April 23, 2021
Here’s the latest news impacting Los Angeles Firefighters…
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Valley Glen explosion that sent 2 to hospital not caused by gas leak; evidence of marijuana grow found in garage
Investigators found no evidence a gas leak caused the explosion at the Valley Glen home late Sunday that sent two men to the hospital and resulted in evacuations, officials said Monday. They also found no signs it was caused by a THC extraction lab, but there was evidence of marijuana being grown in the garage area, and that is part of the investigation, the Los Angeles Fire Department tweeted. When firefighters first arrived at the scene just before 9:30 p.m. in the 12700 block of West Archwood Street, they found no active fire but clear signs of a “significant explosion,” LAFD Capt. Erik Scott said. Crews saw a 59-year-old man outside the home and transported him to a hospital with critical burn injuries. “Firefighters then detected the smell of natural gas and worked to locate and secure the leak,” Scott said. At the same time, crews were systematically searching the house in shoulder-deep debris. That’s when they heard a “faint tapping noise,” the captain said. They started pulling away the debris and found a 46-year-old man buried deep in the rubble.
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Brush fire erupts in Lincoln Heights, burning 2 homes
A brush fire that broke out Tuesday afternoon in Lincoln Heights spread to at least two homes and prompted evacuations before fire crews got it under control. The fire erupted in the 2800 block of north Sierra Street shortly before 1:30 p.m. and grew to about 5 acres in medium to heavy brush, officials said. At its height, it was threatening at least 10 homes. Nearly 150 firefighters battled the flames from the ground, and helicopters conducted water drops, according to the Fire Department.
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14-year-old who suffered cardiac arrest while playing baseball in Venice reunites with paramedics who saved him
A 14-year-old boy on Saturday reunited with the Los Angeles Fire Department dispatcher and paramedics who saved him after he went into sudden cardiac arrest while on a baseball field in Venice last month. When teenager Jacob Perez suffered the medical emergency on March 13, an LAFD dispatcher provided CPR instructions over the phone to the 911 caller and quickly sent paramedics his way. The boy eventually regained consciousness and was taken to a local hospital, where he made a full recovery. At a Venice fire station weeks after the frightening ordeal, Perez and his family got to meet and thank the LAFD rescuers.
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Early Morning Blazing House Fire in Florence
Around 2:02 a.m. Wednesday, Apr. 14, 2021, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a house fire on the 100 block of East 59th Place in the Florence area of Los Angeles County. When crews arrived, the house was showing heavy smoke. Once LAFD made access to the house, the structure became fully involved in flames. It took firefighters approximately 30 minutes to achieve knockdown. LAFD is currently investigating the cause of the fire.
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Firefighters Quell Greater Alarm Blaze at South L.A. Market
Firefighters Sunday knocked down a greater-alarm blaze at a one-story market in South Los Angeles. The property at 7408 S. Main St. had three structures, said Nicholas Prange of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Firefighters dispatched to the location at 11:58 p.m. Saturday had the blaze out at 12:22 a.m., Prange said. “A coordinated attack between rooftop ventilation and interior fire attack by 61 total LAFD firefighters extinguished the flames in 24 minutes,” he said.
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60-Year-Old Man Found Dead Following Downtown L.A. Garbage Fire
Firefighters discovered a 60-year-old man dead in a tent after extinguishing a garbage fire in downtown Los Angeles Thursday. The fire was reported at 741 Towne Ave., between Seventh and Eighth streets and San Pedro Street and Central Avenue, at about 5:05 p.m., said Nicholas Prange of the Los Angeles Fire Department. The man’s name was not released, and it was not immediately clear how he died. LAFD and Los Angeles Police Department personnel were investigating the fire and death, Prange said.
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Barbecue propane tank explosion spreads fire to Granada Hills home
Fire from an exploding barbecue propane tank spread Monday afternoon to a Granada Hills home where a double roof made extinguishing the blaze difficult for firefighters. The Los Angeles Fire Department sent 31 firefighters to the home on the 10600 block of Andasol Avenue at Kingsbury Street about 2:04 p.m., said spokeswoman Margaret Stewart. It took 27 minutes to put out flames in the attic, which firefighters say appeared to originate from an exploding barbecue propane tank, Stewart said.
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Fire in Spreads in Walls of Commercial Building in Van Nuys, Extinguished
Fire damaged a commercial building in Van Nuys Wednesday evening, burning inside the building’s walls and presenting challenges in locating all of the flames. Crews responded about 10:10 p.m. to the 7200 block of Woodman Avenue, north of Sherman Way, and discovered a fire outside the building had spread inside the structure, according to Nicholas Prange of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Firefighters punched holes in walls in order to extinguish the fire and a knock down was declared about 11 p.m., Prange said.
