On Saturday at 3:19 AM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team and the LAPD, all under the direction of Battalion Chief Peter Benesch, responded to a Structure Fire at 14024 W. Chandler Bl. in the South Van Nuys area.
Firefighters arrived on scene to find a 3000 square foot, 1 story single family dwelling, with smoke and fire showing. Firefighters quickly deployed handlines to gain control of the fire located on one side of the home. After a knockdown was called, a male 85 years old who was confined to a wheelchair, having been exposed to heavy smoke and fire, succumbed to his injures. The wife, 77, and the caretaker were able to escape the blaze without injury.
It took 30 Firefighters to call a knockdown in approximately 22 minutes. The cause and dollar loss estimate are under investigation. The wife declined the services of the Red Cross, opting to stay with a family member.