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August 12, 2022
Here’s the latest news impacting Los Angeles Firefighters…

Feature
Fallen LAFD Members and Families Honored at California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony
Each year, the California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony honors fallen firefighters and their families from across The Golden State, as new names are added to the Memorial Wall near our state's capitol in Sacramento, as a lasting tribute to their bravery and sacrifice in keeping California safe. This year's ceremony on July 30, 2022 at 6:00 PM PDT, will honor 82 firefighters and their families, including ten members of the Los Angeles Fire Department, whose names will join those of more than 1,400 others who have paid the ultimate price in protecting California.
 
LAFD members honored this year include:
James W. Como (Fire Station 84, Woodland Hills)
William R. James (Fire Station 85, Harbor City)
Henry A. Munoz (Fire Station 107, Chatsworth)
Jose M. Perez (Fire Station 21, South Los Angeles)
Glen R. Phillips (Fire Station 80, Westchester/LAX)
George R. Roque (Fire Station 97, Laurel Canyon/Mulholland)
John E. Ruedy (Disaster Response Section)
Ray Van Blarcom (Fire Station 69, Pacific Palisades)
Richard W. Watson (Medical Liaison Unit)
Donald C. Welcker (Fire Station 23, Palisades Highlands)
 
For more information on the California Firefighters Memorial, please visit https://www.cafirefoundation.org/programs/california-firefighters-memorial/.

Woman is Found Dead in Apartment Building Fire in Boyle Heights
A woman is dead after a fire broke out at an apartment building in Boyle Heights Wednesday. Around 4:00 a.m. 44 firefighters were able to extinguish a fire in an apartment building and prevent it from spreading beyond the unit of origin. When searching the premises, firefighters located a woman who they pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigation launched after woman in her 80s found dead inside burnt home in Woodland Hills
A death investigation was underway in Woodland Hills early Wednesday morning, after a woman in her 80s was found dead inside of her home. According to investigators at the scene on W. Martha Street, the 81-year-old woman was located by relatives on Tuesday evening at around 7:45 p.m. — up to 12 hours after she died. Units from both Los Angeles Police and Fire Departments rushed to the scene, due
 to "evidence of a fire," forced entry and belief that the home had been ransacked. They suspect that she was killed sometime between midnight and 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Actress Anne Heche seriously injured after her vehicle crashes into Mar Vista home
Actress Anne Heche was seriously injured when her vehicle crashed into a home in the Mar Vista neighborhood of Los Angeles Friday morning, TMZ is reporting. The crash resulted in a fire that caused extensive damage to the home, located in the 1800 block of South Walgrove Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Witnesses told TMZ Heche first crashed her blue Mini Cooper into the garage of an apartment complex. Residents of the complex tried to get Heche out of her vehicle, but she sped away and crashed into the home a short time later, TMZ reports. Aerial video from Sky5 showed firefighters on the roof of the home trying to extinguish the blaze around 11:30 a.m. A large hole could also be seen in the side of the structure.

UFLAC Presents the 2021 LAFD Year In Review
UFLAC is proud to present the 2021 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.

Fire Watch
Burning body found in tree at Los Angeles' popular Griffith Park
A body found burning and hanging from a tree in a popular park Tuesday is believed to be a suicide, authorities said. The body was reported about 12:30 p.m. northeast of Griffith Observatory, near a merry-go-round and the Los Angeles Zoo, Los Angeles police said. “There are no indicators of foul play,” LAPD Detective Michael Ventura said, adding there was nothing to suggest that someone committed an act against their will.

2 wanted in apparent firebombing of DTLA store
Authorities are investigating after a store in downtown Los Angeles was damaged during an apparent firebombing. The fire broke out at the store located at 216 E. 6th Street just after 12:30 p.m. Police say a man entered the store and left a burning backpack inside before running away. A small explosion from the backpack caused a fire to spark. Firefighters contained the fire quickly and no one was injured.

Crews put out structure fire at South LA marijuana grow operation
Crews extinguished a structure fire at an apparent marijuana grow operation in South Los Angeles Thursday morning. The fire broke out at a four-story commercial building located in the area of 819 E. 62nd Street just before 7 a.m. Officials said it was a legally licensed marijuana grow operation. There were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.

