On Saturday, December 1, at 4:40 AM, 16 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 5 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Terrance Manning responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 1770 N. El Cerrito Pl. in Hollywood.
Firefighters arrived to find a vacant, 3-story apartment building, approximately 100' x 150' with heavy fire on all three floors. Firefighters immediately began an aggressive interior attack coordinated with rooftop ventilation. Even though this was a vacant apartment building, as Firefighters advanced through the structure, they conducted a primary search looking for anyone who may have been inside. Fortunately, no one was discovered during the search and no injuries were reported.
Firefighting efforts proved challenging and dangerous when holes were discovered in the floors throughout the structure. In addition, ventilation efforts were extended due to the building having a 2" lightweight concrete roof. Using a well coordinated attack, 75 Firefighters were able to control the fire in just under one hour. The cause of the fire is under investigation and the dollar loss is still being tabulated.