On Sunday, December 2, at 4:50 AM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, all under the direction of Assistant Chief Jeffery S. Mottram, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 7933 N. Vanalden Av. in the RESEDA area.
The initial reports into the OCD Dispatch Center indicated that a large tree was on fire. Arriving Fire Department resources found a one story single family dwelling with heavy flame impingment under the eaves of the structure. The company assigned extinguishment of the tree fire indicated that the fire had indeed spread into the attic. Even with an aggressive interior fire attack and roof ventilation, the attic fire had the upper hand. The interior of the structure had been refigured into two separate living units, causing the fire attack companies to utilize valuable time locating the seat of the fire. The ventilation group was removed from their roof top operations as the roof showed signs of weakness, finally failing 30 minutes into the firefight.
Approximately 60 firefighters were needed for the extinguishment of this fire. The dollar loss was estimated at $450,000 [$350,000 structure and $150,000 contents]. Two families were displaced, but only one needed Red Cross Assistance. The Red Cross assisted a family of four (1 adult female and 3 children ages 14, 8 and 3). The only injury reported was to a firefighter with a small 2nd to 3rd degree burn injury to the back of his hand.