Los Angeles firefighters responded Sunday evening to a two-story townhome fire in Woodland Hills while supporting the Los Angeles Police Department during an active law enforcement incident.

LAFD resources were initially staged nearby on a police standby when firefighters observed heavy smoke coming from the second floor of the middle unit of a three-unit townhome in the 5700 block of Owensmouth Avenue. The incident was immediately upgraded to a structure fire, and additional fire companies were dispatched.

Because gunfire continued to be reported from the scene, firefighters could not safely enter the building. Instead, they conducted a defensive firefighting operation from outside the structure while under the protection of LAPD officers. This force protection allowed firefighters to safely position hose lines and apply water to the burning building while law enforcement maintained security around the incident.

During the firefighting operation, the fire extended into an adjacent townhome. Firefighters continued working from protected positions to limit further fire spread and defend the remaining units.

Approximately 63 firefighters responded to the incident. As of 4:33 a.m. Monday, the situation remained static as firefighters continued operating under LAPD force protection while awaiting SWAT to secure the scene. No firefighter injuries were reported.

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety and LAFD Arson investigators have been requested to assist once the scene is safe to enter.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Los Angeles Police Department.