On behalf of the more than 3,450 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers, Inspectors, and Pilots of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, IAFF Local 112 (UFLAC), I am honored to present the sixth annual Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Year in Review Photo Book for 2018. This publication tells the story of our members who responded to more than 450,000 emergency calls for service in the City of Los Angeles last year. The 2018 wildfire season was the deadliest and most destructive on record in the history of California. Our Firefighters not only responded to emergency calls here in Los Angeles, but they also provided Mutual Aid up and down the state at some of the most devastating fires in California, including the Mendocino Complex Fire in Northern California, the Woolsey Fire in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, and the Camp Fire in Butte County. UFLAC’s mission is to lead the way to protect and advocate for the health, safety, working conditions, wages, and benefits of our members and families. Our organization is grateful for the incredible support of Mayor Eric Garcetti, the Los Angeles City Council, Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas and his Command Staff, and the Board of Fire Commissioners who continue to rebuild our Department by hiring new Firefighters and Paramedics and restoring previously closed fire engines and trucks that are desperately needed to serve our communities. This book is dedicated to the brave men and women of the LAFD who serve on the frontlines each and every day while responding to hundreds of thousands of emergency calls for service in one of the busiest fire departments in the country. UFLAC is honored to represent the finest First Responders in the nation here in the City of Los Angeles. In Appreciation,
Captain II Freddy Escobar President United Firefighters of Los Angeles City International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 112
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2018 STATISTICS The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is an all-risk fire and rescue agency that serves over four million people in the second largest city in the nation. The mission of the LAFD is to preserve life and property, promote public safety, and foster economic growth through a commitment to prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery as an emergency service provider. The First Responders of the LAFD call 106 Fire Stations spread across their 471 square mile jurisdiction home. These neighborhood fire stations are staffed by 3,451 sworn rank-and-file Firefighters on three rotating shifts who responded to over 453,000 calls for service in 2018, an average of more than 1,200 emergencies on a daily basis.
LOS ANGELES CITY POPULATION
4,100,000 3,900,000
4,057,841
3,485,398
3,700,000 3,500,000 3,300,000
1990
2000
2010
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
INCIDENT CLOCK LAFD Firefighters respond to: an emergency medical service call every
…1 minute and 16 seconds a structure fire every
…2 hours and 10 minutes an automatic fire alarm every
…15 minutes and 12 seconds a rescue every
…56 minutes and 59 seconds
INCIDENT BREAKDOWN
DAILY AVERAGES
EMERGENCY CALLS
Calls For Service
BLS
Fire
169,302
20,885
ALS
212,981
EMS
382,291
Other
1,047
Total Non-EMS
49,864
Non-EMS
70,741
194
STAFFING LEVELS
3700 3600
Total EMS
1,241
3,562
3,451
3500 3400 3300 3200 3100
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
John Conkle
John Conkle
STRIP MALL FIRE January 1 WEST LOS ANGELES - Shortly after 2:00AM on New Year’s Day, 58 Firefighters arrived at the scene of a fire in the 12100 block of West Ohio Avenue that started outside and quickly spread to a strip mall. Fire Crews were able to extinguish the blaze in 26 minutes.
John Conkle
TRAFFIC COLLISION WITH INJURIES January 5 WEST HILLS - Firefighters responded to reports of a traffic collision in the 22900 block of Roscoe Boulevard around 10:29AM where a vehicle carrying two people collided with several parked cars and came to rest near a single-family home. LAFD personnel arrived at the scene and were able to extinguish the vehicle fire and treat injured patients. One female was transported to a local hospital in serious condition and a male patient was extricated by Firefighters and transported in critical condition. Mike Meadows
GREATER ALARM FIRE IN VACANT STRUCTURE WITH INJURIES January 7
Matt Hartman
Matt Hartman
Matt Hartman
EAGLE ROCK - At 3:39PM, 98 Firefighters were called to the scene of a structure fire at 4537 North Eagle Rock Boulevard where heavy smoke billowed from a large, vacant commercial building. Firefighters fought through security fencing to enter the 1960sera building and execute roof and interior entry. Crews were forced to take defensive measures after a partial roof collapse, but were able to defend the fire and knock it down in just over one hour.
FATAL HOUSE FIRE January 10 PICO-UNION - 60 Firefighters were called at 3:16AM to the 1700 block of South New Hampshire Avenue where they encountered heavy flames and smoke coming from the second floor of a two-story residential triplex. The blaze was contained to the attic of the 116-year-old residence and the flames were doused in just 48 minutes. Sadly, Firefighters identified a deceased person in the house.
Mike Meadows
BOMB SQUAD INVESTIGATION January 16 NORTH HOLLYWOOD - Los Angeles Firefighters joined the Los Angeles Police Department Bomb Squad to investigate a suspicious package near a bank building in the 12200 block of Victory Boulevard. Inspection of the item revealed that it was a pipe wrapped in duct tape and fortunately posed no immediate threat to the surrounding community.
Erik Scott
HYDRANT REPAIR January 19 VAN NUYS - Firefighters arrived at the scene of a truck collision in the 6100 block of North Sepulveda Boulevard that sheared a fire hydrant and caused massive water flows onto the busy street. LAFD personnel helped to stem the flow of water and guide traffic while the utility repair crews arrived to shut off the water supply.
Harry Garvin
GARAGE EXPLOSION January 20 MOUNT WASHINGTON - At 10:57AM, Firefighters responded to the 4600 block of Cleland Avenue on reports of an explosion in a residential garage. Crews were able to determine that the fire was the result of a cigarette that ignited in a two-car detached garage. They were able to extinguish the blaze in just 12 minutes and transported a 61-yearold construction worker to a local hospital with serious burn injuries. Mike Meadows
HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT FIRE January 29 NORTH HOLLYWOOD - Firefighters responded to a rubbish and vegetation fire that consumed a homeless encampment near the northbound Hollywood Freeway. Crews were able to quickly put out the fire and no injuries were reported.
HOUSE FIRE February 8 BEL-AIR - At 5:30PM, Firefighters responded to a massive fire at a large mansion in the 10800 block of North Bellagio Road that left two Firefighters with injuries. Over 107 personnel were called to fight the blaze and prevent its spread to adjacent properties, including a pool house, garage, and nearby brush. The home was occupied at the time, but smoke alarms alerted the residents who escaped unharmed.
Harry Garvin
Mike Meadows
Harry Garvin
John Conkle
John Conkle
CREWS BATTLE VACANT STRIP MALL FIRE February 13 SOUTH LOS ANGELES - Around 8:00PM, Firefighters responded to a vacant strip mall located in the 1000 block of West 8th Street of the Vermont Knolls neighborhood to find a structure engulfed in heavy fire. Fire Crews battled the blaze with parts of the one-story commercial building collapsing during the firefight. 69 Firefighters achieved a knockdown in one hour and 18 minutes.
Yvonne Griffin
FALLEN TREE BLOCKS INTERSECTION February 14 NORTH HOLLYWOOD - Firefighters cleared a downed tree that blocked a residential intersection in the 11500 block of Killion Street using chainsaws. The large tree was weakened by a bee infestation that caused a swarm of bees to attack pedestrians. Crews were able to treat a man who suffered bee stings and clear branches to restore traffic flow in the area.
