Roof Collapse Injures Los Angeles Firefighters; Six Hurt, One In Grave Condition

Update Friday: Los Angeles Firefighter Succumbs to Collapse Injuries

LOS ANGELES - A firefighter was battling for his life Thursday after a ceiling collapsed at a burning Hollywood Hills home, injuring him and five others.



The firefighter, a veteran in his last year on the job, was hospitalized in grave condition. He had no heartbeat and was not breathing when he was cut free of the wreckage, but rescuers managed to restore his pulse, Capt. Tina Haro said.

"We're hoping and praying and waiting to see, but he is fighting for his life," she said.

The firefighter has been with the department for 38 years, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said in a statement.

"Let us never forget the men and women who selflessly put their lives at risk to protect our families, our homes, and our neighborhoods," Villaraigosa said.

City and county firefighters were called to a 6,000-square-foot home shortly before 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Haro said.

A couple in the three-story home on Viewsite Drive smelled smoke and ran outside before firefighters arrived.

The fire apparently started in a fireplace but spread to the walls and attic, making the flames difficult to douse, Haro said.

"We kind of chased the fire around for a while, trying to find it," she said.

Unbeknownst to firefighters, the fire had burned through sprinkler pipes in the attic and filled the space with water, Haro said.

The weight collapsed a drop ceiling held in place by 2-by-4-inch wood struts, Haro said.

"The ceiling came down in huge piece," striking two county and four city firefighters, she said.

The veteran firefighter was buried.

"Our rapid intervention teams came in and they could see his turnout coat under the rubble," Haro said.

Using chain saws, they cut up the ceiling and pulled him free, then used cardiopulmonary resuscitation to revive him, the captain said.

The firefighter, whose name was not released, was eligible to retire this year, Haro said.

Three other city firefighters were in fair condition, one with a broken ankle and two with back pain, she said.

Two county firefighters were treated for minor injuries, she said.

More than 80 firefighters extinguished the fire in about 90 minutes. There was no immediate estimate of the damage, Haro said.



Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Well we are into the 48 hr critical period that the surgeon/physician specified that was most crucial. Hopefully after this has passed we will know better how he is doing. I just keep praying that this man comes home to his family and especially that new grandbaby that will soon come into this world. I hope somewhere he is thinking of that and that is keeping his will to survive that much stronger.

God bless all. Stay safe LAFD and LACoFD.
I am sad to report that I just heard on the news that this firefighter Glenn Allen passed away at 1215hrs. I just think of that grandbaby who will never know how good a man his/her greandfather was. Gosh how I wanted the Station Fire here in 2009 to be the last firefighters we lost in the line of duty. May prayers go to his wife and family and those who worked with him.

God bless you all and thank you so much for what you do.
From the LAFD Blogspot: Announcement of the Passing of LAFD Firefighter Glenn L. Allen


It is with great sadness that the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department inform you of the in Line of Duty Death of Los Angeles Firefighter Glenn Allen.

On Wednesday February 16, 2011, at 1119 hours 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 responded to a reported structure Fire at 1546 North Viewsite Drive in the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles.

While Firefighters were performing their sworn duties, a partial ceiling collapse occurred, causing injury to four Los Angeles Firefighters and two Los Angeles County Firefighters. One of the injured Los Angeles Firefighters later succumbed to his injuries at 1215 hrs on Friday, February 18, 2011 at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.

As dictated by Fire Department policy, a formal and detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact nature of the cause of injuries sustained, as well as the precise cause and manner of the Firefighters death.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department thank you for your kind words and sentiment at this time of overwhelming sorrow and immense loss.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department thank you for your kind words and sentiment at this time of overwhelming sorrow and immense loss.

The Allen Family and the Los Angeles Fire Department has received a tremendous outpouring of support during this difficult time. Your Firefighters wish to thank you and express our deepest appreciation for all the kind words and gestures that have been provided.

If additional information is required, please contact the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Community Liaison Office at (213) 978-3810.

Press Conference:
When: February 18, 2011
Where: Fire Station 3, 108 N Fremont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Time: 4:00 PM
Speaking: Los Angeles Fire Chief Millage Peaks and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
PRESS CONTACT: CAPTAIN JAIME MOORE
OFFICE: (213) 978-3824
CELL: (213) 359-9415

CAPTAIN HARO
CELL: (213) 359-9743

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
Posted: 2/18/2011 02:19:00 PM
R.I.P
God Bless him; RIP. To his family, friends, brothers, sisters, and community; thoughts and prayers going out to you all.
My Prayers and thoughts go out to the family, fellow firefighters and those affected by this tragedy. R.I.P brother firefighter


We will carry on and make sure all is well.

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