Arleta Home Destroyed
Fire consumed the 2nd floor and converted attic of an Arleta home, sending one occupant and two firefighters to the hospital.
At 8:26AM on December 22, 2022 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 14200 block of W Judd St for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a two story, single family dwelling with the 2nd floor well involved in fire. Initial reports on scene indicated one occupant was missing.
Crews immediately initiated an offensive operation in the "rescue profile" (due to the possibility of a victim inside the structure). The fire was isolated to the 2nd floor and extended into the attic. Firefighters conducted a primary and secondary search on the 1st floor and confirmed it was clear. As firefighters continued to battle the heavy fire and intense heat bearing down on them from above, occupants of the residence confirmed they found the missing person.
The 42 firefighters, operating under the command of Battalion Chief Albert Ward, fully extinguished the fire in 39 minutes with no damage to the neighboring buildings.
One occupant was transported in serious condition with facial/respiratory burns and two firefighters were transported for evaluation of non-life threatening burn injuries.
The home was initially reported as a 'sober living facility' but later confirmed not to be a licensed facility of any type. The legality of the construction and occupancy (at least 11 people) is under investigation. LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism section is actively investigation the cause of the fire.