Previously Burned Downtown Building Catches Fire Again
Firefighters waged a defensive battle Sunday evening against flames showing through the roof of a previously burned single-story commercial building downtown. The fire was reported at 10:31 p.m. at 1501 E. 17th St., according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart. More than 70 firefighters put out the bulk of the flames in 34 minutes and prevented the fire from spreading to an adjacent building, Stewart said. Firefighters continued to spray water on an exposed gas line that burned while waiting for the gas company to arrive and turn it off, she said.

Firefighters contain brushfire off 110 Freeway near Dodger Stadium
A small brushfire near Dodger Stadium was quickly contained by firefighters Wednesday morning. The quarter-acre fire broke out a little after 3:30 a.m. near the Elysian Park neighborhood, just over two miles from Dodger Stadium. Los Angeles Fire Department crews on the ground combined with several water drops from helicopters overhead as they extinguished the flames by 4:30 a.m.

LAFD Knocks Down House Fire in Adams-Normandie Area
Firefighters knocked down a house fire early Sunday morning that threatened other buildings in the Adams-Normandie area. The blaze at 2646 S. Western Blvd. was reported at 12:21 a.m., according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart. The department dispatched 46 firefighters to the scene and extinguished the flames in 19 minutes, Stewart said.

Fire Damages Room at Elementary School in South Los Angeles
Fire damaged one room Sunday at an elementary school in South Los Angeles, authorities said. The 28 firefighters dispatched at 11:35 a.m. to 49th Street Elementary School at 750 E. 49th St. had the blaze out within 25 minutes of their arrival, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported. “The fire was contained to one room,” the department’s Margaret Stewart said. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

LAFD Knocks Down Auto Fire in Underground Parking at Boyle Heights Building
Firefighters knocked down an auto fire that spread to the apartment directly above it in Boyle Heights Sunday. The vehicle blaze in a subterranean garage beneath a two-story apartment building at 2979 E. Marengo St. was reported at 4:51 p.m., according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart. The flames spread to the front entrance walkway of the apartment directly above it, Stewart said. Firefighters opened up the floor of the affected area and extinguished the flames. The department dispatched 30 firefighters to the scene and extinguished the flames in about 20 minutes, she said.

Fire Damages Vacant Two-Story Home in East Hollywood
Fire Saturday damaged a vacant two-story house in East Hollywood, authorities said. The 26 firefighters dispatched at 6:37 a.m. to 563 N. Heliotrope Drive had the blaze out within 20 minutes of their arrival, said Margaret Stewart of the Los Angeles Fire Department. No injuries were reported and a cause of the fire was under investigation.

El Sereno fire damages commercial building
A fire damaged a single-story commercial building this afternoon, but no one was hurt. Firefighters sent to the 5000 block of East Alhambra Avenue at 1:09 p.m. extinguished the flames in 21 minutes, said Margaret Stewart of the Los Angeles Fire Department. LAFD arson investigators and a hazardous-materials team were sent to the scene, and the Los Angeles Police Department was notified, Stewart said.

Fire Damages Attic at Home in South Los Angeles
Firefighters Saturday knocked down an attic fire at a single-story home in South Los Angeles, authorities said. Firefighters dispatched at 7:55 a.m. to 3821 S. Hobart Blvd. had the blaze out within 18 minutes of their arrival, said Margaret Stewart of the Los Angeles Fire Department. No injuries were reported.

Firefighters knock down house fire that spread to vegetation in Silver Lake
Firefighters are battling a two-story structure fire in Silver Lake that has spread to the hillside near the home, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The fire broke out around 4:04 p.m. Monday on North Silver Ridge Avenue. Firefighters are in the offensive mode initiating a fire attack on both the structure and involved vegetation, according to LAFD's Margaret Stewart. Around 4:52 p.m., firefighters reported that they extinguished the fire.

Fire Damages Garage in Three-Story Los Feliz Home
Fire damaged a garage Saturday at a three-story home in Los Feliz, authorities said. The 28 firefighters dispatched to 4037 W. Tracy St. at 12:32 p.m. had the blaze out within 19 minutes of their arrival, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported. "One patient is being evaluated for smoke inhalation and does not appear to need/want ambulance transport," said Margaret Stewart of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Person in Cardiac Arrest After San Fernando Valley Residential Fire
A person went into cardiac arrest after a two-story multi-family residence caught fire, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Authorities responded to smoke coming from a residence at 10734 N Belmar Ave around 11:49 a.m., according to LAFD. One person was treated for cardiac arrest but their condition was unknown Monday afternoon, authorities said. It was not immediately clear if there were additional injuries.