Mike Meadows
REFUSE TRUCK FIRE February 19
Mike Meadows
NORTH HILLS - Shortly before 10:30AM, Firefighters arrived at the scene of a garbage truck whose driver had dumped its burning contents on the street in the 9600 block of Sepulveda Boulevard. Fire Crews used flame retardant foam to douse the flames and no injuries were reported.
SHEARED FIRE HYDRANT February 19
Leo Kaufman
Leo Kaufman
Mike Meadows
WOODLAND HILLS - At 1:40PM, Firefighters responded to a traffic collision at 6250 North Canoga Avenue that sheared a fire hydrant near the entrance of a residential development. Fire personnel were able to shut off the flow of water from the hydrant that spewed as high as 50 feet in the air.
VEHICLE COLLISION February 26 GRANADA HILLS - Firefighters were called to the 17500 block of Minnehana Street after an adult male driver crashed into a residential home around 10:00AM. Paramedics treated the driver who was transported to a local hospital in fair condition. No other injuries were reported and LAFD Urban Search and Rescue were on hand to stabilize the structure.
ARSON STATS Number of Investigations
703
Number of Incendiary Fires
301
Number of Arrests
151
Total Arson Responses Conviction Rate
Harry Garvin
1,958 Approximately
94%
ARSON FIRE February 27 CARTHAY CIRCLE - 41 Firefighters quickly stopped a fire that was intentionally set at a one-story home in the 900 block of Schumacher Drive. The home was vacant and there were no injuries reported. Arson investigators were called to the scene to investigate the blaze.
Harry Garvin
CITYWIDE RESPONSE TIMES EMS Turnout Time
…53 seconds EMS Travel Time
…4 minutes and 30 seconds Non-EMS Turnout Time
…53 seconds Non-EMS Travel Time
…4 minutes and 30 seconds Call Processing Time
…1 minute and 5 seconds Non-EMS Operational Response Time
…6 minutes and 24 seconds EMS Operational Response Time
…6 minutes and 36 seconds Structure Fire Operational Response Time
…5 minutes Critical ALS Operational Response Time
…5 minutes and 42 seconds
Harry Garvin
MAJOR COMMERCIAL FIRE February 27 DOWNTOWN - Approximately 117 Firefighters fought a major structure fire at 771 East Pico Boulevard in the Fashion District. Resources were called at 4:49AM to the 100 ft x 300 ft commercial building which housed an apparel business. Due to the well-coordinated efforts of the fire companies, the blaze was limited to the original structure with no other structural damage and crews knocked down the fire in 47 minutes. During the attack, a Fire Captain suffered a facial injury and was transported to a local hospital in fair condition.
Harry Garvin
John Conkle
Harry Garvin
VEHICLE FIRE THREATENS HOMES March 1 SUN VALLEY - Fire Crews responded to roaring flames coming from an abandoned vehicle that threatened nearby homes in the 11100 block of Thelma Street. Due to the quick work of the Firefighters at the scene, the fire was extinguished with no further damage or injuries reported.
Rick McClure
TWO-VEHICLE INJURY ACCIDENT March 1 SUN VALLEY - At 9:41PM, Firefighters responded to a two-car collision in the 12100 block of West Roscoe Boulevard that resulted in multiple injuries. One male driver was extricated using the Jaws of Life and transported to a local trauma center after colliding with a pickup truck. The truck driver was also treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital.
Rick McClure
Rick McClure
BRUSH FIRE DAMAGES STRUCTURES March 9 SYLMAR - At 8:34AM, approximately 56 Firefighters arrived to fight a fast-moving brush fire that destroyed two outbuildings at 13950 East Saddle Ridge Drive. Fire Crews were able to contain the flames from spreading to nearby brush. Thankfully, no injuries were reported and arson investigators were on hand to determine the cause.
Mike Meadows
Greg Doyle
VACANT HOTEL FIRE March 11 KOREATOWN - A structure fire was reported in the 300 block of North Vermont Avenue where 107 Firefighters encountered heavy flames and smoke. Crews attacked the flames coming from the third floor and attic of a commercial building that housed a vacant hotel. Firefighters took 32 minutes to extinguish the blaze.
Harry Garvin
Harry Garvin
AUTO FIRE March 26 RESEDA - Crews were called to the scene of an automobile on fire at 20050 West Vanowen Street at approximately 4:56PM. Fire officials reported a mother and three children inside that were able to safely escape the vehicle prior to the arrival of the LAFD.
Rick McClure
CAR SHEARS HYDRANT March 30 RESEDA - Firefighters arrived to aid an automobile that veered off the road and sheared a fire hydrant at the corner of Corbin Avenue and Victory Boulevard. Fire Crews rushed to shut off the water that streamed into the sky and thankfully there were no injuries to the passengers in the vehicle. Leo Kaufman
Rick McClure
Leo Kaufman
Mike Meadows
SCRAP YARD FIRE March 31 SUN VALLEY - Firefighters arrived at 4:42PM to reports of a structure fire in the 8200 block of North Tujunga Avenue, home to an auto scrap facility. Amidst heavy flames and smoke, Firefighters were able to extinguish the multiautomobile fire in approximately 90 minutes.
Mike Meadows
Mike Meadows
Mike Meadows
Chris Conkle
STRUCTURE FIRE April 1 SOUTH LOS ANGELES - At 6:39PM, Firefighters rushed to reports of a structure fire in the 200 block of East Washington Boulevard. Firefighters were able to knock down a fully involved commercial fire in 23 minutes. LAFD Arson was called to investigate the cause. Chris Conkle
SEWER RESCUE April 1 GRIFFITH PARK - Los Angeles Firefighters came to the aid of a thirteen-year-old boy who became lost in a pipe after falling into a sewer near Griffith Park. The boy was trapped for nearly 13 hours after being swept approximately 5,900 feet downstream through a four-foot diameter pipe. Thankfully, the boy was safely rescued by a team of local agencies and transported to a hospital for decontamination and medical aid.
Austin Gebhardt
Rick McClure
COMMERCIAL FIRE April 3 PANORAMA CITY - Approximately 94 Firefighters arrived at the scene of an intense fire in a large commercial building located at 13704 Saticoy Street. Crews were able to extinguish the flames in 37 minutes and no injuries were reported.
Mike Meadows
Mike Meadows
Mike Meadows
FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR: ROSA TORRES TUFTS April 4
Alex Gillman
LOS ANGELES - Fire Investigator Rosa Torres Tufts was named the 2017 Firefighters of the Year by the Los Angeles Firefighters Association. This distinct honor is given to a member who, not by any single act, has distinguished himself or herself as one of outstanding character, dedication, and loyalty to the Department, the Fire Service, and the community. Tufts is a 34-year veteran and is the first LAFD Arson Investigator and female to receive this award. In additional to her 12 years as an Arson Investigator in the Arson Counter Terrorism Section, Tufts has also spent time as an Engineer assigned to Fire Station 27 in Hollywood. Congratulations to Investigator Tufts for being named the Los Angeles Firefighter Association’s 2017 Firefighter of the Year!
