LAFD Battles Huge Hollywood Structure Fire

Add Feedback

Share |

Nearly 150 Los Angeles Firefighters battled a massive blaze at a large two-story vacant church, just before 6:00 PM January 1st, 2012.

Firefighters arrived at 1717 North Gramercy Place to find heavy fire showing from the second story of a pre-1933 church, with adjacent classrooms attached. Due to the deep set, mid-block location of the structure, the roof was difficult to access with Aerial Ladder Trucks. Therefore, firefighters utilized multiple 35' ground ladders.

Strategically cutting three strips off the rooftop for ventilation helped limit horizontal fire spread, as firefighters under the command of Battalion Chief J. Castro used hand-lines to tackle flames within the 100' x 50' structure.

A very aggressive fire attack ensued for one hour. Some firefighters went through three air bottles battling the inferno during their offensive and exhaustive attack. Flames damaged the basement, first floor, second floor and attic. No injuries were reported.

Loss from the fire is still being tabulated, while the cause of the blaze remains under active investigation.

Republished with permission of the Los Angeles Fire Department. View original article here.



Author:Erik Scott - PIO - LAFD