On Sunday, June 3, at 6:52 PM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, Bldg & Safety, DWP and L.A. County Health, all under the direction of Battalion Chief Chris Logan responded to a Structure Fire at 1074 N. Milwaukee Av. in the Highland Park area.
The first arriving Fire Department resources on scene found a small amount of grass burning which had extended into the attic of the single family residence located on the property. A preliminary interior search revealed all occupants had self evacuated the structure.
First responders “ramped up” up operations of companies assigned to interior firefighting and roof top ventilation, realizing the exposure problem if the fire extended into the grass and surrounding structures. The first ventilation hole revealed heavy, thick and pressurized smoke. Could there be two ceilings in this slightly remodeled home? The persistent fire re-ignited several times as firefighters continued their defensive efforts gaining control of the blaze.
It took the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department 28 minutes to get a knockdown on the stubborn attic fire. As the smoke cleared, a large quantity of aerosol cans, containing different types of flammable liquids, were discovered illegally stored in the attic space. A Hazardous Materials Squad was dispatched to assist in the identification of the containers.
Assistance from other agencies was also requested. DWP was notified that a two block area around the incident, serving approximately 30 single family residences, was without power. Service was restored to the area around midnight. Building & Safety will determine the structural integrity of the residence. L.A. County Health will handle the disposal and cleanup of the illegal storage.
The cause of the fire was accidental and dollar loss is estimated at $120,000 ($80,000 structure, $20,000 contents). There were not injuries to civilians or firefighters. The 72 year old female occupant of the residence was transported to an area hospital after being advised she could not remain in the home for safety reasons. The occupants will seek temporary housing with family members.