LAFD GIRLS CAMP April 7- 8 PANORAMA CITY - The LAFD Girls Camp is a two-day instructional program where young girls ages 14 to 18 are given the opportunity to see what it takes to have a career in the fire service. This year’s program included hands-on activities with firefighting tools and equipment as well as instruction in emergency medical services. The campers were able to gain confidence, work together in teams, and explore new challenges through the mentoring of professional female Firefighters.
SCHOOL BUS CRASH April 9
Rick McClure
RESEDA - In the early afternoon, Firefighters came to the aid of a multiple vehicle crash where a compact sedan collided with another vehicle at the intersection of White Oak Avenue and Victory Boulevard. The car then struck a stationary school bus that contained approximately 30 students at the time. Thankfully, there were no injuries to the students on the bus, but three patients from the other vehicles were transported by LAFD ambulance to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
Rick McClure
FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE TEXTILE FIRM FIRE April 21 SOUTH LOS ANGELES - Around 2:00AM, more than 100 Firefighters fought to contain the entrenched flames that erupted inside a textile and sewing firm located in the 2600 block of South Main Street. Crews were able to get the flames under control at the one-story commercial building in approximately three hours.
CREWS CONDUCT LITTER BASKET RESCUE May 7 HYDE PARK - Shortly after 8:00PM, Crews were called to 3335 West 60th Street in South Los Angeles to rescue a metro train construction worker who was reported to have fallen into a 10-foot deep trench. Task Force 66 conducted a litter basket operation to safely bring the patient to the surface.
Yvonne Griffin
Yvonne Griffin
Mark Masek
Mark Masek
FIRE SERVICE DAY May 12 The LAFD welcomed the public to the 106 LAFD neighborhood fire stations around the city on Saturday, May 12th. Visitors interacted with local Firefighters, toured stations, observed demonstrations, and saw firefighting equipment in action.
TRUCK CRASH May 21 VAN NUYS - Firefighters responded to the 6000 block of North Van Nuys Boulevard at 2:55PM when a truck slammed into a commercial paint store. Crews found a 55-year-old male inside that required extrication and transport to a local hospital. The Urban Search and Rescue team was on hand to assess the structural integrity of the building.
Leo Kaufman
Leo Kaufman
FIRE ASSIST May 25 BURBANK - The LAFD served as an assisting agency during the Harvard Fire in Burbank which broke out around 3:18PM. The LAFD initially provided aerial support and then a full brush fire assignment once requested.
Greg Doyle
Greg Doyle
ABANDONED BUILDING FIRE June 2 NORTH HILLS - At 4:52PM, dozens of Firefighters responded to the 9400 block of Sepulveda Boulevard to find an abandoned bungalow fully involved in flames. Crews knocked down the blaze in just 21 minutes and limited the damage to the vacant building and about an acre of grass adjacent to the 2.26-acre property that sits just west of Sepulveda Middle School. Rick McClure
Rick McClure
STRIP MALL FIRE DISPLACES RESIDENTS June 3 Harry Garvin
EAST HOLLYWOOD - Approximately 118 Firefighters battled an early morning fire at a two-story strip mall located at 4718 West Fountain Avenue that had previously been involved in a major fire in March 2017. Firefighters were able to gain control of the inferno in around 74 minutes, but not until flames and smoke damaged a portion of an adjacent four-story apartment building. One Firefighter suffered a non-life-threatening hip injury during the firefight and was given medical care. Approximately 15 residents of the Mount Vernon Apartments were displaced and given temporary needs assistance by the American Red Cross.
Harry Garvin
Harry Garvin
Peter Sanders
Harry Garvin
Yvonne Griffin
Brandon Buckley
FIRE RIPS THROUGH HOUSE June 7 NORTH HILLS - At 8:51PM, Firefighters responded to a reported structure fire in a two-story craftsman-style home in the 9400 block of North Sepulveda Boulevard. The house was vacant due to it recently being burned and therefore required defensive tactics by Fire Crews. The blaze was fully contained in 36 minutes. Brandon Buckley
MOBILE HOME FIRE June 8 SYLMAR - Firefighters responded to a fire in the Oakridge Manufactured Home Community at 2:53AM. Upon arrival to the 15000 block of North Glenoaks Boulevard, Crews worked to contain a mobile home fully involved with flames and achieved a full knockdown in 20 minutes. Unfortunately, one pet dog and cat succumbed to their injuries in the fire.
Greg Doyle
BRUSH FIRE June 9 PACOIMA - At 12:17PM, Firefighters rushed to the scene of a reported brush fire at the Northbound 5 Freeway and Roxford Street. Approximately 75 Firefighters worked to contain the blaze and limit damage to only five acres before fully extinguishing it in 89 minutes.
Brandon Buckley
Greg Doyle
Rick McClure
MULTIPLE VEHICLE COLLISION AND RESCUE June 9
VEGETATION FIRE June 10 SYLMAR - At 12:35AM, approximately 62 Firefighters arrived at a mobile home park in the 16000 block of West Yarnell Street to fight what was reported as a “wires down” incident that later was designated as a brush fire. Crews fought back flames and contained the blaze covering five acres in just over two hours.
VALLEY VILLAGE - Firefighters worked to rescue a man trapped in his overturned truck in the 14700 block of Rosales Street. Crews at the scene freed the driver, whose truck hit several parked vehicles before coming to rest on its side. The man was later transported to a local hospital with critical injuries.
Rick McClure
AUTO FIRE June 11 SUN VALLEY - Firefighters arrived at the 8300 block of North Telfair Avenue at 1:27AM to fight a single vehicle auto fire. The blaze was quickly extinguished with no injuries.
Brandon Buckley
Harry Garvin
DRONE HELPS FIGHT PORTOLA FIRE June 12 BEVERLY CREST - A LAFD Unmanned Aerial System (or drone) was used to aid in a major emergency brush fire. Drones can be used to provide the fire commander with key information regarding hot spots, perimeter of the fire, and how to transition the incident to local fire companies. Over 48 hours, the Portola Fire was 95% contained in part to this groundbreaking technology.
MAN FREED FROM UNDER VEHICLE June 21 PACOIMA - At 6:58PM, Firefighters responded to a person pinned under a vehicle in the 13400 block of West Paxton Street. Crews were able to free the 60-year-old man from underneath a tractor-trailer and transport him to a local hospital in serious condition.
Rick McClure
Thomas Raymond
Rick McClure
Thomas Raymond
GARAGE FIRE June 22 PANORAMA CITY - Approximately 36 Firefighters arrived at a garage fire in the 9300 block of North Cedros Avenue at 10:56PM. The Fire Crews fought the blaze that originated in the attached garage and quickly spread to the attic and achieved knockdown in just 20 minutes.
Rick McClure
Rick McClure
Leo Kaufman
HOUSE FIRE DISPLACES FAMILY July 5 EHARBOR GATEWAY - Fire Crews rushed to the 14400 block of Denver Avenue to fight a fast-moving blaze that destroyed a shed and damaged the rear of a one-story home. The 33 Firefighters achieved a knock down of the flames in just 23 minutes. Due to the damage caused by the fire, a family of five who occupied the home were temporarily displaced, but thankfully none were injured.
