On Sunday, January 11, 2009 at 8:43 AM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, DOT, DWP and a Building & Safety Inspector, under the direction of
Assistant Chief Jeffery S. Mottram, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 15952 W. Strathern St. in the Van Nuys Airport area.
Firefighters arriving on scene found a 1 story commercial building, furniture showroom, with heavy smoke and fire showing from the front of the building. As Firefighters made an ambitious effort to deploy 2-1/2 and 1-3/4 inch handlines, their roof top counterparts were vigorously attempting to ventilate the structure. As the roof team watched flames erupt from all ventilation holes, additional companies were requested.
At 19 minutes into the fire fight, an air conditioning unit on the roof was noticeably sagging, signaling that the center of the roof was severely compromised. The IC promptly requested a Building and Safety Inspector to be added to the incident.
86 Firefighters were needed to knock down the fire in 43 minutes. No injuries were reported. The building known as
Modern Outdoor, was an outdoor furniture manufacturer and showroom. The dollar loss estimate and cause of the fire will be determined with the conclusion of the fire investigation.
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photos)
Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department
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