2022 LAFD Year In Review by United Firefighters of Los Angeles City

LOS ANGELES

FIRE DEPARTMENT

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

Gary Apodaca

UNITED FIREFIGHTERS OF LOS ANGELES CITY

MISSION

Leading the way to protect and advocate for the health, safety, working conditions, wages, and benefits of our members and their families.

VISION

Engaging our members in the most reliable, effective, and committed labor organization in Los Angeles.

On behalf of the members of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, IAFF Local 112 (UFLAC), I am honored to present the tenth annual LAFD Year in Review. This publication tells the story of our Firefighters and Paramedics in images taken throughout 2022.

Last year, LAFD personnel responded to more than 505,000 emergency calls for service throughout the City of Los Angeles, including an 85% increase in the number of fires from just five years ago.

When I first joined the Department in 1989, we had more first responders in the LAFD than we do now; but currently, we get dispatched to over three times the number of emergency calls in a city that has grown exponentially during the past three decades. By comparison, we have fewer Firefighters in the LAFD than they have in the Chicago and Houston Fire Departments even though both of those cities have approximately one million fewer residents than the City of Los Angeles.

Additionally, our city is facing a homeless crisis that impacts everyone in our communities, including our Firefighters. From structure fires to behavioral health emergencies and drug overdoses, our members respond to an extraordinary number of calls that are directly related to our unhoused population every single day.

Over the past decade, this publication serves as a reminder that in the most challenging of circumstances we have a unique opportunity to emerge stronger and better than before. As we look ahead to the next 10 years and beyond, we anticipate the results of the Standards of Coverage study currently underway that will demonstrate the need for more bodies, resources, and facilities to meet the growing demands of serving the second largest city in America.

We are calling on the new leadership in City Hall to expand the LAFD and address these urgent public safety needs. Our members look forward to continuing our work with Fire Chief Kristin Crowley and partnering with our elected officials to create a safer, more vibrant community for everyone.

International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 112

FIRE STATION LOCATIONS

Yvonne Griffin

Yvonne Griffin

OVERVIEW

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is an allrisk fire and rescue agency that serves over four million people in the second largest city in the nation. The LAFD is dedicated to saving lives, fighting fires, safety and prevention, and building communities.

The First Responders of the LAFD call 106 Fire Stations spread across their 469 squaremile jurisdiction home. These neighborhood fire stations are staffed by 3,510 sworn rank-andfile Firefighters on three rotating shifts who respond to an average of nearly 1,400 emergency calls for service on a daily basis.

Yvonne Griffin

LOS ANGELES CITY POPULATION

3,930,586

Gary Apodaca

STAFFING LEVELS

INCIDENT

231,905

181,082

38,784

54,014

INCIDENT CLOCK

An emergency medical service call every 1 minute and 12 seconds

A structure fire every 2 hours and 11 minutes

A rescue every 48 minutes and 55 seconds

FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU INSPECTIONS

Greg Doyle

10 TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

As we reflect on the last 10 years of this publication, we have documented the ever-increasing demands on our rank-and-file members and the professional fire service as a whole. We have witnessed significant challenges in our society, such as the COVID-19 Pandemic and the destruction left in its wake as well as renewed calls for social justice after times of civil unrest. During these unprecedented and difficult times, our dedicated emergency responders have continued to be the reliable backbone of our communities, consistently stepping up when called upon even when it means putting themselves and their own families at risk.

And closer to home, we have endured some trials, but also celebrated progress and incredible successes.

In May of 2020, an explosion caused a massive fireball at a Downtown commercial building located on Boyd Street during fire suppression operations, resulting in a MAYDAY call being broadcast and 12 injured Firefighters who required various levels of treatment and hospitalization. Thanks to the critical thinking and skill of the crews on scene, all of the injured Firefighters survived, and this incident is now a unique training tool for lessons learned.

Events like the Boyd Street Fire are a reminder of just how dangerous and perilous this job can be, and especially over the last decade the fire service has come to realize not only the physical, but also the mental toll this profession can take on our Firefighters and Paramedics. There have been significant strides in addressing

mental health issues associated with being an emergency responder and UFLAC, in partnership with the LAFD, was proud to announce the Grand Opening of the Center for Health and Wellness. Annually, more Firefighters die nationwide due to suicide than from Line of Duty Deaths and the robust Behavioral Health Program at this facility incorporates mental health professionals, offering a wide variety of behavioral health resources to ensure the wellbeing of our LAFD Firefighters and their families.

UFLAC also celebrated the creation of our own Fire Foundation to provide financial support to Firefighters and their immediate families who suffer economic hardship as a result of illness, injury or death, as well as educational assistance to children of fallen Firefighters. The Foundation has already awarded several scholarships to support our Firefighters and their loved ones in pursuing their academic and professional goals.

There were also other extraordinary points of pride for UFLAC and the LAFD over the last decade, including UFLAC’s own Past President, Frank Lima, being elected to serve as the General Secretary-Treasurer of the International Association of Fire Fighters representing more than 334,000 professional Firefighters and Paramedics across the United States and Canada. As well as the historical appointment of Kristin Crowley, the first female and the first openly gay Fire Chief to lead the LAFD. And she took the reigns from Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas, LA’s first Latino Chief, who served with the Department for nearly 40 years.

UFLAC continues to thrive as a unified labor organization more committed than ever to its mission to lead the way to protect and advocate for the health, safety, working conditions, wages and benefits of our members and their families.

LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT YEAR IN REVIEW

United Firefighters of Los Angeles City

2015 LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT YEAR IN REVIEW

Firefighters of Los Angeles City

January 2 ATTIC FIRE

WEST HILLS - At 8:49AM, the LAFD responded to a reported structure fire in the 7400 block of Atherton Lane. 34 Firefighters located and extinguished an attic fire in 29 minutes with no injuries reported. Crews prevented the blaze from extending into the second floor and conducted salvage operations to provide protection for the contents of the rooms.

January 7 GREATER ALARM FIRE IN VACANT BUILDING

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - It took 79 members of the LAFD less than 45 minutes of defensive operations to extinguish a heavy fire in a vacant and boarded commercial building in the 6200 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard.

January 7

DRIVER KILLED WHEN SUV COLLIDES WITH HOME

SAN PEDRO - Despite the swift arrival of Firefighters, the driver of a compact sport utility vehicle died after their vehicle collided with an unoccupied parked car and then forcefully struck and entered a home at the intersection of 26th Street and Kerckhoff Avenue. Thankfully, the occupants of the home were not injured.

Leo Kaufman Leo Kaufman

Ismael Miranda

Raphael Richardson Raphael Richardson

January 8

FIRE DAMAGES VEHICLES

HYDE PARK - Firefighters quickly extinguished flames that damaged a pair of parked vehicles, but thankfully caused no injury, in the 7000 block of South 4th Avenue.

Justin Johnson

January 9 DOWNED PLANE STRUCK BY TRAIN

PACOIMA - A small single-engine airplane with only the pilot aboard crashed shortly after leaving Whiteman Airport, coming to rest near railroad tracks at the intersection of Osborne Street and San Fernando Road. Los Angeles Police Officers from the nearby Foothill Community Police Station quickly came to the pilot’s aid, pulling the man to safety from the damaged aircraft moments before a commuter train struck the plane. Firefighters contained the spilled fuel and rushed the patient to a regional trauma center.