Thomas Raymond
CREWS FREE INJURED DRIVER July 5 SOUTH LOS ANGELES - Approximately 12 Firefighters worked to free a driver near the intersection of 120th Street and Broadway Avenue. The full-size sedan careened into a trio of parked cars before coming to a stop near the intersection. Fire Crews were able to extract the critically injured driver and transport her to a local hospital. Thomas Raymond
WILDFIRE THREATENS OBSERVATORY July 10 GRIFFITH PARK - Ground and air units responded to a rapidly moving brush fire that scorched a 25-acre area and came within a quarter-mile of Griffith Observatory. Over 200 LAFD Firefighters joined forces with Los Angeles County Fire, Griffith Park Rangers, and the Los Angeles Police Department to execute this well-orchestrated attack.
Rick McClure
Thomas Raymond
Rick McClure
Greg Doyle
Greg Doyle
MAJOR ALARM FIRE July 12 NORTHRIDGE - Around 9:51PM, over 100 Firefighters arrived to the 19300 block of Londelius Street where a fire tore through a 300 ft x 300 ft large commercial building. Flames threatened several nearby structures, including a three-story condominium complex. As the conditions intensified inside the building, a partial roof collapse alerted fire command to take defensive measures to protect lives and property. Fortunately, Firefighters at the scene were able to save two businesses within the large building and prevent displacement of nearby residents. The blaze was extinguished in one hour and 40 minutes. Greg Doyle
Greg Doyle
John Conkle
SAFER GRANT HELPS TO RESTORE FOUR ENGINES July 18 The LAFD received the nation’s largest 2017 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant award from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that allows the LAFD to restore critical resources to increase its ability to respond to emergencies in the city. The $15.4 million SAFER grant allowed the Department to hire an additional recruit class in early 2018 as well as provide funding to staff four new fire engines to fortify busy stations throughout the city. The SAFER grant award provided immediate help to bolster resources at four active stations. The new fire engines in Echo Park (Fire Station 20), Lincoln Heights (Fire Station 1), Reseda (Fire Station 73) and Mission Hills (Fire Station 75) went into service in early July with four-member staffing: one Captain, one Engineer, and two Firefighters. Special thanks to International Association of Fire Fighters 10th District Vice President Frank Lima for his guidance during the SAFER Grant process.
Alex Gillman
Alex Gillman
Alex Gillman
Alex Gillman
Greg Doyle
AIR OPS RESCUES FOUR HIKERS July 18 GRANADA HILLS - Firefighters responded to a remote area of Granada Hills upon reports of a hiker in distress. LAFD Air Ops and ground crews searched for approximately 30 minutes before the Fire 5 helicopter located a group of four hikers. One of the hikers was hoisted and transported to a landing area for medical assessment, while the other members of the group did not require medical attention.
Greg Doyle
STRUCTURE FIRE July 28 LAKE BALBOA - Firefighters rushed to the 7700 block of North Oak Park Avenue at 9:15PM in response to a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, Fire Crews found two sheds ablaze and quickly extinguished the damaged structures.
HOUSE FIRE July 30 CHATSWORTH - Firefighters worked to contain a blaze at a single-family dwelling in the 19700 block of West Septo Street at approximately 1:46AM. It took Crews 26 minutes to extinguish heavy flames and achieve a knockdown.
Leo Kaufman
Brandon Buckley
AUTO REPAIR SHOP FIRE August 4 CANOGA PARK - 94 Firefighters responded to an intense fire in a one-story automotive repair shop located at 20930 Sherman Way in the early morning hours. Crews were met with heavy flames emanating from the roof, but were able to contain and knock down the blaze in just 34 minutes.
Brandon Buckley
Brandon Buckley
RESIDENTIAL FIRE August 6 GRANADA HILLS - A vegetation and rubbish fire that ignited in the yard of a home near Gerald Avenue and Donmetz Street was quickly extinguished by Firefighters. The blaze damaged a wooden fence and caused heat damage to the exterior of the residence. Rick McClure
Rick McClure
Greg Doyle
BRUSH FIRE August 9 PORTER RANCH - The LAFD was alerted to a brush fire at 3:22PM. LA City Firefighters were joined by LA County air and ground crews to prevent the fire from reaching nearby homes. The coordinated efforts by both departments helped douse the flames in just 30 minutes and contain the burn area to only two acres.
Rick McClure
FATAL PLANE CRASH August 12 SYLMAR - Firefighters rushed to intersection of the Golden State Freeway and the San Diego Freeway on reports of a downed plane. Fire personnel at the scene discovered a small plane that had crashed in a large field near the freeway. Sadly, the single occupant in the plane suffered fatal injuries during the crash and was beyond help.
Mike Meadows
AUTO FIRE August 14 NORTH HOLLYWOOD - Firefighters took just 10 minutes to extinguish flames after an automobile caught fire on Vineland Avenue just north of Oxnard Street. Crews used a hose line to put out the fire and no injuries were reported.
AIR OPS RESCUES INJURED HIKER August 14 CHATSWORTH - At 1:30PM, Firefighters were called to a reported injured hiker in distress in the 10900 block of North Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Upon arrival, ground crews notified LA Air Ops to hoist one adult female hiker safely from the Stony Pointe Park with non-life-threatening injuries. Greg Doyle
Greg Doyle
Branden Silverman
MASSIVE FIRE AT GARMENT STORAGE FACILITY August 22 DOWNTOWN - More than 160 Firefighters battled a major inferno at a dense one-story 25 ft x 150 ft garment business located at 1316 South Margo Street in South Park. Pallets from inside the structure and an assortment of retail clothing contributed to the combustible materials that fueled the blaze. The coordinated effort by the Fire Crews achieved a knockdown after two hours and 30 minutes.
John Conkle
FIRE THREATENS BOYLE HEIGHTS BUSINESSES August 30 BOYLE HEIGHTS - 91 Firefighters responded to a fast-moving fire that emanated from two wooden sheds near a row of one-story businesses in the 2000 block of Chavez Avenue. Due to the quick work of the crews at the scene, containment was achieved in only 45 minutes and flames did not spread to nearby structures.
SINGLE ENGINE PLANE CRASH September 3 PACOIMA - At 5:09PM, a single engine plane went down on the property of the Los Angeles County Fire Department facility in Pacoima where Los Angeles Firefighters rushed to the scene. The private plane took off from Whiteman Airport with two people aboard and experienced an unknown problem. The plane was met by both LA City and County Department personnel after the crash who had to extricate both victims. A 60-year-old male pilot was pulseless and not breathing at the scene and was rushed to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, while a 12-year-old boy who accompanied him sustained critical injuries and was also transported to an area hospital.
Harry Garvin
Mike Meadows
John Conkle
FATAL HOUSE FIRE September 8 CYPRESS PARK - Firefighters responded to an emergency call at 4:28AM in the 3300 block of Thorpe Avenue where a fire broke out at a 1,000-square-foot single-story home. The house was well involved in flames when Fire Crews arrived as they rushed to free several occupants from the burning property. While it took 20 Firefighters only 29 minutes to extinguish the flames, they sadly found one 10-year-old girl and a pet dog who were beyond medical help. Firefighters were able to rescue six other people who were trapped in the house, with one male who was transported to an area hospital with critical injuries.
