Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, CA: The Los Angeles Fire Department battled a “Major Emergency” structure fire amid an extreme heat wave on Monday, Sept. 5, in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Crews responded to the reported fire around 2:12 p.m. on the 2800 block of East 11th Street where smoke was showing from a one-story commercial building. Additional task forces were requested as flames were through the roof within 15 minutes of arrival. At that point the fire was fought from the exterior (defensive mode).

The flames continued to spread, burning five occupancies in the one-story row of commercial businesses. At least one occupancy sustained a partial collapse, according to LAFD.

Three firefighters encountered an electrical hazard and were being evaluated by paramedics on scene, reported LAFD. All three appeared to be in good condition.

One additional firefighter was transported in fair condition after sustaining injuries related to falling debris (4 total firefighters transported), stated LAFD.

Key News Network interviewed Dean Zipperman, Assistant Chief with LAFD at the scene, and was asked how the firefighters were handling the heat. Zipperman said their job is to monitor them, hydrate them and rotate “fresh companies in there.”

“We are using the same companies on scene, but are just going and rotating in and out so we don’t exhaust the rest of the city for resources that needs protection as well.”

Knockdown was reported at 4:12 p.m. LAFD said there were over 180 firefighters on the scene with 19 engines and 13 trucks from the department, with assistance from the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Video: Keith Johnson, Photojournalist / KNN

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