battalion Chief

Jesse Cisneros

Deceased: 6/28/2024

Appointed: 9/4/1984

Assignment: Battalion 4-C

Retired: 9/30/2020

Assistant Chief

Robert J. De Feo

Deceased: 6/27/2024

Appointed: 2/20/1960

Assignment: Division 1

Retired: 2/21/2004

Captain

Elwyn E. Moore

Deceased: 6/21/2024

Appointed: 4/8/1961

Assignment: FS 26

Retired: 7/29/1989

Captain

Alva G. Teel Jr.

Deceased: 6/18/2024

Appointed: 4/8/1961

Assignment: FS 37

Retired: 11/3/1983

Firefighter III

Curtis A. Poet

Deceased: 6/16/2024

Appointed: 2/3/1958

Assignment: FS 16

Retired: 7/28/1983

Fireman

Donald C. Bayer

Deceased: 6/11/2024

Appointed: 7/24/1965

Assignment: FS 90

Retired: 7/29/1990

Fireman

John W. Nash

Deceased: 6/6/2024

Appointed: 4/8/1961

Assignment: FS 87

Retired: 6/29/1982

Fireman

Anthony R. Brandelli

Deceased: 6/5/2024

Appointed: 5/2/1950

Assignment: Fire Boat 2

Retired: 4/1/1959

Captain

Wesley E. Cox

Deceased: 5/29/2024

Appointed: 5/12/1962

Assignment: FS 88

Retired: 10/2/1987

Firefighter III

Charles R. Simpson

Deceased: 5/19/2024

Appointed: 5/14/1984

Assignment: FS 111

Retired: 7/10/2022

Engineer

Richard L. Garner

Deceased: 5/19/2024

Appointed: 6/16/1955

Assignment: FS 93

Retired: 6/1/1980

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.