High Heat Doesn't Deter Firefighters
Despite outside temperatures exceeding 100 degrees and a fire initially encroaching on several homes, firefighters waged an aggressive battle and defended a hillside neighborhood.
At 1:09 PM on July 31, 2020 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported brush fire in the 8100 block of W Ellenbogen Street. The first arriving fire company reported approximately 2 acres burning at a moderate speed. Fire attack was immediately initiated while the water dropping helicopters redirected from a separate brush fire to provide an aerial attack.
LAFD, under the leadership of Assistant Chief Surgey Tomlinson, established a Unified Command with Angeles National Forest, simultaneously deploying assets to structural defense and fire attack. Additional resources from Los Angeles County Fire Department assisted in the battle.
Within two hours, the fire was 40% contained and all forward progress was halted. By early evening, firefighters had transitioned into a mop up and fire watch mode. The fire was held at 20 acres and destroyed one shed. No homes or businesses were damaged.
One LAFD firefighter was treated for a minor, lower leg injury. LAPD and the LAFD Arson Section arrested an adult male in connection with the fire. This remains an ongoing investigation.
