Massive Blaze Destroys Two Homes in Koreatown
Friday, April 29, 2016
LAFD Spokesperson: Margaret Stewart
LOS ANGELES-
Despite massive flames engulfing two large homes in Koreatown, the Los Angeles Fire Department stopped the spread of fire, prevented any injuries and saved “Brownie” the dog.
At 11:43AM on Friday, 29 April, 2016, the LAFD responded to a reported structure fire at 173 S Ardmore Ave. Pulling up to the scene, firefighters found two large, craftsman style homes well involved with fire and the two neighboring homes at risk.
Firefighters immediately went to work attacking the bulk of the fire while simultaneously protecting the exposed homes from further damage. Additional resources were requested, raising this to a Major Emergency Fire.
The intensity of the fire caused an early roof collapse in one home and created dangerous conditions in the second. Firefighters assumed a defensive operation, deploying hand lines from the roofs of adjacent homes and at strategic locations on the ground.
While battling the flames, firefighters found a small dog in the backyard of one of the most heavily damaged homes and corralled it to protect him while they continued the fight. Once it was safe to do so, “Brownie” was brought out to the scared pup’s grateful owner. After a quick trip the vet, Brownie was given a clean bill of health.
98 firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Armando Hogan, gained a full knockdown of the fire in 49 minutes. While the two homes initially impacted were heavily damaged, the tireless efforts of these firefighters saved the bordering homes from the same destruction.
In total, 19 people were displaced and the Red Cross was on hand to provide assistance to those requesting. Additionally, the LAFD provide S.A.V.E. cards, valuing $100, to the two families for immediate basic necessities.
While witnesses reported hearing an explosion, the cause remains under investigation by LAFD Arson. Total loss being tabulated.