January 9

FIRE DESTROYS HOME

SUN VALLEY - At 8:38PM, Firefighters responded to the 13300 block of Arminta Street for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire company found a singlefamily dwelling with heavy fire showing. 46 Firefighters extinguished the flames within 30 minutes. All four occupants exited the structure safely prior to LAFD arrival and no injuries were reported.

January 12 STRIP MALL DESTROYED

SHERMAN OAKS - At 10:48PM, Firefighters responded to a small strip mall with heavy smoke showing in the 15000 block of Ventura Boulevard. After an initial offensive attack, the incident transitioned to defensive, and 75 Firefighters extinguished the blaze in one hour and twenty minutes.

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows

Rick McClure

Rick McClure

James Hedlund-Kaiser

James Hedlund-Kaiser

January 18 STRIP MALL FIRE

VENICE - At 11:29PM, the LAFD responded to a structure fire in the 2800 block of Abbot Kinney Boulevard. It took 34 Firefighters 20 minutes to access, confine, and fully extinguish the blaze in one unit of the strip mall.

January 23 BLAZE DAMAGES CARS AND ATTIC

PANORAMA CITY - 34 Firefighters fully extinguished stubborn flames involving multiple automobiles that extended into the attic of a one-story home in the 14600 block of Gledhill Street in approximately 30 minutes. One LAPD officer was taken to an area hospital by Paramedics in fair condition for treatment of smoke inhalation.

January 30 PHYSICAL RESCUE

PACOIMA - At 10:29PM, the LAFD responded to a reported traffic accident in the 13000 block of Van Nuys Boulevard. Firefighters found a two-car collision with one patient entrapped and requiring extrication. A total of five patients were transported -two in critical condition and three with minor injuries.

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows

James Hedlund-Kaiser

Ismael Miranda

February 3 FIRE CONSUMES UNIFORM SUPPLY STORE

DOWNTOWN - It took the well-coordinated teamwork of more than 80 Firefighters a little over an hour to fully extinguish stubborn flames from an outside fire that consumed a uniform supply business located in a two-story strip mall in the Fashion District.

Chris Conkle

February 3 ENCAMPMENT FIRE

QUICKLY SNUFFED

DOWNTOWN - Crews made quick work of extinguishing a rubbish fire at a homeless encampment within the parking structure of a vacant commercial building located at 940 South Hill Street.

February 5 TRENCH RESCUE

SUN VALLEY - An emergency call at 10:13AM brought rescuers to 9031 El Dorado Avenue, including Firefighters uniquely trained to handle specialized Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) tasks. Two men working on a trenching project alongside a one-story home were trapped when portions of a concrete walkway suddenly gave way. One of the two individuals was able to free himself so First Responders worked methodically with specialty tools for nearly 80 minutes to skillfully free the man who was taken to a regional trauma center in serious but stable condition. Care and ambulance transportation to a local hospital was also provided to the other workers who suffered injuries.

February 5 HOUSE OF WORSHIP FIRE

WATTS - At 11:20AM, Firefighters responded to the 1700 block of South Santa Ana Boulevard to find an outside vegetation fire extending into a two-story house of worship. It took 76 Firefighters just 49 minutes to access, confine, and fully extinguish the flames.

Chris Conkle

Harry Garvin

Harry Garvin

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows

Shane Salzman

February 6

FIRE DAMAGES THREE UNITS

WEST LA - At 5:05PM, LAFD personnel responded to a two-story building with fire in one unit that spread to the attic in the 10600 block of Santa Monica Boulevard. Crews on the roof provided vertical ventilation allowing smoke and heated gases to escape. It took 30 Firefighters 26 minutes to extinguish the flames and the fire ultimately affected at least three units.

February 12 ONE DEAD, TWO CRITICALLY INJURED IN COLLISION

WOODLAND HILLS - Firefighters worked swiftly and skillfully to extricate two women trapped inside a vehicle and assist a third woman discovered outside the sedan that collided forcefully with a large tree on the corner of Dumetz Road and Topanga Canyon Boulevard. One of the women sadly proved beyond medical help and was determined dead at the scene, while the other two were taken by Paramedics to a regional trauma center in critical condition.

February 14

FIRE SWEEPS THROUGH OFFICE BUILDING

WINNETKA - It took 33 Firefighters just 28 minutes in offensive operations to access, contain, and fully extinguish stubborn flames in a two-story office building that had fire showing from both floors upon arrival. The fire was confined within one firstfloor unit and four conjoined units on the second floor where clear evidence was noted of a marijuana grow operation.

Gavin Spear

Gavin Spear

Brandon Taylor

Brandon Taylor

Brandon Taylor

February 21

AUTO FIRE

ARLETA - At 12:01AM, the LAFD responded to a reported traffic collision on the 5 Freeway at the 170 Freeway. Firefighters found a single car collision with the auto fully involved in fire. The driver self-extricated and was transported with non-lifethreatening injuries.

February 18

CREWS SAVE

COMMERCIAL BUILDING

DOWNTOWN - At 6:41AM, Fire Companies responded to a reported structure fire at 630 San Pedro Street to find heavy smoke showing from a two-story commercial building. Truck Companies headed to the roof for ventilation efforts while Firefighters conducted forcible entry and deployed an interior fire attack. Over 100 Firefighters extinguished the blaze in 43 minutes, holding the fire to the building of origin and defending the adjoining business from damage.

February 19

CLIFFSIDE BODY RECOVERY

SAN PEDRO - At 10:55AM, Firefighters responded to a cliff rescue at Point Fermin. Crews located an approximately 20-year-old female about 100 feet down the cliff and determined she was deceased on scene. They assisted law enforcement with a body recovery operation using a litter basket off the aerial ladder. One Firefighter was injured while descending the cliff to reach the patient and was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Raphael Richardson

Raphael Richardson

Yvonne Griffin

Ismael Miranda

Ismael Miranda

February 25 CREWS EXTINGUISH RV FIRE

SYLMAR - At 8:30PM, Crews responded to the 15000 block of West Oswald Street to find a parked RV engulfed in flames. Firefighters quickly deployed hose lines and extinguished the fire.

February 22 FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE MAJOR EMERGENCY FIRE

DOWNTOWN - More than 170 Firefighters fiercely battled stubborn flames for more than an hour when a Major Emergency structure fire consumed the rear portion of a two-story commercial building located at 1120 South Main Street.

Chris Conkle

Chris Conkle Chris Conkle

Chris Conkle

Ismael Miranda

February 27 SHEARED HYDRANT

SYLMAR - At 3:34PM, Firefighters responded to the 13000 block of Bradley Avenue for a reported traffic collision involving a fire hydrant. Crews arrived and ensured there were no injuries to the car occupant and shut off the hydrant.

February 27

STRUCTURE FIRE

PANORAMA CITY - At 5:35PM, Fire personnel responded to the 9400 block of Cedros Avenue for a reported structure fire to find a single-family dwelling with heavy fire showing. 29 Firefighters fully extinguished the fire, which was primarily in the attic, in 31 minutes with no injuries reported.

February 27

GARAGE FIRE

SOUTH LA - At 8:06PM, Firefighters responded to a reported structure fire in the 6700 block of 7th Avenue. Crews arrived to find fire showing from a detached garage with one additional building exposed. 28 Firefighters extinguished the blaze in 11 minutes with no injuries reported.

