On Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 8:56 PM, 9 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 7 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Arson Unit, 2 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, Emergency Lighting 3, 1 CERT Coordinator, a Building & Safety Inspector, the Red Cross, DOT, DWP, LAPD and a Gas Company Representative, under the direction of Battalion Chief Gary Clark, responded to a reported Collapsed Structure at 1625 S. Westmoreland Av. in the Korea town area.
The first arriving Firefighters on scene found a 30 foot by 25 foot section of a 2 story four-plex, had collapsed at the front of the building. Firefighters were alerted by residents, 3 people were trapped within the rubble and natural gas was leaking. Additional resources, including 2 Urban Search & Rescue teams and Heavy Rescue 56, were immediately requested by the IC. As Firefighters gingerly sifted through the rubble, 2 of the occupants self extricated, while the 3rd needed minimal assistance. Other Firefighters were deployed to shut down disrupted utilities, lessening the hazard to all at the scene.
A Building & Safety Inspector condemned the extensively damaged structure. The building leaned precariously towards an 8 unit exposure to the south, which was evacuated until stabilization efforts could be made to the damaged structure.
There were approximately 86 Firefighters and specialty companies assigned to the incident. One civilian injury was reported: a female, 36, was transported in stable condition with minor injuries to an area hospital. The cause and dollar loss estimate will be determined at the completion of the investigation. 13 displaced residents declined Red Cross assistance opting to stay with other family members.