First Responder News
Photo by Kian Khorrami
1 killed following crash at Chatsworth Reservoir
A man in his 30s was found dead Monday after authorities discovered a crashed vehicle near Chatsworth Reservoir. The vehicle was discovered around 3:20 p.m. on the 23600 block of West Woolsey Canyon Road, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The vehicle, which appeared to be a red four-door sedan or crossover, was found about 50 feet down the cliffside and the man believed to have been the driver was ejected. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No other people were located in or near the vehicle, LAFD officials said.

Person Hit and Killed by Metrolink Train in Sun Valley Area
A person was hit by a Metrolink train and killed Wednesday in the Sun Valley area. Paramedics were sent to the 8200 block of North San Fernando Road shortly before 8 a.m., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. No injuries were reported on the train, the LAFD reported.
 
Photo from RMG News video
1 critically injured in 4-vehicle Lake Balboa/Reseda-area crash that left trail of destruction
A person critically injured in a four-vehicle collision in the Lake Balboa-Reseda area was being treated at a regional trauma center early Friday. The person was trapped in a vehicle that was overturned and was freed by Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters, department spokesman Brian Humphrey said. The vehicle knocked down a utility pole, with multiple wires falling to the ground, and struck a commercial building, causing water to flood the inside of the structure, Humphrey said. Firefighters were called at 11:08 p.m. Thursday to 17730 Vanowen St., between White Oak and Encino avenues, Humphrey said.

State News
California Fire Map & Tracker
An interactive map of wildfires burning across the Bay Area and California.

Above & Beyond
Photo courtesy of the LAFD
LAFD Honors Cadet Leo Kaufman's Life Saving Actions
On July 26, 2021, 17 year old Leo Kaufman, a LAFD Fire Cadet, bravely and steadfastly did all he could to save the life of a victim of a horrific traffic accident in West Hills. This is a story of a young man taking action while others stood by, in shock. It is a testament to the power of CPR training, the importance of the "Chain of Survival" and gives weight to our request of all to "LEARN CPR and SAVE A LIFE!".

In Remembrance
Remembering Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters
Captain
Donald E. Engh
Deceased: 8/2/2022
Appointed: 7/15/1947
Assignment: Fire Station 95
Retired: 6/1/1978

Fire Inspector
Joseph F. Jackson
Deceased: 7/31/2022
Appointed: 3/1/1981
Assignment: Schools & Churches Section
Retired: 7/31/2015

Assistant Chief
Richard E. Olsen
Deceased: 7/29/2022
Appointed: 11/24/1962
Assignment: Office of Asst. Fire Marshal
Retired: 8/2/1998

Fireboat Mate
Brian E. Nichol
Deceased: 7/26/2022
Appointed: 4/30/1960
Assignment: Fire Boat 1
Retired: 8/25/1980

Apparatus Operator
Fred J. Ramsey
Deceased: 7/16/2022
Appointed: 8/8/1980
Retired: 2/28/2013

Engineer
Duncan R. McDiarmid
Deceased: 7/11/2022
Appointed: 12/17/1951
Assignment: FS 108
Retired: 6/1/1977

Fireman
Jack O. Broyles
Deceased: 7/8/2022
Appointed: 2/10/1968
Assignment: Operations Control Dispatch
Retired: 6/28/1993

Firefighter III
Russell N. Nakamura
Deceased: 7/7/2022
Appointed: 2/10/1980
Assignment: FS 114
Retired: 2/13/2015

Firefighter III
William K. Maxwell
Deceased: 7/7/2022
Appointed: 7/24/1965
Assignment: FS 60
Retired: 8/4/1996

Firefighter III
Wilbur J. Eveland
Deceased: 7/4/2022
Appointed: 5/12/1962
Assignment: FS 18
Retired: 6/17/1990

Fireman
Paul I. Ferkinhoff
Deceased: 7/3/2022
Appointed: 2/4/1961
Assignment: FS 98
Retired: 2/18/1989

Firefighter III
Jeffrey G. Willey
Deceased: 6/30/2022
Appointed: 2/10/1968
Assignment: FS 47
Retired: 1/4/1999

UFLAC’s 2021 LAFD Year In Review
UFLAC is proud to present the 2021 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.
About UFLAC: Since 1918, UFLAC has been the labor organization of the proud men and women that serve as firefighters and emergency medical responders protecting the City of Los Angeles. The members of the Los Angeles Fire Department rely on UFLAC to focus on the wellbeing and safety of those that protect the lives of others. For more information, visit www.uflac.org.