Ismael Miranda

Austin Gebhardt

Justin Johnson

February 28 HOME DESTROYED IN EARLY MORNING FIRE

SHERMAN OAKS - At 5:39AM, Crews responded to a two-story, single-family dwelling with fire showing through the roof in the 13300 block of Chandler Boulevard. Over 80 Firefighters made an aggressive offensive attack but the well-developed flames on the second floor caused a partial roof collapse and extended down into the floor, causing it to burn through. The fire was fully extinguished in one hour and 12 minutes.

Austin Gebhardt

Austin Gebhardt

Austin Gebhardt

March 2 CREWS SWIFTLY EXTINGUISH HOUSE FIRE

PANORAMA CITY - It took 30 Firefighters less than 25 minutes to access, confine, and fully extinguish a non-injury fire involving a one-story home in the 8900 block of Colbath Avenue.

March

1

KRISTIN CROWLEY NAMED FIRE CHIEF IN HISTORIC APPOINTMENT

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously confirmed the appointment of Deputy Chief Kristin Crowley to be the first woman to lead the LAFD. Chief Crowley is the 19th Fire Chief and the first female, the first openly gay, and the first paramedic to hold the post. As a 22-year veteran of the Department, Chief Crowley has served as a Firefighter, Paramedic, Engineer, Fire Inspector, Captain I, Captain II, Battalion Chief, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, Chief Deputy, and now Fire Chief. In the midst of enormous challenges, UFLAC welcomed the historic appointment of Chief Crowley and the opportunity to work with her for the betterment of the rank-and-file members of the LAFD.

Rick McClure

Rick McClure

March 10

COMMERCIAL FIRE

DOWNTOWN - At 8:42AM, Firefighters responded to a structure fire at 720 Ceres Avenue. The first arriving fire company found a one-story commercial building with smoke showing and as Firefighters worked to gain entry into the building, the conditions worsened with thick black smoke severely limiting visibility. Over 90 Firefighters achieved a knockdown in 40 minutes with no injuries reported. The Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) responded to investigate the fire.

Gary Apodaca

Gary Apodaca

Gary Apodaca

Gary Apodaca

Gary Apodaca

March 10 CLIFF RESCUE

SAN PEDRO - At 12:10PM, Crews responded to a reported cliff rescue at Point Fermin and located a female patient in critical condition, approximately 100 feet down the cliff. Air Ops conducted a hoist operation and transported the patient to the hospital.

March 12 INJURED HIKER AIRLIFTED

STUDIO CITY - The LAFD responded by land and air to assist an adult female hiker who sustained an apparent ankle fracture from a fall on a remote trail within Fryman Canyon Park. Crews hiked into the 122-acre urban wilderness to treat and stabilize the woman’s injury and were assisted by the hovering rescue helicopter which gently hoisted the woman aboard for in-flight care during transport to an area hospital.

March 13

BRUSH FIRE HELD TO FOUR ACRES

HANSEN DAM - Crews responded to a brush fire at 9:33PM in the 10400 block of North Glenoaks Boulevard. 124 LAFD Firefighters, assisted by two LACoFD Hand Crews, fully contained the blaze to a total of four acres in just one hour and 39 minutes.

Raphael Richardson Raphael Richardson

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows

Brandon Taylor

Brandon Taylor

March 14

FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE INJURED HIKER

CHATSWORTH - Fire personnel responded by land and air to assist an adult male hiker who sustained injuries reportedly from a fall near Stoney Point. Rescuers hiked into the rocks and were soon assisted by Air Ops who gently hoisted the man aboard for in-flight care during transport to an area hospital.

March 16

RESIDENTIAL FIRE DAMAGES THREE STRUCTURES

CANOGA PARK - At 2:49PM, Crews responded to a structure fire in the 7300 block of Loma Verde Avenue. Firefighters found heavy fire coming from a single-family home, which had spread to a neighboring residence. Ultimately, it took 39 Firefighters 31 minutes to eliminate all threat of fire in the area. Sadly, one family canine perished in the blaze.

March 18 TRENCH RESCUE

STUDIO CITY - At 2:03PM, Firefighters responded to the 10800 block of Bluffside Drive for a reported trench rescue. Crews safely removed two adult male workers who were covered to their waist with dirt and both patients were transported to the hospital in fair condition.

Mark Lassman

Jacob Salzman Jacob Salzman

Austin Gebhardt

Austin Gebhardt

Mark Lassman

March 18

RETAIL FIRE

PANORAMA CITY - At 6:22PM, Firefighters responded to 8333 Van Nuys Boulevard to find a large commercial building with an evacuation underway. Upon entering the building, Crews located a fire on the second-floor retail area. Ultimately, over 70 Firefighters fully extinguished the flames in 53 minutes.

March 19

PUBLIC STORAGE FIRE

SYLMAR - At 6:58AM, Firefighters responded to the 12600 block of Foothill Boulevard for a reported structure fire. The first arriving company found a two-story storage complex with heavy smoke showing. Over 80 Firefighters extinguished the blaze in 43 minutes with no injuries reported.

March 21 TRAPPED DRIVER EXTRICATED

CHESTERFIELD SQUARECrews swiftly extricated the trapped driver of a compact coupe that overturned in the 5900 block of South Van Ness Avenue.

Austin Gebhardt

Austin Gebhardt

Austin Gebhardt

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows

Justin Johnson

March 21 EXCAVATION RESCUE

BELL CANYON - The LAFD responded in automatic aid to the remote Ventura County community to assist the Ventura County Fire Department in their rescue of an adult male worker who had fallen into a narrow shaft at a construction site. Responders from the two agencies, including Urban Search and Rescue specialists, worked closely to perform a successful rope rescue of the trapped man. He was taken to an area hospital by ambulance.

March 26

VEHICLE INTO THE WASH

MISSION HILLS - At 8:20PM, Crews responded to a reported physical rescue in the 14800 block of San Fernando Mission Boulevard. Firefighters located one vehicle in the wash with two occupants. One person required extrication and a litter basket operation was used to bring the patient to the surface for transportation to the hospital.

March 22

FIRE CONSUMES VACANT HOME

MISSION HILLS - It took 26 Firefighters less than 15 minutes to access, confine, and fully extinguish a well involved fire at a vacant home in the 10000 block of Lemona Avenue.

Ismael Miranda

Brandon Taylor Leo Kaufman

Rick McClure

Rick McClure

March 28 THREE WATER RESCUES

LA RIVER - At 2:13PM, the LAFD responded to reports of a woman and a dog in the LA River. Firefighters staged at multiple, pre-designated locations along the river until visual contact was made. Air Ops moved into place and a Firefighter was lowered by the hoist system, rescuing the woman and bringing her to safety. A 28-year-old male bystander entered the water to try and rescue the dog, but the current was too strong. Air Ops began a second operation to rescue the man who was then transported to the hospital for injuries. The dog made it downstream where he was captured by the Swift Water Rescue Team and eventually reunited with its owner.

Austin Gebhardt

Austin Gebhardt

Austin Gebhardt

Austin Gebhardt

March 29

MULTIPLE BUSINESSES SAVED

PACOIMA - At 9:08PM, the LAFD responded to a reported structure fire in the 13200 block of Van Nuys Boulevard. The first arriving fire company found a row of commercial units with flames showing through the roof. The bulk of the fire was at the rear of one of the units where excessive storage conditions forced crews to make entry and conduct fire attack from the back. Over 70 Firefighters extinguished the blaze in 42 minutes with minimal damage to the adjoining businesses.