STRUCTURE FIRE CIVILIAN FATALITIES
18 Erik Scott
Rick McClure
ROCKY FIRE September 9 CHATSWORTH - Fire Crews from Los Angeles, Ventura County, and Los Angeles County received calls of a fast-moving brush fire along Santa Susana Pass Road. Air and ground crews worked collectively to contain the 8.64-acre blaze that originated from a vehicle that veered off the road and toppled a power pole that triggered high voltage power lines to ignite flames. The driver of the vehicle was treated and transported to a local hospital in serious condition and no other injuries or structure damage were reported. Mike Meadows
CONFINED SPACE RESCUE September 9
Steve Gentry
STEVENSON RANCH - Shortly before 4:00AM, Firefighters received a call to aid a person who was trapped in a confined space at the abandoned Nike Missile Site near Browns Canyon Road and Oat Mountain Way. Units from Los Angeles City and Los Angeles County worked for over an hour to rescue the patient, who had fallen approximately 40 feet into a missile silo on the site and transported him to a local hospital. Steve Gentry
Gary Apodaca
9/11 REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY Each year, Los Angeles Firefighters gather for Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance events on September 11th to honor the memories of all who died in the tragic events in New York, Pennsylvania, and Northern Virginia on September 11th, 2001. This year, the LAFD hosted a public ceremony to honor those victims at the 9/11 Memorial located at the Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center. This memorial is a lasting reminder of the 343 New York Firefighters who perished in World Trade Center attacks and how we shall never forget their service.
Greg Doyle
Gary Apodaca
Gary Apodaca
Gary Apodaca
Gary Apodaca
GREATER ALARM FIRE DESTROYS MANSION September 14 BRENTWOOD - Around 4:00AM, more than 100 Firefighters sprang into action to fight a massive inferno in the 300 block of North Rockingham Avenue. Fire Crews battled heavy flames in the 7,552-square-foot one-story home that was vacant at the time. Two Firefighters were given medical attention at the scene while units were able to put out the conflagration in two hours and 27 minutes. There were no injuries that required medical transport and damage was limited to the $13 million home.
John Conkle
John Conkle
John Conkle
Alex Gillman
Alex Gillman Alex Gillman
Alex Gillman
LAFD GIRLS CAMP September 15-16 LOS ANGELES - Girls ages 14-18 were given the opportunity to experience what it takes to be a LAFD Firefighter during the LAFD Girls Camp, held at the Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center in Elysian Park. Participants were trained by female LAFD Firefighters and were able to experience hands-on activities with actual firefighting tools, equipment, and protective gear. This was also a time to build camaraderie with other aspiring Firefighters, develop new friendships, and challenge themselves in a fun and safe environment.
FIRE ERUPTS AT PARTY SUPPLY COMPANY September 17 David Barrett
GLASSELL PARK - Over 150 Firefighters took more than seven hours to fully extinguish a fire at a party supply company in the 3500 block of North San Fernando Road. The stubborn blaze that started around 5:20PM was a challenge for Fire Crews as downed high-voltage power lines, large plumes of smoke, and unstable walls caused units to take defensive measures.
Steve Gentry
David Barrett
David Barrett
Mike Meadows
Steve Gentry
FIRE LOSS IN $ Property Loss
$100,112,464 Content Loss
$41,890,165 Total Loss
$142,002,629
Harry Garvin
Harry Garvin
HOUSE FIRE September 17 WESTLAKE - A massive fire broke out in the evening at a one-story home in the 300 block of North Occidental Boulevard. Crews on the scene aggressively attacked the flames and were able to curtail the fire in only 16 minutes. Harry Garvin
FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU INSPECTIONS High Rise
733 Hydrants: City
Private
60,327
4,873
Brush Zone
140,448 CUPA Inspections: Hazardous Materials Inventory And Business Emergency Plan Inspections
2,784 Underground Storage Tank Inspections
1,339 Above Ground Petroleum Storage Tank Inspections
136 California Accidental Release Prevention Inspections
10
AUTO PARTS YARD FIRE September 18 SUN VALLEY - A massive fire that could be seen for miles ignited from combustible spare auto parts in the 8500 block of North San Fernando Road. 54 Firefighters were able to contain the blaze in under 40 minutes. Steve Gentry
FIREFIGHTERS INJURED IN INDUSTRIAL FIRE September 19 BOYLE HEIGHTS - Around 12:45PM, approximately 150 Firefighters were dispatched to the scene of a major industrial fire in the 2800 block of East Pico Boulevard. Heavy flames and smoke ripped through the roof of the 80 ft x 100 ft one-story building, which was home to a garment business. Three Firefighters suffered burn injuries when the roof collapsed, one sustained critical injuries and the other two were listed in fair condition.
Matt Hartman
Matt Hartman
Mike Meadows
HOUSE FIRE September 21 MANCHESTER SQUARE - 25 Firefighters responded to an emergency fire in a one-story home in the 1800 block of West 74th Street in the early afternoon. Crews arrived to find the home well involved with flames, but were able to extinguish it in less than twenty minutes. Justin Johnson
Justin Johnson
Justin Johnson
APARTMENT FIRE September 23 VALLEY VILLAGE - Around 6:51PM, 46 Firefighters arrived at 5415 North Corteen Place to battle a blaze that originated from one unit on the first floor of a two-story apartment complex. The building was occupied so Fire Crews assisted several residents from surrounding units. The fire was extinguished in just 15 minutes and no injuries were reported.
Kelly Seidel
Kelly Seidel
Harry Garvin
Harry Garvin
HOUSE OF WORSHIP FIRE October 4 UNIVERSITY PARK - A fire ripped through an abandoned church at approximately 6:20AM in the 700 block of West Washington Boulevard. The historic 1924 building, which once served as a church and later a full-service mortuary, began to crumble in the intense heat and caused officials to take defensive measures and close the street between Figueroa Street and Union Avenue. In total, 133 Firefighters battled the blaze and were successful in protecting surrounding structures. The fire was investigated by the House of Worship Task Force, a group of law enforcement officials from the LAFD, LAPD, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the FBI, who are called whenever a house of worship is targeted for arson.
Harry Garvin
CREWS RESCUE TRAPPED HORSE October 6
ATTIC FIRE October 12 Mike Meadows
LAKE VIEW TERRACE - Firefighters were dispatched around 10:56AM to the Hansen Dam Recreation Area where they rescued an 800-pound horse trapped in the mud and water of a marsh. Approximately 20 Firefighters used ropes and collective teamwork to pull the horse to safety. The horse’s rider was able to free herself and walk to stable ground and was assessed by Paramedics at the scene. Both the rider and horse were determined to be in good condition. Mike Meadows
TANKER TRUCK SPILL CLOSES FREEWAY October 8 SYLMAR - Around 11:40PM, Firefighters were called to the westbound 210 Freeway at the Yarnell Street exit where a tanker truck overturned and spilled hot liquid asphalt onto the road. The driver was still inside the vehicle and needed to be extricated and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. He was transported to a local area hospital. Crews were forced to close all lanes and proceed with the cleanup effort that lasted several days. Thankfully, the cleanup effort was successful in preventing tar from reaching storm drains.
