HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Friday, February 25, a memorial service was held for a firefighter fatally injured during a fire. The candlelight vigil took place the day before.

On Wednesday, February 16, at 11:19 p.m. the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 1546 N. Viewsite Drive in the Hollywood Hills. Ten Fire Companies, one Heavy Rescue, one USAR Unit, seven Rescue Ambulances, seven Battalion Command Teams, one Division Command Team, three EMS Battalion Captains and one Arson Unit reported to the scene. Among them was fire department veteran of 36 years, Glenn L. Allen.

Allen was injured when the ceiling collapsed, leaving him engulfed in debris. Rescuers had to use a chainsaw to get to him; however, by the time Allen was rescued, he had already entered complete cardiac arrest and was not breathing. Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation was given before he was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where he was registered in grave condition until he was pronounced dead on the afternoon of Friday, February 18. Allen and five other firefighters were injured in the blaze.

According to colleagues, Allen spoke of retiring within the next year and expressed his excitement about the birth of his daughter’s son—his first grandchild. Allen died the day before his daughter gave birth.

Officials say that a plastic pipe in the home’s sprinkler system allegedly melted during the blaze, causing the water to fill the ceiling before the water-saturated ceiling collapsed on Allen and the other firefighters.

Allen’s injured colleagues have been treated and released. The occupants of the newly built three-story, 12,500-square-foot home were evacuated safely.

According to LAFD Chief Millage Peaks, the fire appears to have started around a fireplace before racing up the walls to the attic. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. “He [Allen] is the 61st Los Angeles Firefighter to have died while directly involved in emergency operations during the Department’s 125-year history. The Mayor of Los Angeles has ordered all City flags lowered to half-staff in Firefighter Allen’s honor,” states the LAFD press release.

“Today, I join all Angelenos in mourning the loss of Firefighter Glenn Allen, a fearlessly committed Firefighter who dedicated 36 years of his life to protecting the people of Los Angeles.  Glenn was a valiant hero whose selfless sacrifice will forever be honored,” said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in a statement. “This tragedy serves as a somber, yet powerful reminder that the brave men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department put their lives on the line each and every day to keep us safe from harm. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Firefighter Allen and his extended family of Firefighters at LAFD.”

The LAFD is also warning the public of people who are going door-to-door asking for donations in Allen’s honor. If you witness anyone attempting to solicit money please call 9-1-1.

A Community/Department Candlelight Vigil for Firefighter/Paramedic Allen took place from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Fire Station 78, located at 4041 Whitsett Avenue. Memorial services for Glenn Allen began Friday at 8:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles.