Abandoned North Hollywood Restaurant Goes Up In Flames
On the morning of October 26, 2022, the Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 6261 North Laurel Canyon Boulevard in North Hollywood.
The first arriving firefighters discovered heavy, pressurized smoke coming from a 100' x 100' vacant one-story commercial building. Knowing this structure was the site of a previous burn, the Incident Commander quickly directed all companies to fight the fire from the exterior only, referred to as "Defensive." As the fire rapidly developed and flames burst through the roof, several additional task forces were requested, along with specialty companies (i.e. USAR, RS3, Heavy Equipment, etc.) and Fire-cause Investigators.
With no reports of occupants inside, firefighters patiently applied large amounts of water from heavy streams, including ladder pipes and large-diameter hand lines. The building sustained substantial collapse, further speaking to the wisdom of defensive operations being used on this incident.
Over 100 LAFD personnel were able to extinguish the flames in two hours and five minutes, without injury. LAFD's remote-control firefighting robot, RS3, was called in to do work in excessively dangerous areas, and LAFD heavy equipment (excavators) will be used to uncover smoldering debris. Smoke may be seen in the area for an extended period of time during this work.
Arson Investigators were called to the scene to attempt to determine the fire's cause. They arrived and received word of ten other fires (including rubbish, autos, etc.) within less than a mile of the incident, that will be included in the scope of their investigation, which remains active. LAFD brought in two Fast Response Vehicles to provide a mobile solution and rapid extinguishment of the smaller fires, while keeping the fire engines on the large fire or available to respond to new emergencies. Two individuals have been detained for questioning. One was released and one was booked for "arson of property" (Penal Code 451-D). LAFD will release further information as it becomes available.