Greg Doyle
Rick McClure
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Just before noon, Firefighters arrived to the 500 block of Griswold Avenue on reports of flames coming from the attic and roof of a two-story Victorian home. More than 40 members doused the flames in less than 40 minutes and no injuries were reported.
Mike Meadows
Mike Meadows
Mike Meadows
HOUSE FIRE October 14
Steve Gentry
HANCOCK PARK - At 5:10AM, a fire was reported at a vacant two-story, single-family home located at 252 South June Street. The home, which had been vacant for some time, was well-involved with flames when Firefighters arrived. Fire Crews skillfully extinguished the blaze in just over one hour.
Mike Meadows
Steve Gentry
BUS CRASH WITH INJURIES CLOSES FREEWAY October 14 NORTH HILLS - Around 1:00PM, a multi-vehicle collision involving a bus that crashed through the center divider and caused a chain reaction on the 405 Freeway prompted a full closure at Nordhoff Street. Firefighters worked with the California Highway Patrol to lead a coordinated effort to rescue and treat 40 patients at the scene and transport 25 of them by ambulance to local hospitals. Harry Garvin
Harry Garvin
Harry Garvin
Erik Scott
MAJOR APARTMENT FIRE October 20 KOREATOWN - A fire broke out at 5:24AM at a four-story apartment building in the 700 block of South Normandie Avenue with over 106 Firefighters called to the scene. As crews helped evacuate residents from the 54,152-square-foot building, fire spots were identified in the basement as well as the first two floors of the structure with rapid movement to the attic. Firefighters worked to achieve a successful knockdown of the flames in one hour and 30 minutes. The LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section determined the fire originated in the first-floor utility room and traveled through the walls to the attic. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported. Harry Garvin
SYLMAR BRUSH FIRE October 21 SYLMAR - Approximately 72 Firefighters quickly contained a brush fire near the 14000 block of East Saddle Ridge Road that consumed three acres. With assistance from air and ground crews from LA County Fire Department and Angeles National Forest, the fire was extinguished in just 52 minutes with no structures damaged.
Mike Meadows
GREATER ALARM STRUCTURE FIRE October 25 DOWNTOWN - Over 140 Firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire emanating from a one-story commercial building in the 1400 block of South Long Beach Avenue at 5:25PM. Crews faced a number of challenges in this blaze, including a collapsed roof, downed power lines, and flames that threatened adjoining businesses on three sides of the building. Through tactical efficiency and coordination, Crews put out the inferno in one hour and 22 minutes.
FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE JUMPER October 31 SUN VALLEY - At 9:07AM, Firefighters responded to a person who threatened to jump from a pedestrian bridge above the southbound 170 Freeway near Sherman Way. Both Fire and Police personnel assisted the patient, who was brought to safety without incident.
Branden Silverman
Mike Meadows
Branden Silverman
“ VALOR: BEYOND THE CALL” AWARDS November 1 Each year, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation honors members of the Department who have demonstrated exceptional bravery, excellence, and commitment to their community. This year, the Medal of Valor and Award of Merit honorees include seven members who distinguished themselves while off-duty in Las Vegas during the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival and a member who saved the lives of three young children at a structure fire in Wilmington.
Gary Apodaca
VALOR
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Medal of Valor: A member is entitled to consideration for this award by performing an act of conspicuous heroism and/or bravery under extreme personal risk above and beyond the calculated personal risk demands of the fire service. Seven members earned this prestigious award:
The Crystal Flame Community Service Award: Presented to a sworn member of the Department who has gone beyond their regular duties, demonstrating exceptional compassion and personal commitment to the community. This year’s recipients are:
Firefighter/Paramedic Rio-Bec Hernandez Captain I Brett Kearns
Firefighter III Darin Crandell
Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Mandahl
Firefighter III Nicholas Shrode
Captain II Ted Kalnas Engineer Robert James Hays III
MERIT Award of Merit: Earned by members taking conspicuous action in rendering aid during a life-saving or life-threatening situation under circumstances which pose calculated risk to the members or performing an endeavor which brings significant credit to the Department. This outstanding award goes to: Firefighter III Anthony Michael Cresta
Battalion Chief Alicia Welch (retired)
Captain II Monica Hall
Battalion Chief Kris Larson
Captain I Jennifer Wilcox
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE Chief’s Distinguished Service Award: Presented when an individual or a Section of the Department performs with distinction in service to the LAFD and the community. We are proud to present this award to: LAFD Air Operations
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
LEGACY
Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented to a retiree of the Department who exemplifies the true spirit of “Service to the Community” through their actions while on active duty and as a retired member. This year’s recipient is:
Legacy Service Award: In her role as the former President of the LAFD Foundation, Ms. Karen Wagener was instrumental in raising money to fund and develop youth programs, technology, equipment, and leadership training for our Department.
Chaplain George Negrete (retired)
FIRE SWEEPS THROUGH VACANT STRUCTURE November 9 DOWNTOWN - Fire Crews responded to a reported structure fire at 9:44PM in the 200 block of North Center Street where flames and smoke ravaged a vacant commercial building near the Arts District. The large building, which had previous safety hazards from past incidents, suffered extensive fire damage before crews were able to knock down the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings.
Harry Garvin
Harry Garvin
DOG RESCUED FROM HOUSE FIRE November 27
Harry Garvin
ECHO PARK - At 2:47PM, Fire Crews were called to the 1900 block of North Lake Shore Avenue where a reported structure fire broke out in a garage. Firefighters arrived to find the flames quickly moving to the attic and threatening the main part of the house. Due to their decisive action, one dog was saved and a large part of the house was spared from damage.
Harry Garvin
Harry Garvin
Adam VanGerpen
Adam VanGerpen
GREATER ALARM WAREHOUSE FIRE December 2 VAN NUYS - Firefighters responded to reports of a massive fire at 5:12AM in a 100 ft x 100 ft commercial building located in the 16100 block of West Covello Street. Upon arrival, heavy fire streamed from the roof of the warehouse where Fire Crews prevented the flames from reaching nearby buildings. The inferno was ultimately knocked down in one hour and 54 minutes.
FIRE RIPS THROUGH LIQUOR STORE December 6
Harry Garvin
ECHO PARK - 77 Firefighters were called to the 1300 block of North Echo Park Avenue at 9:46AM where heavy smoke and flames erupted from the roof of a one-story liquor store. Fortunately, crews on the scene were able to quickly stop the flames from spreading beyond the original structure and achieved a knockdown in one hour and 15 minutes.
VEHICLE SMASHES INTO BUILDING December 16
Yvonne Griffin Mike Meadows
HYDE PARK - Around 9:00AM, a car crashed into a building in the 3300 block of West 66th Place, causing a portion of the structure to collapse and tragically leaving two people dead. According to police, the driver lost control of the vehicle, hit a fire hydrant, smashed into a pole, and then plowed into the abandoned building before the car was crushed by a concrete overhang that fell down upon impact. Fire Crews responded to the scene and helped hoist the car out of the crumbling building.
CAR CRASHES INTO TACO STAND December 22 SUN VALLEY - At 7:16AM, Firefighters responded to a vehicle that had crashed into a building in the 7200 block of N. Lankershim Boulevard. Upon arrival, Firefighters found a car that had collided into a taco stand causing damage to the building. US&R 88 handled the safe extrication of the vehicle.
