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Hoarding complicates firefighting efforts at fatal L.A. high-rise fire

Firefighters had difficulty reaching the seat of the fire inside the seventh-floor apartment

LOS ANGELES — An early morning apartment fire on the seventh floor of a 12-story high-rise in downtown Los Angeles killed one person, the Los Angeles Fire Department said.

Firefighters arrived and saw smoke coming from a corner apartment. Once inside, they encountered what the department called “excessive storage” that hindered access to the seat of the fire and overhaul operations.

| MORE: Inside the Collyer Mansion: How extreme hoarding sparked a warning phrase for firefighters

Assistant Chief Paul Pham said more than 100 firefighters responded to the fire and the knockdown was done in just under an hour. No firefighters were injured.

One person was found inside the unit and pronounced dead at the scene. Fire crews also rescued a cat near the affected apartment, provided supportive care, and transferred it to Los Angeles Animal Services.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Have you ever encountered hoarding or heavy clutter conditions? Does your department dispatch additional companies when this condition is reported?



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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.