Ismael Miranda

Ismael Miranda

Rick McClure

April 2 FIREFIGHTERS DOUSE RV FIRE

SOUTH PARK - At 11:19PM, Firefighters responded to the 300 block of East 58th Street to find an RV with fire showing and were able to quickly extinguish the flames without injury.

April 4 VEHICLE DOWN EMBANKMENT

CHATSWORTH - At 1:44AM, Firefighters responded to the 8900 block of Valley Circle Boulevard for reports of a vehicle over the side. Crews located a car approximately 100 feet down an embankment, but after an extensive search of the area by both ground and air, rescuers did not locate anyone.

Raphael Richardson

Leo Kaufman

Leo Kaufman

April 17

CREWS FREE TRAPPED DRIVER

SLYMAR - Firefighters worked quickly to free the trapped and critically injured driver of a compact sedan after he collided with the rear of a semi-trailer on the 5 Freeway north of the 405 Freeway interchange. The driver of the big rig was also taken to the hospital for medical assessment.

April 20

SMALL PLANE CRASH KILLS ONE

SLYMAR - At 12:29PM, the LAFD responded to a reported plane down on the 210 Freeway at Hubbard Street. Firefighters arrived to find a severely damaged small plane and immediately began searching the wreckage for a patient while also building a berm to contain a small fuel leak. One patient was located within the plane and sadly determined dead on scene.

April 22 COMMERCIAL FIRE

SUN VALLEY - At 3:13PM, Firefighters responded to the 8200 block of San Fernando Road to find a vacant commercial building with fire showing. 43 Firefighters extinguished the fire in 20 minutes with no injuries reported.

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows

Rick McClure Rick McClure

April 24

CREWS CONTAIN VEGETATION FIRE

SUN VALLEY - Firefighters quickly extinguished stubborn flames near a homeless encampment that consumed vegetation and debris alongside the 5 Freeway at Sunland Boulevard. Thankfully no injuries were reported.

April 26

GREATER ALARM

FIRE PREVENTED FROM SPREADING

DOWNTOWN - It took 103 Firefighters less than one hour and 15 minutes in defensive operations to fully extinguish heavy fire that raced through a vacant commercial building located at 1120 South Main Street. Crews prevented flames at the previously burned structure from extending to nearby businesses or causing any injury.

April 22 LITTER BASKET OPERATION

VAN NUYS - At 9:10PM, Crews responded to the 7900 block of Sepulveda Boulevard for reports of a person injured on raised train tracks. Firefighters located an adult female patient with non-life-threatening injuries and conducted a litter basket operation to bring her to safety.

Rick McClure

Rick McClure

Justin Johnson

Justin Johnson

Justin Johnson

Rick McClure

May 1 FIRE DESTROYS BUSINESS

DOWNTOWN - At 3:42AM, Firefighters responded to 1325 Los Angeles Street for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire company found heavy flames showing from a two-story building full of textiles. The fire burned through the roof and caused a partial collapse. Ultimately, 134 Firefighters achieved a knockdown in two hours and four minutes with no injuries reported.

Yvonne Griffin

Yvonne Griffin

Yvonne Griffin

Yvonne Griffin

May 6 PICKUP GOES UP IN FLAMES

SOUTH PARK - Firefighters quickly extinguished flames that engulfed an unoccupied vehicle in the 300 block of West 58th Street.

May 7

FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE ONE FROM OVERTURNED VEHICLE

CANOGA PARK - Crews responded to a physical rescue at the intersection of Vanowen Street and Owensmouth Avenue to find one patient trapped in an overturned SUV. Firefighters quickly extricated the victim and transported them to a local hospital.

Jake Asner

Leo Kaufman

May 7 FIREFIGHTERS

DOUSE ENGULFED RV

CHESTERFIELD SQUARE - Firefighters responded to the 1800 block of West 62nd Street to find an RV with flames showing. Crews quickly extinguished the blaze without injury.

Justin Johnson

May 9 BRUSH FIRE HELD TO 15 ACRES

HANSEN DAM - The LAFD responded to a brush fire at 3:50PM in the 11700 block of West Foothill Boulevard. Despite light-to-moderate winds, a well-coordinated air attack combined with a relentless ground-based offense with firefighting handlines and hand tools by LAFD personnel, assisted by LACoFD, contained the fire to a total of approximately 15 acres of brush in two hours and 10 minutes.

AIR OPERATIONS STATS

Austin Gebhardt

Austin Gebhardt Austin Gebhardt

Mike Meadows

Austin Gebhardt

May 9

GREATER ALARM STRUCTURE FIRE

WOODLAND HILLS - At 11:40PM, Crews responded to the 6400 block of Independence Avenue to find heavy smoke showing from a commercial building. 74 Firefighters extinguished the fire in 69 minutes with no injuries reported. The Arson Unit responded to investigate the cause of the fire.

STRUCTURE FIRE LOSS $220,096,761

Jake Asner

Leo Kaufman

Brandon Taylor

Brandon Taylor

May 11

CLIFF RESCUE

HOLLYWOOD HILLS - At 6:57PM, Firefighters responded to the 7750 block of Mulholland Drive for a reported vehicle over the cliffside. Air Ops directed groundbased Firefighters to a single vehicle over the side with one patient entrapped. Crews established a two-line rope system to descend the hill with extrication equipment. Once the patient was freed from the wreckage, Air Ops conducted a hoist operation and transported the patient in critical condition.

May 13

LAFD QUELLS VEGETATION FIRE

SHERMAN OAKS - It took 29 Firefighters just 22 minutes to access, confine, and fully extinguish fast-moving flames among thick vegetation in the 12900 block of Magnolia Boulevard. Crews prevented the fire from damaging a pair of adjacent homes and nearby businesses.

May 13

FIREWORKS START WIND-DRIVEN WILDFIRE

GRANADA HILLS - The well-coordinated effort of 73 Firefighters stopped a wind-driven wildfire adjacent to the 118 Freeway at Hayvenhurst Avenue, preventing damage to any structures. The blaze was started by fireworks purposefully discharged from a vehicle.

Henry Berkson

Rick McClure

Mike Meadows

Greg Doyle

May 14

WILDFIRE SWEEPS STEEP HILLSIDES

LAKE VIEW TERRACE - The LAFD responded by ground and air, joined by Firefighters from LA County and Angeles National Forest, to swiftly manage a wildfire near the three agencies’ border. The blaze was held to a little over eight acres and no homes were damaged.

May 15

FIRE DAMAGES CHURCH

PACOIMA - It took 71 Firefighters a little more than an hour to stop a fast-moving outdoor rubbish fire that extended into and heavily damaged a one-story church in the 10200 block of San Fernando Road.

Ismael Miranda Ismael Miranda

Austin Gebhardt

Mike Meadows

May 15

FIREFIGHTERS KEEP WILDFIRE FROM DAMAGING HOMES

PORTER RANCH - At 3:20PM, 140 Firefighters responded to a brush fire in the 11200 block of Porter Ranch Drive and held the fire to just over four acres in an operation that lasted overnight. Hand Crews from the LA County Fire Department and Angeles National Forest assisted with containment.

May 17

FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE BRUSH FIRE NEAR OBSERVATORY

LOZ FELIZ - At 2:43PM, Firefighters battled a blaze in medium brush burning uphill near the Griffith Observatory. Three water-dropping helicopters focused their efforts on the edge of the fire nearest the Observatory, while ground units flanked both sides. 92 Firefighters stopped forward progress of the wildfire at approximately six acres in just over one hour, saving the iconic landmark.

