Fire At Vacant Home Claims One Life
Friday, February 26, 2016
LAFD Spokesperson: Margaret Stewart
LOS ANGELES-
Despite the quick work of firefighters, one life was lost in a fire at a vacant home in Van Nuys.
At 3:58AM, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to 14011 W Archwood St for a reported structure fire. The 3,276 square foot house, built in 1992, was well involved with fire upon LAFD arrival. 26 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Kenneth Miller, went to action and gained a knockdown of the fire in just 26 minutes. While conducting a primary search for victims, firefighters found one person beyond medical help.
The home was recently purchased and it is believed the occupant just moved in. Smoke alarms were present but it is not known if they were functional. The Smoke Alarm Field Education (S.A.F.E.) program canvassed the neighborhood, providing free smoke alarms (with installation) to those homes lacking proper coverage.
Three firefighters sustain non-life threatening injuries. Two were transported in fair condition while one was released at the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by LAFD Arson while the LA County Coroner will work to identify and determine the cause of death of the victim.
Dispatched Units: AR1 AR11 AR2 AR33 BC10 E102 E239 E289 E39 EM14 RA81 RA839 T39 T89
