While firefighters were battling a defensive fire in two commercial buildings, a third fire erupted two doors down. 

At 1:43AM on March 10, 2025, the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1300 block of S Flower Street in Downtown Los Angeles.

Firefighters arrived to find a mixed two and one story commercial building (combined 13,000 sq feet), site of a previous burn, with heavy fire in the one-story portion at the back.  Crews initiated an offensive attack on the fire in the one-story section and were able to knock the bulk of the fire down in about 15 minutes. However, the situation escalated as flames rapidly spread into the adjacent one-story commercial building.

Approximately 20 minutes into the incident, smoke and fire were visible in separate, one-story commercial building (8,850 sq feet), two doors to the south. The Incident Commander swiftly redirected fire companies and expanded the operation, designating the growing fire as "Branch 1" to ensure effective communication and proper control over the complex scene.

While firefighters initially deployed an offensive fire attack, the fire burned through the roof and it became too dangerous for crews to remain inside. The incident transitioned to a defensive operation and fire companies deployed master streams via ladder pipes and large diameter hand lines. They fought the heavy fire for over an hour and successfully defended two exposed buildings (auto body shop adjacent and four-story apartment building to the rear) from damage. Occupants of the apartment building were able to safely shelter in place and no evacuation was required.

With over 100 firefighters on scene, operating under the leadership of Assistant Chief Douglas Lewis, a knockdown on all three structures was declared at 3:20AM.  

LAFD Heavy Equipment responded to assist with overhaul, using the Thermite RS3 Robotic Firefighting Vehicle to access the areas deemed dangerous due to structural instability and an excavator move debris.

During overhaul operations, one firefighter sustained a minor hand injury. There were no reported injuries to civilians.

LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) responded to the scene and are conducting an ongoing investigation.                                          

PHOTO ALBUM