Firefighters Protect Homes During Battle with Pacoima Vegetation Fire

Pacoima, Los Angeles, CA: A grass/vegetation fire erupted at the intersection of the 12900 block of West Branford Street and the Golden State (5) Freeway threatening nearby homes around 12:38 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, in the Pacoima neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley.

Firefighters prevented the approximate one-acre fire from extending to the exposed residences along Remick Avenue. There was some damage to wooden fences, exterior patios and one vehicle, according to Los Angeles Fire Department Battalion Chief Vincent Alvarado at the scene interviewed by Key News Network.

Police officers responding to the location were seen helping out firefighters by laying hoses, and one officer was using a garden hose on a property to help douse flames.

According to LAFD, 78 firefighters extinguished the fire in 47 minutes with no injuries reported.

Alvarado said that one civilian was evaluated for basic life-saving emergency. No lives were lost during the incident.

LAFD reported Branford Street was closed at the 5 Freeway to Laurel Canyon Boulevard. Crews continued to mop up vegetation hot spots. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Video: Keith Johnson, Photojournalist / KNN