May 17

PATIENT TRANSPORTED BY AIR AFTER LONG FALL

PORTER RANCH - Ground and air crews worked together to locate, treat, and transport a 20-year-old male who fell over 200 feet down an embankment in the 19000 block of West Braemore Road at 10:59PM. Air Ops transported the patient to a local trauma center in critical condition.

Ismael Miranda

Ismael Miranda

Henry Berkson

Greg Doyle Greg Doyle

Henry Berkson

May 19

COMMERCIAL FIRE KILLS ONE

HOLLYWOOD - At 5:42PM, Crews responded to the 6600 block of Lexington Avenue to find a two-story commercial building with smoke showing. The industrial building housed multiple recording studios, creating a very compartmentalized layout that was extremely challenging to navigate in zero visibility. 78 Firefighters battled the intense fire, extinguishing the flames within 51 minutes. Two patients with smoke-related respiratory symptoms were treated at the scene by Firefighter-Paramedics. Tragically, one person was found deceased in the structure.

May 20

FIREFIGHTERS DOUSE TRAILER FIRE

PACOIMA - Firefighters responded to the 11900 block of Borden Avenue to find an RV with fire showing and quickly extinguished the flames without injury.

Henry Berkson Henry Berkson

Henry Berkson

Ismael Miranda

May 22

CREWS RESCUE TWO TRAPPED IN COLLISION

WEST HILLS - Firefighters quickly extricated two seriously injured persons trapped in their vehicles following a collision at the intersection of Platt Avenue and Vanowen Street.

May 23

THREE FIRE DEPARTMENTS QUICKLY TAME WILDFIRE

CHATSWORTH - Swift, bold, and well-coordinated action by ground and air units from the LAFD, LA County Fire Department, and Ventura County Fire Department quickly brought control of a two-acre fire that erupted in the rocky terrain of Chatsworth Park North, considered a mutual threat zone by the three agencies.

May 28

GREATER ALARM FIRE

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - At 5:09PM, Firefighters responded to the 6800 block of Troost Avenue for a reported structure fire and found a one-story commercial building with fire showing. Crews immediately initiated an offensive operation with interior fire attack and truck companies on the roof performed vertical ventilation. Approximately 20 minutes into the incident, a partial roof collapse triggered the transition to a defensive operation. Over 80 Firefighters extinguished the blaze in one hour and 46 minutes.

Brandon Taylor Adam VanGerpen

Mike Meadows Mike Meadows

June 1

RV FIRE QUICKLY QUENCHED

LAKE VIEW TERRACE - Thanks to a prompt call to 911, Firefighters and Engine 24 were able to quickly extinguish a burning motorhome parked in the 10200 block of Foothill Boulevard.

June 1

VACANT HOUSE FIRE

EAST HOLLYWOOD - It took 70 members of the LAFD just 30 minutes of defensive firefighting operations to access, confine, and fully extinguish a vacant and boarded home located at 779 North Alexandria Avenue that was fully involved with fire.

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows

Ismael Miranda

Harry Garvin

June 10 FIRE CONSUMES VACANT HOME

KOREATOWN - Despite near triple-digit heat in the region, the well-coordinated effort of 110 Firefighters took 52 minutes to fully extinguish heavy fire on both floors and within the attic of a vacant 107-yearold craftsman-style home at 936 South Fedora Street. Two Firefighters were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Gary Apodaca

Gary Apodaca

Harry Garvin

Gary Apodaca Harry Garvin

June 21

FIREFIGHTERS EXTINGUISH GARAGE FIRE

ARLETA - Firefighters responded to the 12800 block of Tonopah Street at 11:47AM to find a garage fire spreading to a vacant home. It took 29 Firefighters 23 minutes to extinguish the flames.

June 23

FIREFIGHTERS DEFEND HOMES FROM FAST-MOVING GRASS FIRE

SYLMAR - Crews responded to a brush fire at 1:54PM in the 15200 block of Lakeside Street where Firefighters initially found medium brush on fire. Fueled by winds, flames quickly spread across several acres of grass, threatening surrounding neighborhoods. Over 100 LAFD Firefighters responded by ground and air, along with Crew 3 and CERT Teams as well as personnel from the LA County Fire Department, to stop all forward progress in one hour and 40 minutes. The fire burned a total of 28 acres of vegetation but did not damage any of the nearby homes.

June 21

FLAMES BURN THROUGH GARAGE AND ATTIC

WEST HILLS - Firefighters responded to the 7800 block of Vicky Avenue to find an attached garage on fire, spreading to the main living quarters through the attic. It took 32 Firefighters 22 minutes to extinguish the flames.

Greg Doyle

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows

Brandon Taylor

Brandon Taylor

June 24 BRUSH FIRE HELD TO 16 ACRES

HANSEN DAM - At 3:17PM, Firefighters responded to the 12000 block of Montague Street for a reported brush fire. Crews worked for over six hours to contain the fire to approximately 16 acres with no structures damaged and no injuries reported.

June 26 LAFD SWIFTLY SUBDUES CAR FIRE

EXPOSITION PARK - Engine Company 46 quickly extinguished a non-injury fire involving an abandoned vehicle in the 4800 block of Flower Street.

Justin Johnson

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows

July 3

MAJOR EMERGENCY STRUCTURE FIRE

WOODLAND HILLS - At 9:10PM, Crews responded to the 6000 block of De Soto Avenue and found a large, vacant commercial building with heavy fire showing through the roof. With multiple ladder pipes flowing and large diameter hand lines deployed around the structure, Firefighters battled for over an hour to quell the blaze.

Brandon Taylor

Leo Kaufman

Leo Kaufman

Greg Doyle Brandon Taylor

Leo Kaufman

July 3

FIRE DAMAGES WOOD-WORKING BUSINESS

SOUTH LA - At 9:29AM, Firefighters were dispatched to 352 Slauson Avenue for a reported fire at a one-story commercial building. Crews had the blaze out within 22 minutes of their arrival with no injuries reported.

July 4

FIRE DESTROYS VEHICLES

SUN VALLEY - At 5:20PM, Firefighters responded to the 13400 block of Saticoy Street and found an outside fire involving pallets and vehicles. The blaze was extinguished in 37 minutes with no injuries reported and no structures damaged.

Yvonne Griffin Yvonne Griffin

Mike Meadows Mike Meadows

July 5

CREWS CONTAIN GARAGE FIRE

VERMONT SQUARE – At 9:46PM, the LAFD was summoned to 1646 51st Place where they found flames coming from a garage. It took 26 Firefighters 12 minutes to knock down the blaze with no injuries reported.

July 6 FATALITY COLLISION

July 8

FLAMES DESTROY VACANT BUILDING

MANCHESTER SQUAREIt took more than 80 members of the LAFD less than an hour of wellcoordinated defensive firefighting operations to fully extinguish an intense Greater Alarm fire that consumed a vacant commercial building located at 8212 Western Avenue.

WINNETKA - One person died, and two others were injured when a pair of cars collided at the intersection of Parthenia Street and Winnetka Avenue. Firefighters arrived quickly to find one vehicle overturned with two males trapped in the car, one of whom sustained a fatal injury. The other trapped man was swiftly freed and taken by ambulance to a regional trauma center in critical condition.