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LAFD Investigators Seeking Person of Interest After Fire Damages Koreatown Restaurant’s Outdoor Dining Tent
Investigators need help to identify an arsonist who damaged a restaurant’s outdoor canopy in Koreatown. A fire was set outside a restaurant in the 900 block of South Vermont Avenue just after midnight on April 2. The fire damaged the restaurant’s outdoor canopy/tent that had been set up to accommodate outdoor dining. The Los Angeles Fire Department’s Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section released surveillance video of a person they believe to be responsible for the fire. The video shows the person walking on a sidewalk, looking into the empty canopy area.
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Two Injured in Hollywood Apartment Fire
Two people suffered apparently minor injuries Saturday evening when fire broke out in one unit of a Hollywood apartment building. The fire was reported at 7:05 p.m. in the two-story, garden-style building at 1249 N. Mansfield Ave., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Margaret Stewart. Firefighters put out the flames in 18 minutes, containing the damage to the unit of origin, Stewart said.
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Car Crashes into Power Pole, Sparking Small Brush Fire On Mulholland Drive
Fire units quickly extinguished a quarter-acre brush fire at 8336 W. Mulholland Drive, west of Laurel Canyon in Studio City Thursday evening. The fire sparked when a car hit a power pole around 4 p.m. The active power pole was knocked over by the vehicle, causing a brush fire. The Los Angeles Fire Department was able to knock down the fire quickly.
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Fire Causes Heavy Damage to South Los Angeles Home
It took 26 minutes for 43 firefighters to put out heavy flames in a house in the Vermont Square area of South Los Angeles today. The fire was reported at 12:52 a.m. at 1452 W. 54th St., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department's Margaret Stewart. “Heavy fire resulted in a roof collapse on the original fire structure and some extension to the adjacent residence,'' Stewart said. “The sole occupant of the home is being assessed for possible injuries.''
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Late Night Del Rey Dry Cleaning Fire Under Investigation
The Los Angeles Fire Department is investigating a late-night fire that destroyed a dry-cleaning business. It happened around 11:00 p.m. on Monday, April 12 at 4254 Lincoln Boulevard. It took 90 firefighters 26 minutes to discover and extinguish the fire in the first-floor dry cleaning business, according to Los Angeles Fire Public Information Officer Brian Humphrey.
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Fire Damages Vacant, One-Story Commercial Building in L.A.’s Harvard Heights
Fire Sunday damaged a one-story, vacant commercial building in the Harvard Heights community of Los Angeles. Firefighters dispatched at 10:26 a.m. to 3386 W. Olympic Blvd. had the fire out within 20 minutes of their arrival, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart. “Crews prevented the fire from extending to the adjacent unit,” Stewart said. “There are no injuries reported.”
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1 person critical in 3-vehicle West Hills crash
One person was hospitalized in critical condition Thursday night after a three-vehicle crash at the corner of Fallbrook Avenue and Saticoy Street in West Hills that knocked a power pole out of place. Los Angeles Department of Water and Power personnel responded to the location to repair the power pole that was sheared out of place due to the collision, said Nicholas Prange of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
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5 Patient Traffic Collision with Entrapment in Arleta
Around 10:00 p.m. Friday, Apr. 16, 2021, Los Angeles Fire and Police Department responded to a traffic collision on the 9200 block of North Canterbury Avenue. When units arrived, they found two people trapped in a pickup truck, two people suffering from injuries on the sidewalk, and one baby, who were all transported to local hospitals. LAFD used the Jaws of Life to extract the two from the pickup truck. Los Angeles Police Department is investigating.
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LAFD union will defer raises to keep fire stations open; police have already made a deal with the city
The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved an agreement Wednesday with the union representing Los Angeles Fire Department personnel to avoid station closures amid the city’s economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The deal with the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City defers a base wage increase, initially scheduled for July 4, to Jan. 1, 2023. The deal, expected to save $23.7 million during the next fiscal year through the raise deferment and retirement incentive pay, will prevent the city from imposing temporary closures of fire stations, also known as “brown outs.”
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Tracking coronavirus vaccinations in California
Experts say about 85% of Americans will need to be vaccinated to bring the COVID-19 pandemic under control. This page tracks California’s progress toward that goal using data from state and federal authorities.
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California unveils sweeping wildfire prevention plan amid record fire losses and drought
After the worst fire season in California history and as drought conditions raise fears of what’s to come, Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders unveiled a $536-million proposal Thursday to boost efforts at firefighting and a variety of prevention measures, including vegetation management and the construction of fire-resistant structures across the state. The proposal, which the Legislature could send to the governor’s desk as soon as Monday, marks an early agreement by the governor and lawmakers to spend more than half of the $1 billion in wildfire funding Newsom called for in his state budget proposal in January.
