SANTA MONICA—On Friday, June 5, the Santa Monica Fire Department announced at 8:37 a.m., firefighters responded to a fire at a residential building at 2628 5th Street, near Ocean Park Boulevard, that resulted in one fatality in Ocean Park.
The neighborhood runs between Lincoln Boulevard and the east side of the beach and contains an assortment of buildings, including apartment buildings.
The SMFD indicated firefighters arrived at a two-story apartment complex and began efforts to extinguish a fire raging in an apartment on the rear of the second floor.
The flames and smoke initially hindered officers’ entry but breached the apartment. As soon as the fire was under control, it prevented it from spreading to adjacent units. During a subsequent sweep, they found an elderly man. Paramedics took him to a nearby hospital, where he later died from fire-related injuries.
Officials have not yet revealed his name as they are pending his family being notified. The investigation continues, and the department is working to determine the cause of the fire. No additional details are available.
The SMFD is asking citizens to protect themselves from fires by ensuring smoke detectors are working by replacing batteries and testing them each month. Smoke detectors should be placed in rooms on each level of the home. Families should also practice escape plans and call 911 at the first sign of flames or smoke the SMFD indicate.
