Major Emergency Structure Fire Injures Los Angeles Firefighter

Add Feedback

Share |

Over 100 Los Angeles Firefighters battled a Major Emergency Structure Fire in a furniture warehouse, doing business as C&L Furniture. One firefighter sustained minor burns from the intense heat.

On January 30th, 2012, just after 8 AM, firefighters arrived in less than three minutes to 6245 South Manhattan Place. Fortunately, occupants had just exited the 100' x 60' metal clad commercial building that was rapidly filling with black smoke and fire.

It was quickly realized that a long battle was about to begin, and additional companies were immediately requested. As firefighters entered a loading dock alley on the west side of the structure, they encountered roaring flames. Rotary saws were utilized to force entry through gates and cut through the metal clad sides of the building, allowing firefighters to make access and attack the blaze with hose-lines. Due to the heavy fire load and the construction of the 42 year-old structure, it was deemed unsafe for firefighters to perform vertical ventilation on the roof, however they remained in an intensive, offensive attack.

A total of 136 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Carlos Calvillo, confined the fire to the structure of origin and fully extinguished the flames in just 45 minutes. Teams of Los Angeles Firefighters stayed over seven hours assisting the business owner by combing through approximately 10,000 square-feet of goods to salvage.

When asked if there was anything unusual regarding this fire, Chief Calvillo stated, "It was unusual that firefighters encountered that much fire so early on. It expanded very quick and we are fortunate that all on scene made an such an aggressive attack." No nearby exposures were damaged.

One firefighter received minor burns from the intense heat and was treated by fellow firefighters, then transported to a local hospital in good condition. The cause of this fire is, "undetermined, most probable accidental", likely due to workers performing normal maintenance on a spray booth. The dollar loss is estimated at $450,000 ($200,000 structure & $250,000 contents).

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



Author:Erik Scott - PIO - LAFD