Jacob Salzman Yvonne Griffin

James Hedlund-Kaiser

James Hedlund-Kaiser

July 13

THEATER GOES UP IN FLAMES

HOLLYWOOD - Crews responded to the 1400 block of Las Palmas Avenue at 8:57AM to find a vacant theater built in 1905 with smoke showing. Firefighters deployed hose lines, heavy streams, and ladder pipes from the exterior of the building and on an adjacent rooftop, extinguishing the blaze in just under two hours.

Gary Apodaca

Gary Apodaca

Gary Apodaca

July 16 INJURED HIKER HOISTED TO SAFETY

STUDIO CITY - LAFD personnel responded by ground and air to aid a fallen hiker in a remote section of Fryman Canyon Park. The man who sustained a serious ankle injury was medically stabilized by flight Paramedics before being hoisted aboard the aircraft for in-flight care during direct transport to a regional trauma center.

July 23

BOBCAT ROLLOVER

CHATSWORTH - At 7:25AM, Crews responded to a reported rollover traffic collision in the 20300 block of Willoughby Lane. Firefighters extricated the driver of a Bobcat that had rolled down an embankment. The patient was transported with non-life-threatening injuries.

July 31

SHEARED HYDRANT

CANOGA PARK - At 1:22AM, Firefighters responded to the 22200 block of Roscoe Boulevard for a reported traffic collision with a sheared hydrant. There were no injuries reported.

Mike Meadows

Jacob Salzman Leo Kaufman

August 1

DRIVER KILLED IN VEHICLE OFF HILLSIDE

CHATSWORTH - At 3:17PM, Crews responded to and located one vehicle down the hillside in the 23600 block of Woolsey Canyon Road. The driver was ejected and determined dead on scene. The incident transitioned to a law enforcement lead with LAFD assisting in body recovery.

August 4

DRIVER FLEES AFTER STRIKING HYDRANT

PACOIMA - The driver of a sedan that sheared a fire hydrant at the intersection of San Fernando Road and Desmond Street fled the scene prior to the arrival of Firefighters. Crews were able to stop the geyser.

August 7 SHEARED HYDRANT

PACOIMA - At 9:30PM, Crews responded to a reported traffic collision in the 12600 block of Paxton Street. Firefighters found a sheared hydrant and shut down the valve. There were no injuries reported.

Mark Lassman

Kian Khorrami

Ismael Miranda

Ismael Miranda

August 12

STUBBORN FIRE CONSUMES HALF ACRE

STUDIO CITY - It took 20 members of the LAFD using hand tools and hose lines more than two hours to safely access, confine, and fully extinguish a half-acre of stubborn flames in deep vegetation and debris at the Hollywood and Ventura Freeway interchange.

August 13

LAFD QUICKLY CURTAILS WILDFIRE

LAKE BALBOA - Crews responded quickly by ground and air to tackle flames that extended into thick brush and vegetation at the west end of the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area.

Greg Doyle

Ismael Miranda

Mike Meadows Mike Meadows

August 16 BRUSH FIRE HELD TO TWO ACRES

CHATSWORTH - Crews responded to a brush fire near De Soto Avenue and the 118 Freeway at 1:31PM. Over 90 Firefighters supported by the LA County Fire Department, LAFD CERT volunteers, and the LAFD Crew 3 volunteer hand crew battled by ground and air for almost two hours in nearly triple-digit temperatures to keep the affected area to approximately two acres.

August 21

MAJOR EMERGENCY FIRE CAUSES WIDESPREAD SMOKE ODOR

DOWNTOWN - A Major Emergency structure fire consumed a large flooring business causing a strong and persistent smoke odor to linger across the greater Los Angeles area for more than two days. The fire was reported at 2:57AM, bringing more than 150 responders to a commercial building at 1228 South Compton Avenue. The non-injury fire was brought under control in 83 minutes.

Mark Lassman

James Hedlund-Kaiser

Harry Garvin

Harry Garvin

Mike Meadows

August 23

AUTO ACCIDENT EXTRICATION

WEST HILLS – Crews responded to a traffic collision with entrapment at 6:40PM in the 23200 block of Vanowen Street. Firefighters conducted a vehicle extrication and transported one patient to a local hospital.

August 23

FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE IN THICK SMOKE

VALLEY GLEN – Fire Crews responded to the 6500 block of Mary Ellen Avenue at 4:52PM to find a home with very heavy black smoke showing. 58 Firefighters battled for 44 minutes in the very hot and extraordinarily smoky structure to extinguish the flames. One civilian with non-life-threatening injuries and two Firefighters with heat exhaustion were transported to the hospital during the incident.

Brandon Taylor

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows Mike Meadows

August 27 BRUSH FIRE HELD TO 10 ACRES

CHATSWORTH - At 2:32PM, Firefighters responded to the 118 Freeway at De Soto Avenue for a one-acre brush fire burning under light wind conditions. The LA County Fire Department also sent a full brush response to include a water-dropping helicopter. Full containment was achieved in just under two hours.

Mike Meadows Brandon Taylor

Brandon Taylor

Brandon Taylor

August 27 ACCIDENTAL FIRE DAMAGES HOME

SHERMAN OAKS - It took 28 members of the LAFD less than 25 minutes to access, confine, and fully extinguish a non-injury fire in the living room and attic of a one-story home in the 5500 block of Greenbush Avenue.

August 29 HEAD-ON CRASH

WOODLAND HILLS - Crews responded to a physical rescue at 11:34PM in the 20500 block of Victory Boulevard to find two vehicles which collided head-on, trapping one person in each car. A patient in one of the vehicles was deceased on scene and Firefighters extricated and transported the second patient in grave condition.

Ismael Miranda Ismael Miranda

Brandon Taylor

September 5 CREWS BATTLE MAJOR EMERGENCY STRUCTURE FIRE

BOYLE HEIGHTS - Fire personnel arrived at the 2800 block of East 11th Street at 2:12PM to find an already well-developed fire inside a row of commercial buildings. Over 180 Firefighters battled stubborn flames for two hours until it was declared extinguished at 4:12PM. Four Firefighters sustained non-lifethreatening injuries, one was struck by falling debris and three others encountered an electrical hazard. All were transported to a local hospital and released later in the day.

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows

September 11 CHURCH BLAZE SENDS FIREFIGHTERS TO HOSPITAL

SOUTH PARK - Approximately 150 Firefighters were called to the 4800 block of McKinley Avenue and found smoke coming from a church. Approximately 30 minutes after the arrival of Firefighters, there was a structural collapse inside, trapping several LAFD members. Two consecutive MAYDAY calls were put out on the radio alerting the fire ground of trapped Firefighters. Nearby Crews quickly effected a rescue of three members. One was transported immediately to a local hospital in moderate condition, while a second finished battling the fire and was transported in fair condition after the flames were declared to be knocked down. The third followed up with care on his own after the incident. It took one hour and 40 minutes to extinguish the flames and Firefighters remained working throughout the day to continue uncovering smoldering debris in the rubble. LAFD’s House of Worship Task Force and Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section conducted an investigation of the incident.

Harry Garvin

Harry Garvin

September 16

CREWS AID STRANDED HIKERS

CHATSWORTH - Rescuers responded by ground and air shortly after sunset to assist two young adult male hikers stranded at dusk in the hazardous and rocky terrain of Stoney Point Park. The Firefighters were able to skillfully rescue and escort the uninjured pair from the popular climbing site.

