SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire on 1605 Ocean Front Walk located near the base of the Santa Monica Pier at 7:45 p.m. on Saturday, December 12.
When arriving to the scene, firefighters found the second story of the apartment building engulfed in fire and smoke.
According to a Santa Monica Fire Department press release, it took approximately 40 minutes to get the fire under control. The SMFD initiated an aggressive attack of the fire to help contain the fire and cease it from spreading or causing any damage to the adjacent buildings on both sides. The incident continued to last an additional 3 hours as engine companies arrived to perform overhaul and mop-up to fully extinguish the fire.
Three residents were taken to the local hospital for smoke inhalation, while 20 residents were displaced by the fire. The Red Cross is helping the displaced residents with temporary shelter. SMFD is also assisting several of the residents with housing. No firefighters were injured during the incident.
While the Santa Monica Police Department assisted with scene evacuation, traffic control, and security, the SMFD also noted that “Six Santa Monica Fire Department Engine Companies, One Truck Company, Haz-Mat Unit, and Five Americare ambulances responded to the fire under the command of Battalion Chief Nevandro, and assisted by Deputy Chief Clemo. The Los Angeles City Fire Department provided three Engines, one Truck Company and four Rescue Ambulances, and two chief officers to help at the fire scene and assisted with other emergencies in the city for the duration of the fire.”
The Santa Monica Community Emergency Response Team released the following statement via social media on Sunday, December 13: “Our thoughts and good vibes go out to those who were affected by last night’s fire near the Santa Monica Pier. Due to the fast response from the Santa Monica Fire Department, aided by the Los Angeles Fire Department, the incident was under control pretty fast. Also, we would like to express our appreciation for the outstanding service and assistance provided by the Santa Monica Police Department, and the Red Cross DAT volunteers.”
Canyon News reached out to Deputy Chief Tom Clemo, who stated that the SMFD’s prevention investigation team is still working on the details to determine the cause and origin of the fire.
