WESTWOOD—On Friday, December 4, at 10:10 a.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a structure fire located on 510 S Warner Avenue in Westwood.
Upon arrival by firefighters, heavy fire was visible from the second floor of the 3,290 square-foot two-story single family home.
According to a press release from the LAFD, “The quick, aggressive, coordinated fire attack and vertical ventilation successfully stopped the fire from spreading beyond the area of origin.”
Firefighters ensured all exposures, including the vegetation surrounding the home were protected. They further prevented the fire from damaging neighboring homes standing only feet away and spreading to adjacent trees.
An 85-year-old woman and 90-year-old man, who were occupants of the home, escaped without serious injury.
Canyon News reached out to the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Public Service Officer Margaret Stewart, who mentioned that the married couple owned and lived in the home for approximately 50 years.
The LAFD further noted that the home did not have adequate working smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm can reduce the risk of dying in a residential fire by upwards of 50 percent, according to studies from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Stewart explained to Canyon News that the Arson Unit has been conducting the investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Stewart mentioned via e-mail that the Arson Unit specifically provided their comments regarding the fire via the following statement: “The fire was accidental due to a space heater placed too close to common combustibles. The smoke alarms alerted the occupants, who tried to extinguish the fire, but could not. The husband alerted his wife and they self evacuated.”
Stewart further added that the dollar loss is not currently available.
