SHERMAN OAKS—On Friday, July 31, the Los Angeles Fire Department extinguished a two-acre fire north of Mulholland Drive and west of Beverly Glen Boulevard.
Several residents called 911 to report a brush fire burning toward a residential area shortly before 4:30 p.m. When firefighters arrived on the scene near the 14000 block of Deervale Place, they found a quarter-acre of medium-heavy brush ablaze. From a quarter-acre, the fire quickly spread to cover two acres.
A total of 75 firefighters, 13 engines and trucks, two ambulances, Camp Crews from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and air support were called to fight the fire. Under the command of Battalion Chief Kenny Miller, the fire was extinguished in an hour. Firefighters remained on the scene throughout the night to ensure that there were no further flare-ups.
No homes were damaged during the blaze because of proper brush clearance and water drops from the air support. The lack of wind played a factor in preventing the fire from spreading. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The LAFD is reminding the public to be aware of “how volatile our brush is compounded by a severe drought.” Homeowners are encouraged to review brush clearance requirements to decrease fire hazards around their property.
According to their official website, on August 3, the LAFD will announce the beginning of their “annual 150-day contract for the Erickson ‘Helitanker,’ a large helicopter capable of dropping 2,600 gallons of water.” The Helitanker will help serve Los Angeles alongside the “hardworking fleet of six LAFD helicopters and [their] seasoned pilots” as the fire season enters its driest months.
