Story/Photos by
Dan Steinberg, C.F.P.A.
A late night fire ripped through a commercial building in the Florence area on April 25, 2001 in South Central Los Angeles sending flames skyward for almost one hour. Los Angeles City responded a category "A" assignment consisting of two task forces (two engines and two trucks) and Los Angeles County Fire Departments sent a commercial structure fire assignment consisting of four engines and one truck company. Both departments sent separate first alarm assignments due to the fact that the fire was on the City/County border.
En route to the reported fire at 5864 South Compton Avenue, a large loom-up was immediately visible to all companies responding in. LA City Engine 21 was first on-scene and reported they were in the county with a one-story 75 by 100 foot commercial well involved.
Companies were met with several challenges that delayed getting first water onto the fire. The building was adjacent to a junkyard with no access to the rear and no windows on either side. In addition, a rolling steel door facing the street was secured by an iron gate in front of it, as well as iron bars and gates over the front door and the only window facing the street. Despite such forcible entry and access challenges, firefighters had first water on the fire within about five minutes after first due companies arrived.
Crews were met with a heavy fireload inside of the structure apparently used for steel/wood working and sign manufacturing. Access was difficult even after opening the rolling steel door in front due to a large truck parked in the building. To make matters worse, shortly after making access, the front portion of the roof collapsed. A ladder pipe, several wagon batteries, and numerous handlines were utilized as crews moved to a defensive stance. Crews also laddered and protected a home that was exposed to the south of the fire building.
Los Angeles County called for an additional three engine companies technically making the fire a 2nd alarm and Los Angeles City sent eight total companies making it a Greater Alarm for them. One Los Angeles City firefighter suffered a minor injury.
The cause of the fire is officially listed as under investigation. The loss was estimated to be $400,000 to the building and $225,000 to the contents for a total loss of $625,000.
The fire was brought under control in about one hour.
