At 4:23 HRS, 15 companies of Los Angeles firefighters, three battalion EMS supervisors, three LAFD rescue ambulances, and one arson unit under the direction of Battalion Chief John Drake, responded to a greater alarm structure fire at 830 South Catalina Street in the Pico Heights/Koreatown area.
First units on the scene reported a two-story residential four-plex well involved in the front. Using handlines, firefighters made an aggressive attack on the fire and confined the fire to the two-story structure. The fire was extinguished in 21 minutes. During firefighting operations, one firefighter/paramedic suffered a burn to his hand. He was transported to Sherman Oaks Community Hospital in good condition. No other injuries were reported.
All occupants of the the building self evacuated prior to the arrival of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Eighteen occupants were displaced. The American Red Cross has been contacted to assist with temporary placement (15 adults and 3 children). The cause of the fire is listed as under investigation. Fire damage is estimated at $275,000. ($200,000 structure and $75,000 contents).