HOUSE FIRE INJURES CIVILIAN December 23 VERMONT SQUARE - Over 50 Firefighters arrived to fight an early morning fire in the 120 block of West 52nd Street. Crews responded to the two-story home at 2:44AM where they found fire emanating from the first floor and into the attic before they contained the flames in just 34 minutes. Adjacent structures suffered minimal damage and one injured civilian was transported to a local hospital in fair condition.
Brandon Buckley
Brandon Buckley
Yvonne Griffin
CREWS FIGHT GREATER ALARM FIRE December 28 CENTRAL-ALAMEDA - Firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire at a 1940s-era building located at 1842 East 41st Place heavily involved with flames. Over 100 Firefighters fought intense flames while contending with several challenges, including a partial roof collapse, high voltage wires, and an adjacent pallet yard. Crews contained the blaze in 90 minutes and were successful in preventing its spread to surrounding structures. Following protocol, the LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section was brought in to investigate the nature of the fire.
Adam VanGerpen
CAFE FIRE December 28
STRIP MALL BLAZE December 29
DOWNTOWN - An early morning blaze broke out at a popular dining establishment in the Arts District at 6:45AM. Crews arrived at 459 South Hewitt Street where they found smoke showing from the roof of Urth Caffe, which is located in a 11,461-square-foot structure built in 1928. It took 98 Firefighters one hour and 25 minutes to locate and put out the fire, successfully stopping it from spreading to adjacent businesses.
HOLLYWOOD - Firefighters took 28 minutes to locate the origin of a fire in the 6000 block of West Santa Monica Boulevard and extinguish the flames inside an auto repair business. Approximately 69 Firefighters were on hand to survey the 50 ft x 200 ft strip mall, contain the inferno, and prevent it from damaging neighboring businesses.
Yvonne Griffin
Yvonne Griffin
Adam VanGerpen
Mike Meadows
Alex Gillman
LAFD RECRUIT TRAINING ACADEMY GRADUATIONS In 2018, the LAFD held four graduation ceremonies from Drill Tower 81 located in Panorama City and Drill Tower 40 located in San Pedro in which 198 new Firefighters joined the ranks. The Academy Graduations are a celebration of the completion of a 20-week rigorous training program that prepares recruits for a successful career with the Department. The Swearing-In Ceremony and Badge Presentation are followed by a comprehensive skills demonstration. These graduates enter a year-long period of assessment as probationary firefighters alongside tenured members of the Department. UFLAC welcomes our newest Firefighters into our ranks.
Gary Apodaca
Gary Apodaca
Gary Apodaca
Gary Apodaca
Alex Gillman
Adam VanGerpen
Gary Apodaca
Alex Gillman
Alex Gillman
Gary Apodaca
Gary Apodaca
Gary Apodaca
GIVING BACK 16TH ANNUAL ST. BALDRICK’S FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER For the 16th straight year, members of the LAFD and the LAPD, along with hundreds of community supporters, gathered at Fire Station 89 in North Hollywood for the St. Baldrick's Foundation Fundraiser to shave their heads and raise money to help conquer childhood cancer. This incredible event organized by LAFD Captain Danny Wu and LAPD Lieutenant Greg Doyle included a pancake breakfast, blood and bone marrow registration, a silent auction, face painting, fire and police apparatus displays, and so much more. Congratulations on yet another successful event to raise money to support childhood cancer research!
Greg Doyle
Yvonne Griffin
HOPE FOR FIREFIGTHERS
Greg Doyle
Several downtown businesses created the Hope for Firefighters event in 1998 as a tribute to our fallen Firefighters and it has become the Widows, Orphans, and Disabled Firemen's Fund's largest annual fundraiser. Each year, Hope for Firefighters features live music, food prepared by fire stations from throughout the City, fire apparatus and demonstrations, merchandise, raffle drawings, and muster games where sponsored teams compete in bucket brigade, firefighter suit-up, and an old-fashioned hose pull contest. Thank you to everyone who helps raise money for the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen's Fund.
FIRE VELO: 12TH ANNUAL SF TO LA “FIRE SERVICE CANCER AWARENESS” BICYCLE RIDE
Adam VanGerpen
13TH ANNUAL MDA FILL THE BOOT CAMPAIGN & MUSCLE WALK The LAFD partnered with UFLAC for the 13th Annual MDA Fill the Boot Campaign to benefit Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Los Angeles. For more than 60 years, MDA and the IAFF have been working together to help conquer Muscular Dystrophy, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and other neuromuscular diseases. Last year, the LAFD and UFLAC collected over $80,000 to help local kids and adults affected by muscle debilitating diseases live longer and grow stronger. Funds raised through the Muscle Walk program build on decades of muscle disease research progress, helping push science to its limits in the search for treatments and cures. The dollars raised through Muscle Walk also support MDA’s life-enhancing programs, including state-of-the-art clinics and support groups. In addition, they make MDA summer camp possible so kids with muscle disease can enjoy “the best week of the year.”
Adam VanGerpen
Approximately 25 cyclists completed a six-day journey from the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles with a purpose -to raise awareness and funds to fight cancer in the Fire Service. The riders, some of whom are also cancer survivors, are active duty or retired Firefighters from several fire departments in California. Over the past 12 years, the SF to LA Ride has raised more than $300,000 to support cancer prevention efforts and organizations, including: • Fire Family Foundation
• San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation • Firefighter Cancer Support Network • Firefighter Cancer Foundation • Retired Professional Fire Fighters Cancer Fund This year's ride was dedicated in memory of six Firefighters who recently lost their lives to job-related cancer, including two from the SFFD, one from the LACoFD, one from the Santa Cruz FD, one from Aptos/La Selva, and one from the Lompoc FD.
DANIEL A. TERRY SCHOLARSHIP The California Fire Foundation is dedicated to its mission of giving back to families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty. Through the Foundation's Daniel A. Terry scholarship program, children of fallen Firefighters are provided financial assistance to help with the cost of pursuing a higher education. These $2,000 college scholarship awards enable students to achieve their dream of a higher education despite the financial adversity that often comes with the loss of a parent. In 2018, two local students were among the six deserving recipients who were awarded the Daniel A. Terry Scholarship: Elizabeth and Richard Moorman, the children of LAFD Captain II David Todd Moorman.
MUTUAL AID The 2018 wildfire season was the deadliest and most destructive on record in California, with a total of 8,527 fires burning an area of 1,893,913 acres, the largest amount of burned acreage recorded in a fire season. The fires caused more than $3.5 billion in damages, including $1.792 billion in fire suppression costs. Tragically, the lives of 98 civilians and six firefighters were claimed during the 2018 California wildfire season.
