LAFD Station 66 Tackles Row of Garages Fire in Chesterfield Square

In this incident, crews from LAFD Station 66 responded to a structure fire involving a row of garages in the Chesterfield Square area. The nature of the fire required a prompt and coordinated response to prevent fire extension to adjacent structures and minimize property loss. Garages often contain flammable materials and vehicles, increasing the risk of rapid fire spread and potential hazardous conditions for firefighters.

Fireground Operations and Tactical Considerations

Upon arrival, the crew conducted a size-up to assess fire location, intensity, and potential exposures. Given the linear arrangement of the garages, establishing effective ventilation was critical to improve visibility and reduce heat inside the compartments. Crews utilized positive pressure ventilation to push smoke and heat out, facilitating safer interior attack conditions. The attack crew advanced hose lines for direct fire suppression, ensuring the use of proper PPE and SCBA to protect against toxic smoke and heat.

Firefighters maintained situational awareness of potential structural collapse due to fire damage and the presence of vehicles and stored materials inside the garages. Incident command coordinated with crews to manage resources and maintain clear communication, ensuring crew safety and efficient fire control. The operation highlights the importance of rapid size-up, ventilation tactics, and coordinated hose line advancement in row-of-garage fires.

Operational Lessons and Firefighter Safety

This incident underscores the challenges of garage fires, including limited access, combustible contents, and potential for fire spread to nearby structures. Effective ventilation and maintaining crew accountability were vital to operational success. Firefighters must remain vigilant for hidden fire extension behind walls and ceilings common in garage structures. Proper PPE and SCBA use, along with continuous risk assessment, are essential to mitigate hazards.

Overall, the response by LAFD Station 66 demonstrates disciplined fireground tactics and teamwork necessary for controlling complex structure fires while prioritizing firefighter safety and property preservation.