Photo by Edward Tovmassian
At approximately 1:30 p.m., Glendale Fire Department units responded to reports of an apartment fire on 3155 Montrose Ave. The apartment building on 3155 Montrose Ave. is a three-story complex with an additional underground level for parking.
Fire crews from Glendale, Burbank and Los Angeles County Fire Departments were able to confine this fire to the first floor unit where the fire originated and the two units directly above, all of the other 64 units in the complex remained unharmed. A shed directly behind the unit was also damaged in the fire.
The fire also resulted in downed power lines and a gas leak from a broken pipe behind the apartment unit, which added to the complexity of this incident. Southern California Edison reported on scene and safeguarded the lines as the Glendale Police Department maintained a secure perimeter during the duration of the incident. The cause and origin of the fire remains under investigation by the Glendale Fire Department.
Fire Captain Richardson was first on scene and provided incoming units information with the initial size up of the incident. Fire Captain Coory who was in route to the scene observed heavy smoke and requested an additional fire engine and Basic Life Support Ambulance to assist. Fire Captain Jernegan assumed command of the incident until Battalion Chief Julian arrived. Crews quickly initiated an aggressive fire attack and primary search in order to ensure there were no occupants inside. One occupant was exposed to the smoke and was transported to a local hospital.
Chief Fish was proud of the way the crews attacked this incident, which had the potential to spread to many other units and displace residents, “In the Glendale Fire Department, we push our core values of professionalism and excellence in service and what happened here today is a prime example of these values. The members that fought this fire kept it small by demonstrating solid operating procedures.” The fire was knocked down in 22 minutes.
Photo by Glendale Fire Department
Photo by Glendale Fire Department
Photos(2) by Edward Tovmassian