Massive Fire Engulfs Multiple Apartment Buildings in Hollywood
HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES – A devastating fire broke out on Wednesday evening, spreading to multiple apartment buildings in Hollywood. Firefighters battled the blaze, rescuing at least one person from the scene.
The fire started at approximately 5:21 p.m. at a building located on 7764 W Hollywood Blvd., just east of Fairfax Avenue. According to investigators, the fire originated from two burning vehicles in a carport and quickly spread to two out of three nearby apartment buildings.
Eyewitnesses reported a scene of chaos and intensity as the fire rapidly grew. Steve Nelson, who manages a building across the street, described witnessing “cars exploding” in the back area. The thick smoke made it difficult to see and added to the intensity of the situation.
AIR7 HD captured footage of a two-story building completely engulfed in flames. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reported that the fire caused severe damage to the attic and 16 apartment units on the second floor of that building, including structural compromise and partial collapse.
The flames from the initial building extended to the adjacent apartment buildings to the east, causing severe attic damage to those structures as well, according to an update issued by LAFD.
Fortunately, another three-story apartment building located on the southwest corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Genesee Avenue only sustained smoke damage, officials confirmed.
During the rescue operation, firefighters assisted a woman with mobility issues down the stairs of one of the buildings. She was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
As a result of the fire, residents of the affected buildings have been displaced, left wondering about their next steps. Andrew Cusimano, a long-time resident of one of the buildings since 1972, described the moment he realized something was wrong. “I saw the back doorway covered with smoke and I’m thinking, ‘Something’s not right,'” he said. Cusimano quickly grabbed his dog, Buddy, and put on a bathrobe before evacuating. He never expected the situation to escalate to such a serious level.
Thankfully, no other injuries have been reported in connection with the fire. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and the need for vigilance in preventing such devastating incidents.
How did emergency personnel ensure a smooth evacuation of the area and prevent anyone from being left behind during the fire?
As flames engulfed the buildings. Thick black smoke billowed into the sky, making it difficult for firefighters to contain the blaze.
Fire crews from multiple stations rushed to the scene, working tirelessly to extinguish the fire and evacuate residents. With flames reaching unimaginable heights, the situation appeared dire.
Amid the chaos, firefighters managed to rescue a person trapped inside one of the burning buildings. The individual was quickly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their condition is currently unknown.
As the fire raged on, nearby residents were evacuated for their safety. Emergency personnel worked collaboratively to ensure the smooth evacuation of the area, ensuring no one was left behind.
The intense heat and strong winds posed a significant challenge for the firefighters. They battled the inferno using hoses and other firefighting equipment, steadily gaining control over the spreading flames.
At its peak, the fire consumed a substantial portion of the apartment buildings, leaving them in ruins. The extent of the damage is yet to be determined, as investigators will begin assessing the aftermath once the fire is fully extinguished.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, starting with the burning vehicles in the carport. They will carefully examine the scene and gather evidence to determine the origin and cause of this devastating event.
The community, shocked and saddened by the incident, has come together to offer support to those affected by the fire. Local organizations and individuals are already rallying to provide temporary shelter, food, and other necessary resources to the displaced residents.
As the sun sets over the remains of the buildings, the kindness and resilience of the community shine through. Together, they will work hand in hand to rebuild and overcome this tragedy.
