Greater Alarm Commercial Fire in Eagle Rock
Firefighters prevent blaze from extending into an attached building at a large commercial fire in Eagle Rock.
At 3:39PM on January 7, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 4537 N Eagle Rock Blvd to find a 75' x 250' vacant commercial building with heavy smoke showing. The property, surrounded by security fencing, required forcible entry to gain full access to the structure.
While truck companies made their way to the roof, interior fire attack encountered heavy smoke and heat upon entry. Minutes later, a partial roof collpase required the transition to a defensive operation. All crews exited safely and 2 1/2 handlines were put into place at exterior doors. The firefighters were able to gain an upperhand on the bulk of the fire and when all safety factors were considered, offensive operations resumed to reach the stubborn pockets of fire.
The structure, built in 1968, had a large, attached building (also vacant) which was defended from any fire damage. 98 firefighters, under the expert command of Assistant Chief Tim Ernst, fully extinguished the fire in just over one hour. Out of abundance of caution, residents from an exposed, large apartment building were evacuated but all were re-housed once knockdown was achieved with no remaining hazards.
LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Unit is actively investigating the cause while dollar loss is being tabulated.
Dispatched units: AR1 BC2 CM22 E12 E201 E203 E211 E212 E220 E250 E3 E4 E42 E44 E55 E56 EA1 EM1 HU59 RA12 RA55 RA56 RA803 RA850 SU2 T1 T11 T12 T20 T3 T50 UR3 UR88