MONTECITO MUDSLIDES January 9
CARR FIRE July 23 – August 30
MONTECITO, SANTA BARBARA COUNTYA series of mudflows occurred in Southern California in early January, particularly affecting the community of Montecito in Santa Barbara County. The disaster struck one month after a series of major wildfires, including the Thomas Fire, which caused destabilization of the soil and subsequent mudflows. There were 21 reported deaths and approximately 163 people were hospitalized with various injuries. The mudflows caused at least $177 million in property damage and cost at least $7 million in emergency response and $43 million to cleanup. Over 85 personnel from the LAFD were deployed to the devastating mudslides to search for victims and provide assistance. Task Force 9 (CA RTF-9), two Strike Teams, Search & Rescue Dogs, and a Peer Support Team were on hand to provide aid to the thousands impacted by this natural disaster.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA - The Carr Fire was a massive wildfire that burned 229,651 acres in Shasta and Trinity Counties. The fire was started when a flat tire on a vehicle caused the wheel's rim to scrape against the asphalt, creating sparks that ignited the blaze. The Carr Fire destroyed 1,079 residences, 22 commercial structures, and 503 outbuildings, while damaging another 190 residences, 26 commercial structures, and 63 outbuildings. At its peak, there were as many as 4,766 personnel deployed from multiple agencies to battle the inferno. Tragically, eight people died in the fire, including three Firefighters.
Adam VanGerpen
MENDOCINO COMPLEX FIRE July 27 – September 18 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA - The Ranch and River Fires that burned in Mendocino, Lake, Colusa, and Glenn Counties are collectively called the Mendocino Complex Fire. The Mendocino Complex Fire charred more than 459,000 acres, becoming the largest complex fire in the state's history, with the Complex's Ranch Fire surpassing the 2017 Thomas Fire and the Santiago Canyon Fire of 1889 to become California's single-largest recorded wildfire. The fires collectively destroyed 280 structures while damaging 37 others, causing at least $267 million in damages, including $201 million in fire suppression costs. Sadly, one Firefighter was killed and four others were injured.
Draper Battalion Chief Matthew Burchett
Adam VanGerpen
CAMP FIRE November 8 – November 25
HILL FIRE November 8
BUTTE COUNTY - The Camp Fire was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history to date. Named after its place of origin, Camp Creek Road, the fire caused at least 86 civilian fatalities and injured 12 civilians, three professional Firefighters, and two prison inmate Firefighters. It covered an area of 153,336 acres and destroyed 18,804 structures before reaching 100% containment after 17 days.
VENTURA COUNTY - The Hill Fire broke out around 2:00PM at Hill Canyon Road, west of Santa Rosa Road, just before the Woolsey Fire began to grow out of control nearby. The fire burned in the Santa Rosa Valley, prompting evacuations. The Hill Fire scorched 4,531 acres, destroyed four homes, and damaged two other structures.
Brandon Buckley
WOOLSEY FIRE November 8 - November 21 SANTA SUSANA MOUNTAINS - Over 3,200 Firefighters were deployed to one of the most devastating fires in State history. The Woolsey Fire started on the Santa Susana Field Laboratory property and quickly spread southward fueled by Santa Ana winds that pushed the flames into densely populated neighborhoods in Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and Los Angeles City. As Air and Ground crews responded to the fire’s movement, roads along the Ventura Freeway were closed, thousands of residents were evacuated, and even Pepperdine University in Malibu was impacted. It was reported that nearly 97,000 acres burned, over 1,600 buildings were destroyed, and five injuries occurred, including three Firefighters. Sadly, the Woolsey Fire claimed the lives of three victims.
DARING MOUNTAINTOP RESCUE BY LAFD PILOTS November 9
Mike Meadows
Mike Meadows
MALIBU - LAFD Air Operations Pilots David Nordquist and Joel Smith took heroic actions to save multiple lives in the Castro Mountains during the intensely dangerous Woolsey Fire. The pilots of Fire 4 were conducting a water drop near the edge of the massive wildfire that threatened the hills of Malibu when they received a rescue call from service buildings atop a narrow mountain ridge in the area. Despite the challenging conditions, including heavy smoke and uneven terrain, Pilots Nordquist and Smith risked their own safety to make a landing and aid the civilians trapped by the fire. Three people and two dogs were saved through the dedication and courage of Pilots Nordquist and Smith.
Mike Meadows
Mike Meadows
HONORING INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS FALLEN FIRE FIGHTER MEMORIAL The LAFD Honor Guard and UFLAC Executive Board Members attended the 32nd annual IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colorado to honor the memory of our Fallen LAFD Brothers Captain David T. Moorman and Firefighter Kelly Wong. The IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Wall of Honor includes the names of those who died on the fire ground and the alarming number who succumbed to occupational illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and post-traumatic stress. The IAFF added 271 fallen Firefighters from the United States and Canada to the Wall of Honor at this year's memorial.
Adam VanGerpen
Adam VanGerpen Adam VanGerpen
CALIFORNIA FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL CEREMONY Adam VanGerpen
Adam VanGerpen
Adam VanGerpen
The California Fire Foundation hosted their 16th Annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony on September 29th in Sacramento. 37 fallen Firefighters' names were added to the more than 1,300 inscribed on the California Firefighters Memorial Wall outside the State Capitol Building, including the LAFD’s own Captain II David T. Moorman. Dedicated in 1995, the two-sided limestone wall pays tribute to Firefighters who died in the line of duty or from work-related illnesses. UFLAC Board Members, the LAFD Honor Guard, and Chief Terrazas were all in attendance at the Ceremony.
OUR FALLEN Adam VanGerpen
Gary Apodaca
Adam VanGerpen
LAFD FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL CEREMONY
FIREFIGHTER PETER D. VARNUM
Each year, the LAFD joins the LAFD Historical Society, along with community and civic leaders, to gather with the friends and family of LAFD members who have died in the line of duty in service to the City of Los Angeles. This ceremony recognizes the brave 268 Firefighters of our Department we have lost and honors their ultimate sacrifice to protect our City. We will never forget these brave Firefighters who have courageously served the citizens of Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Fire Department mourns the off-duty death of Active Duty Firefighter Peter D. Varnum. He passed away on July 24, 2018 in Ventura County. Firefighter Varnum, 22 years old, joined the LAFD on March 5, 2018 and was assigned to Fire Station 89 in North Hollywood. Our Brother will be deeply missed.
Gary Apodaca
Adam VanGerpen
Gary Apodaca
RECOGNITION PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS Gary Apodaca
Steve Gentry
Rick McClure
David Barrett
Alex Gillman
Mike Meadows
Brandon Buckley
Yvonne Griffin
Thomas Raymond
Chris Conkle
Matt Hartman
Kelly Seidel
John Conkle
Justin Johnson
Branden Silverman
Greg Doyle
Leo Kaufman
Tod Sudmeier
Austin Gebhardt
Mark Masek
Adam VanGerpen
LAFD Public Service Officer Amy Bastman
Public Service Officer Margaret Stewart
FireStat Manager Drew Steinberg
Public Service Officer Brian Humphrey
Public Information Officer Erik Scott
Arson Forensic Photographer Harry Garvin
Public Information Director Peter Sanders
All photos and images used in this publication are subject to the copyright of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
UNITED FIREFIGHTERS OF LOS ANGELES CITY EXECUTIVE BOARD President Freddy Escobar 1st Vice President Chuong Ho
Treasurer Domingo Albarran
Director Dave Riles
2nd Vice President Adam VanGerpen
Director Steve Addleman
Director Adam Walker
Secretary David Pimentle
Director Kent Koffler
Director Randy Yslas
Paid for by United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, Local 112 – Issues Committee