A fire at a Sherman Oaks apartment building on Dickens Street displaced nine people, hospitalized two residents, and prompted the rescue of two elderly dogs trapped inside the burning unit.
*Nine people lost their homes in a single morning. A fire ripped through a two-story apartment building in * on Thursday, displacing eight adults and one child while sending two residents to the hospital. Firefighters also rescued two elderly dogs trapped inside the burning unit.
The fire was reported at 8:54 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, at a building in the 14200 block of West Dickens Street, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
First responders encountered heavy fire showing from a second-floor unit. Flames and smoke rose through the roof as crews arrived.
"Firefighters encountered heavy fire and a lot of smoke coming from a second-story unit," said Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Tony Tubbs, according to ABC7.
More than 80 firefighters responded. They cut holes in the roof for ventilation and took an offensive approach to battling the flames. The fire was fully extinguished in 2 hours and 34 minutes.
Two people were transported to local hospitals. A 69-year-old woman was taken in moderate condition for treatment of shortness of breath, possibly due to smoke inhalation. A second victim, an adult male of unknown age, was also hospitalized. His condition was not disclosed.
The most dramatic moment of the fire may have been the one that did not involve people.
Two small dogs, both 16 years old, were locked inside the burning unit while their owner was away. Firefighters pulled both dogs from the apartment. One was given oxygen on scene.
"I came to see if there was anything I could do and transport the animals. I live across the street," said neighbor Danielle, according to ABC7. "I offered to transport them around the corner to the hospital until the owner got here. That's what I would want someone to do if my animals were locked in my apartment."
The dogs were reunited with their owner, who took them to a veterinarian.
The fire was contained to the unit where it started on the second floor. But the damage spread beyond that single apartment.
The Red Cross was on scene providing rehabilitation and support for displaced residents.
The LAFD Arson Unit is investigating the cause of the fire. No cause has been determined as of Friday.
LA Building and Safety assessed structural damage at the building. LAFD crews remained on scene for an extended period completing overhaul procedures.
No firefighters were injured during the operation.
This article was generated with AI assistance.