September 17 MAJOR EMERGENCY FIRE

PALMS - Firefighters battled a Major Emergency structure fire that led to the death of several pet cats and sent one Firefighter to the hospital. At 5:44AM, 124 members of the LAFD engaged in an intense firefight at a row of 15 businesses in the 9000 block of Venice Boulevard. Firefighters forced entry into and searched the many businesses, including a feline boarding facility, where many cats were sadly beyond medical help. The flames were fully extinguished in 73 minutes and one Firefighter was taken to an area hospital in the midst of the operation in fair condition.

Harry Garvin

Harry Garvin

Leo Kaufman Leo Kaufman

September 21 BRUSH FIRE CONSUMES OVER 100 ACRES

SHADOW HILLS - At 1:03PM, Firefighters quickly responded to a brush fire in the hills north of La Tuna Canyon Road. A well-coordinated ground and air assault slowed the forward progress of the fire in a matter of hours. During the swift mutual aid response from five agencies, including the LA County Fire Department, US Forest Service, Burbank Fire Department, and Glendale Fire Department, Firefighters contained the blaze at just over 100 acres.

Austin Gebhardt

Mike Meadows

Brandon Taylor

Brandon Taylor

September 28 CREWS EXTINGUISH HOUSE FIRE

PACOIMA - It took 24 Firefighters 19 minutes to extinguish a fully involved house in the 10300 block of Rincon Avenue, successfully defending the neighboring structures despite live wires down and a roof collapse at the site of a previous burn.

September 29 FIRE BREAKS OUT AT VACANT HOME

WOODLAND HILLS - It took 28 Firefighters 35 minutes to extinguish a fully involved vacant home in the 22200 block of Mulholland Drive.

Ismael Miranda

Ismael Miranda Ismael Miranda

Brandon Taylor Brandon Taylor

October 2 BLAZE DESTROYS TWO HOMES

VENICE - At 10:44PM, Crews responded to a structure fire in the 400 block of Carroll Canal and found a three-story home under construction fully involved in flames, exposing adjacent buildings. Over 100 Firefighters battled for one hour and 20 minutes to extinguish the blaze. Two homes were destroyed while three additional houses sustained damage. The Arson Unit responded to investigate the incident.

Jacob Valin

Jacob Valin Jacob Valin

October 3

FIRE CONSUMES VACANT HOME

LINCOLN HEIGHTS - It took 36 Firefighters less than 30 minutes to access, confine, and fully extinguish flames that consumed a vacant two-story home in the 2600 block of Pasadena Avenue. The non-injury fire was determined to be an intentional act.

Jacob Valin

GREATER ALARM

FIRE INJURES TWO FIREFIGHTERS

BOYLE HEIGHTS - It took 97 members of the LAFD less than 90 minutes in largely defensive operations to extinguish flames that quickly spread throughout a vacant former bank building at 1308 Soto Street. Two Firefighters sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to an area hospital in fair condition.

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows

October 12 OVER 30 BUSINESSES SAVED

VAN NUYS - At 2:44PM, Firefighters responded to a structure fire at 7056 Van Nuys Boulevard and found a vacant commercial building well involved in fire. After initially deploying an offensive fire attack, the incident quickly transitioned to a defensive operation. The combination of hand lines, ladder-pipes, RS3, and the team of approximately 85 Firefighters fully extinguished the blaze in about four hours. One Firefighter was transported to the hospital in fair condition with heat exhaustion, but no other injuries were reported.

ARSON STATS

Investigations 621

Arrests 164

Total Responses 2,165

Garet Jatsek

Garet Jatsek

Garet Jatsek

Garet Jatsek

Greg Doyle

Greg Doyle

Greg Doyle

October 19

FREEWAY COLLISION PROVES DEADLY

WOODLAND HILLS - A woman died, and a man was seriously injured when their SUV overturned and tumbled down an embankment after reportedly colliding with the freeway’s center divider and a big rig truck on the 101 Freeway near Shoup Avenue. Firefighter/ Paramedics treated and transported the injured man to a regional trauma center and worked with the Heavy Rescue unit to recover the woman’s remains.

October 16

LAFD AND SMFD HOLD BRUSH FIRE TO TWO ACRES

PACIFIC PALISADES - The LAFD responded by ground and air, working with units from the nearby Santa Monica Fire Department, to quickly confine and extinguish a fire that consumed two acres of heavy brush on a steep hillside near the 15000 block of Corona del Mar.

October 19

FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE CAT

MID-CITY - At 5:19PM, Firefighters arrived at the 5100 block of Pickford Avenue to find smoke showing from one downstairs unit of an eight-unit apartment building. Despite heat, thick smoke, and excessive storage, Firefighters were able to rescue and resuscitate one pet cat. 29 Firefighters extinguished the blaze in less than eight minutes.

Brandon Taylor

Brandon Taylor

LAFD

October 22 CREWS RESPOND TO FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION

PORTER RANCH - The LAFD responded to a three-vehicle collision in the 11000 block of Reseda Boulevard that resulted in two deaths and eight people injured.

October 24 FLAMES CONSUME GARAGE

LAKE VIEW TERRACE - It took 28 Firefighters 22 minutes to fully extinguish flames that consumed an attached garage at the front of a one-story home in the 11200 block of Wheatland Avenue.

Ismael Miranda Ismael Miranda

Mike Meadows Mike Meadows

October 26 ABANDONED RESTAURANT GOES UP IN FLAMES

NORTH HOLLYWOOD – Firefighters were summoned to a Greater Alarm structure fire at 6261 North Laurel Canyon Boulevard to discover heavy smoke coming from a vacant commercial building. As the fire rapidly developed and flames burst through the roof, several additional task forces were requested. Over 100 LAFD personnel were able to extinguish the flames in two hours and five minutes, without injury.

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows

October 26 VACANT COMMERCIAL BUILDING DESTROYED

DOWNTOWN - At 7:33PM, Crews responded to the 200 block of East 3rd Street to find a well-developed fire inside a large vacant commercial building. It took the relentless effort of over 130 Firefighters to control the Major Emergency blaze, which consumed the three-story structure. An official knockdown was not declared for a couple of days.

Chris Conkle

November 1

FIERY CRASH KILLS TWO

WOODLAND HILLS - A man and his teenage son died when their coupe caught fire after being forcefully struck by a sedan in the 23100 block of Mulholland Drive. The uninjured driver of the sedan was taken into police custody.

Brandon Taylor

November 3

CREWS TACKLE TRASH TRUCK FIRE

NORTHRIDGEFirefighters quickly extinguished a municipal trash truck well involved with fire at the intersection of Nordhoff Street and Zelzah Avenue. No one was injured in the blaze.

November 3

CARGO TRUCK FIRE

PACOIMA - Crews swiftly extinguished a non-injury cargo truck fire on the shoulder of the 5 Freeway north of Osborne Street.

Greg Doyle

Greg Doyle

Ismael Miranda Ismael Miranda

November 4 EXPLOSIVE FIRE DESTROYS BUSINESS

BOYLE HEIGHTS - Relentless and well-coordinated defensive firefighting operations by more than 120 members of the LAFD helped bring massive flames under control without injury in just 90 minutes. Fire engulfed a large building that housed a vast supply of smoking materials, including tobacco and butane canisters, which led to small explosions that rained debris at the peak of the fire.

James Hedlund-Kaiser

James Hedlund-Kaiser

James Hedlund-Kaiser

November 16 BRUSH FIRE QUICKLY EXTINGUISHED

LAKE VIEW TERRACE - At 1:28PM, Firefighters responded to a brush fire near Hansen Dam that they were able to fully contain in 30 minutes.

