Boyle Heights Victorian Fully Engulfed
So fire-damaged it could no longer support its weight, a large 1890's Victorian-style home partially collapsed into an apartment building.
At 7:57PM, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to 1519 E Pleasant Av in Boyle Heights. Upon arrival, firefighters found a large, two story, wooden-sided Victorian style building well involved with fire. Additional resources were immediately ordered, raising this to a Greater Alarm status - the second one of the night for Central Bureau.
While the fire building was determined a total loss, the focus shifted to the two exposed buildings on either side of the Victorian. The two story, center-hall apartment building on the bravo (left) side suffered damage when the fire building partially collapsed into it. Fire extended into the attic and the quick action of the firefighters in pulling ceiling and getting handlines in place prevented it from running the building. Four units on the 2nd floor were evacuated and Red Cross responded to address their immediate needs.
101 firefighters, under the command of Assistant Chief Tim Ernst, gained a knockdown in 58 minutes. Given the size of the building and the continuing collapse as it settled, firefighter remained on scene to address flare ups through the night.
The 3,443 square foot building is reported to be the site of a previous burn and possibly home to transients. Once the building is safe to search, the investigation will commence to determine if there were any victims.
LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Unit is investigating the cause.