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Red Cross LA asks the public to sign on now to ‘Sound the Alarm’
“You’ve got two minutes or less to get your family out of the house before it’s too late.” — Barbara Mariscal, disaster program manager for the American Red Cross Northern Valleys chapter. Two minutes before the smoke and flames overcome you. Not a lot of time to grab your most valuable possessions, and run. So, what’s your escape plan? Don’t have one? Neither do I. Most people don’t. You can’t fix stupid, but the Red Cross is trying this month. It’s asking for 20 minutes of your time for a one-on-one, virtual training class in safety tips so you can prevent house fires and keep your family safe. Twenty minutes – an afternoon nap, a walk around the block. They’re not asking for much, and so far they’re not getting much. Red Cross LA is hoping to reach 800 homes in Los Angeles County by May 8, when the “Sound The Alarm” education program ends.
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2021 St. Baldrick's Foundation Virtual Shaves
One in Five children diagnosed with cancer will not survive. That is why year after year, heads 'round the world are shaved to help raise funds to support pediatric cancer research through St. Baldrick's Foundation. While we cannot meet in large groups yet this year, we can still participate virtually, by sharing head-shaving photos/videos virtually. LAFD Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas and LAPD Police Chief Michel Moore shaved the heads of the St. Baldrick's coordinators for their respective departments on April 15, 2021. LAFD Captain Danny Wu and LAPD Detective Nicholas Sinclair sit while their badged barber bosses remove their hair, to stand in solidarity with kids fighting cancer.
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LAFD Assistant Chief (Retired) Frank W. Borden
The Los Angeles City Fire Department is saddened to share the news of the passing of true icon in the field of emergency management, Assistant Chief (Retired) Frank W. Borden. It is impossible to overstate the impact LAFD Assistant Chief (Retired) Frank Borden had on not only the City of Los Angeles but the entire country. In the world of emergency management, Frank Borden is legendary. The loss of Frank is deeply felt by all those who knew, respected and loved him. May his spirit rest easy knowing he made a truly lasting difference. To read more about Frank’s legacy, click HERE.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Frank's name to the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society via mail to:
1355 N. Cahuenga Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
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Remembering Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters |
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Captain
Theodore C. Foor
Deceased: 4/18/2021
Appointed: 5/19/1958
Assignment: FS5
Retired: 12/13/1979
Captain II
Earl A. Seddon
Deceased: 4/17/2021
Appointed: 5/19/1958
Assignment: FS49
Retired: 10/19/1986
Engineer
Oral J. Hogan
Deceased: 4/14/2021
Appointed: 11/7/1959
Assignment: FS80
Retired: 6/29/1990
Assistant Chief
Frank W. Borden
Deceased: 4/9/2021
Appointed: 11/7/1959
Assignment: Training Division
Retired: 1/7/1996
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Fire Inspector I
Lee S. Lewis
Deceased: 4/7/2021
Appointed: 12/14/1980
Assignment: FPB Film Unit
Retired: 5/31/2018
Engineer
Donald J. Brown, Jr.
Deceased: 3/30/2021
Appointed: 2/1/1955
Assignment: FS8
Retired: 6/1/1978
Paramedic
Douglas E. Brown
Deceased: 3/28/2021
Appointed: 1/1/1955
Assignment: EMS Bureau Staff Assistant
Retired: 8/4/1985
Captain
Donald M. Eakin
Deceased: 3/26/2021
Appointed: 2/20/1971
Assignment: FS94
Retired: 10/23/1989
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Fireman
Ronald A. Kredell
Deceased: 3/12/2021
Appointed: 9/23/1957
Assignment: FS38
Retired: 11/29/1984
Captain
John M. O’Neill
Deceased: 3/7/2021
Appointed: 2/4/1961
Assignment: FS15
Retired: 12/3/1981
Firefighter III
Ralph T. Aragon
Deceased: 3/2/2021
Appointed: 12/15/1980
Assignment: FS97
Retired: 7/24/2006
Firefighter III
Ira D. Preece
Deceased: 2/26/2021
Appointed: 4/13/1968
Assignment: FS80
Retired: 2/24/2002
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2019 LAFD Year In Review Photo Book
On behalf of the more than 3,400 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers, Pilots, and Inspectors of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City IAFF Local 112 (UFLAC), we are proud to present the 2018 Los Angeles Fire Department Year in Review photo book. 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 helps to tell the story of our dedicated members who protect lives and property in Los Angeles 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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In 2019, our Firefighters and Paramedics responded to more than 453,000 emergency calls for service throughout the City of Los Angeles - an average of 1,200 emergency calls per day. As an all-risk fire and rescue agency serving more than four million people, we are ready to answer any call that may come our way. UFLAC is honored to help showcase the dedication and commitment demonstrated by the men and women of the LAFD. Click HERE to view this publication.
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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.
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