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 ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ 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 ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ National Forest, simultaneously deploying assets to structural defense and fire attack. Additional resources from Los ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ 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.
