LAFD - Urban Interface structure fire - Hollywood Hills

Hollywood Hills Conflagration Averted By Firefighters

Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at 5:12 PM-

Nineteen Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, three LAFD Rescue Ambulances, two Arson Units, three Urban Search and Rescue Units, one Rehab Unit, one Hazardous Materials Team, three Helicopters, two EMS Battalion Captains, three Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, and one Division Chief Officer Command Team, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Terrance Manning responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 8150 W. Kirkwood Dr. in the Hollywood Hills.

Firefighters responding to a reported structure fire in the Hollywood Hills requested additional firefighting companies before arriving on scene due to a large "loom-up" in the area. Due to the high fire danger, pre-deployed Fire Engines and water dropping helicopters were immediately dispatched to augment the initial structure fire assignment.

First arriving Firefighters immediately encountered a two-story, single-family hillside home, with heavy fire showing. In addition, homes on both sides were being threatened by fire and in danger of igniting. Firefighters immediately deployed the "Wagon Battery" , master stream appliance mounted on top of the Fire Engine to provide a protective water curtain between the burning structure and the nearest exposures.Additional Firefighters, using handlines, were able to access the burning structure and begin to aggressively attack the fire.

The Los Angeles Fire Department committed over 130 Firefighters including nineteen fire companies, three water dropping helicopters, and a complement of support and command staff to assist in the fire fight to protect the community from the spreading flames.

Due to the narrow roads and an array of cars, both legally and illegally parked along the roadways, the additional Fire Companies experienced extreme difficulty navigating their way into the neighborhood to assist their comrades.Fortunately, even though the potential for a major conflagration existed, the lack of wind and the proactive pre-deployment of Fire resources, provided Firefighters with the margin of time needed to get the additional Firefighters on scene. Had the wind been blowing, and Firefighters would have encountered these same navigational problems, the outcome could have had been disastrous.

This incident serves as a vivid reminder as to why the City has recently enacted the "Red Flag/No Parking" restrictions in high hazard locations of the City.The cause of the fire and the estimated dollar loss is still under investigation and has yet to be determined. The homeowner suffered a minor hand injury, was evaluated and released on scene.

Submitted by Ron Myers, SpokesmanLos Angeles Fire Department