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows Mike Meadows

November 19

WIND DRIVEN VEGETATION FIRE EXTENDS TO COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

SUN VALLEY - More than 165 members of the LAFD were joined by Firefighters from the neighboring cities of Burbank and Glendale in a twoand-a-half-hour battle against a Santa Ana wind-driven wildfire that quickly consumed nearly two acres of vegetation adjacent to the 5 Freeway at Penrose Avenue. The fire damaged several businesses, but no injuries were reported.

Greg Doyle

Greg Doyle

Greg Doyle

Austin Gebhardt

Kian Khorrami

Greg Doyle

November 19 BOAT FIRE

SUN VALLEY - At 11:07PM, Firefighters responded to a fire in the 11800 block of Strathern Street and found a small boat fully engulfed in flames. A knockdown was quickly achieved.

Brandon Taylor

Brandon Taylor

November 28 CREWS RESCUE WOMAN FROM CLIFF

PORTER RANCH - The LAFD responded by ground and air to rescue a woman stranded with minor injuries on a steep cliff at WilburTampa Park. Firefighters rapidly descended the cliff to secure her with a harness and deployed a two-line rope system to safely hoist her to the top of the trail.

Mark Lassman

Mark Lassman

November 30 FIRE SUPPRESSION OPERATION SAVES BUSINESSES

SHADOW HILLS - At 2:31AM, 111 Firefighters responded to the 10900 block of Randall Street where a large commercial building showed flames shooting through the roof. The structure sustained heavy damage under hours of intense heat exposure, making it dangerous for Firefighters to gain entry and leading the roof to collapse. The persistent effort of the Firefighters spared all neighboring businesses from damage.

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows

December 1

GARAGE GOES UP IN FLAMES

WESTWOOD - Crews responded to a structure fire at 9:09PM in the 2100 block of Malcolm Avenue. It took 24 Firefighters 23 minutes to fully extinguish flames that consumed a detached garage and nearby carport. Firefighters saved one canine from the burning building and no other injuries were reported.

Harry Garvin

Harry Garvin

December 18

FIRE RIPS THROUGH MOBILE HOMES

VAN NUYS - Crews responded to a structure fire consuming two mobile homes and several vehicles in the 7600 block of Balboa Boulevard at 5:22AM. It took 42 Firefighters just 42 minutes to fully extinguish the blaze.

Ismael Miranda

Ismael Miranda

December 22 AUTO FIRE

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - At 12:26PM, Crews responded to the 12500 block of Victory Boulevard for an auto fire and extinguished the flames with no injuries reported.

December 28

GREATER ALARM FIRE

VAN NUYS - At 1:29PM, Crews responded to the 7800 block of Balboa Boulevard for a structure fire and located a commercial building with flames showing through the roof. 76 Firefighters extinguished the blaze in 36 minutes with no injuries reported.

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows

Mike Meadows

VALOR AWARDS CEREMONY

VALOR, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation’s annual awards ceremony to distinguish outstanding service above and beyond the call of duty, was held on December 6th at Dodger Stadium. Civic and community leaders from across the southland were joined at VALOR 2022 by LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley to honor five LAFD members who earned the Medal of Valor, Medal of Merit, Letters of Special Commendation, and other departmental recognition. VALOR 2022 also recognized those who have stood steadfastly alongside the Department in supporting key programs and initiatives that have greatly strengthened our community.

MEDAL OF VALOR

Engineer

Mario Rodriguez

MEDAL OF MERIT

Firefighter/Paramedic

Michael Jones

LETTER OF SPECIAL COMMENDATION

Captain II

Michael Fortini

LETTER OF SPECIAL COMMENDATION

Firefighter III

Dajon Johnson

LETTER OF SPECIAL COMMENDATION

Firefighter II

Tanner Keeler

PROGRAM OF THE YEAR

LAFD Cadet Program

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD

Julie Lytle Nesbit

Whittier Trust

CORPORATE IMPACT AWARD

Banc of California Foundation

CHAIRMAN’S AWARD

Andrew Kane

Gary Apodaca

Gary Apodaca

Gary Apodaca

Gary Apodaca

Gary Apodaca

LAFD RECRUIT TRAINING ACADEMY CLASS GRADUATIONS

In 2022, the LAFD graduated a total of 218 candidates in five Recruit Training Academy Classes from Drill Tower 81 located in Panorama City. The recruits completed a rigorous training curriculum that challenged both their physical and mental strength, preparing them for a successful career with the Department. They learned the many duties and responsibilities of being a Firefighter for the City of Los Angeles, including the safe and proper methods of handling a wide variety of specialized equipment and apparatus in Truck, Engine, and Emergency Medical Service operations. The LAFD’s training standards are some of the most demanding and competitive in the nation, with only the best being able to successfully complete the academy. These men and women train as if their life (and yours) depends on it, because it does!

After the academy, all graduates enter a year-long period of assessment as probationary Firefighters as they work alongside tenured members of the Department. UFLAC welcomes our newest Firefighters into the ranks!

Gary Apodaca

Gary Apodaca

Gary Apodaca

Gary Apodaca Gary Apodaca

Gary Apodaca Gary Apodaca

UNITED FIREFIGHTERS OF LOS ANGELES CITY FIRE FOUNDATION

The United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Fire Foundation (UFLACFF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides financial support to Firefighters and their immediate families who suffer economic hardship as a result of illness, injury or death, as well as educational assistance to children of fallen Firefighters. We are also committed to providing training and support for fire service members who can better protect the lives and property of the citizens of Los Angeles. To achieve this mission, UFLACFF will provide Firefighters with financial assistance for progressive fire training programs, technology, and equipment.

UFLACFF hosts an annual fundraising event at Porter Valley Country Club to raise money to support our efforts, including the scholarship program. This scholarship grant is available to any active Firefighter and their immediate family to assist in their educational and career pursuits. We are proud to support our Firefighters and their loved ones in pursuing their academic and professional goals.

IN REMEMBRANCE

9/11 COMMEMORATION

Civic and community leaders gathered with First Responders, including LAFD personnel, for a National Day of Service and 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the LAFD Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center. A 23-ton, nearly 22-foot-tall steel column that was once a part of the lobby structure from the World Trade Center in New York served as a fitting backdrop to honor the 2,753 people who died on this day, including 343 Firefighters.

LAFD FALLEN FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL

On October 8th, the LAFD welcomed the public to join past and present members of the Department, as well as civic leaders and the LAFD Historical Society, at the 2022 Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony. The event was held at the LAFD Museum and Memorial in Hollywood and honored 277 members of the Department who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our city.

Shawn Lenske

Gary Apodaca

Steve Gentry

Steve Gentry

UFLAC MOURNS THE LOSS OF ACTIVE-DUTY FIREFIGHTER III KENNETH

BRINK

On November 12th, Fire Station 88 held a flag ceremony and candlelight vigil to honor the memory of their fallen brother, Firefighter Kenneth “Kenny” Brink, who passed away unexpectedly while at home on November 9, 2022.

A public memorial service and celebration of life was held for Firefighter Brink at Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos on November 18th. He was a beloved 15-year veteran of the Department assigned to Fire Station 88 in Sherman Oaks. He is survived by his wife Brittany.

Austin Gebhardt

Austin Gebhardt

Austin Gebhardt

Gary Apodaca

CONTRIBUTORS

LAFD