Aggressive Firefighting Saves Commercial Building
A cabinetry business sustained heavy damage but agressive firefighting prevented complete destruction of a commercial building during a late night fire in the Harbor Gateway area.
At 11:57PM on January 27, 2016 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 1647 W Sepulveda Blvd. Firefighters arrived to find fire showing from a one story, concrete tilt-up commercial building. Immediately, rotary saws sparked to life as firefighters cut open multiple rolling steel doors to gain access to the fire unit.
The building had a lightweight construction roof, which is at increased risk of collapse versus conventional (heavy timber) roofs when impacted by fire. Aware of the construction traits, firefighters kept a close eye on the status of the roof while conducting vertical ventilation. Their actions, coordinated with the interior attack, were instrumental in preventing the entire structure from being destroyed.
The wood in the cabinetry business fueled the fire but knockdown was achieved in 30 minutes by 73 firefighters under the leadership of Battalion 6 Commander, Chief Albert Valle. Fortunately, no one was injured. The cause is under investigation.
Dispatched units: E285 E85 T85 RA85 E79 RA79 E248 T48 EM11 BC6 E36 E266 T66 T64 E264 E64 T66 E266 CM22 EM13 BC13 T5 E205 E5 UR5 RA5 UR88 BC4 T10 E210
