The Los Angeles Fire Department confronted a demanding series of emergencies on the morning of December 4, 2025, when three separate structure fires were reported in Woodland Hills, Boyle Heights, and Granada Hills. Although the incidents occurred within a short timeframe, firefighters worked swiftly to contain each threat, assist injured individuals, and prevent further damage within the surrounding communities.
Electrical Fire Reported in Woodland Hills High-Rise
The first call of the morning came at 7:34 a.m., sending crews to a 17-story high-rise located at 6320 N. Canoga Avenue in Woodland Hills. The report indicated a possible electrical fire on the 10th floor, prompting firefighters to climb the building’s stairwells to assess conditions.
When they arrived at the affected floor, they found residual smoke lingering inside the electrical room, though no active flames were visible. Three workers were discovered with significant burn injuries and were quickly transported to nearby hospitals by LAFD paramedics for treatment.
While medical teams attended to the injured, firefighters transitioned into a coordinated building-wide response. Their efforts included:
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ventilating the floor to remove smoke
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performing air quality monitoring
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completing an overhaul of the damaged electrical equipment
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working alongside the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
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ensuring structural safety with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety
The prompt response helped contain damage to the electrical room and prevented the incident from escalating further within the high-rise.
Boyle Heights Fire Challenges Crews With Heavy Fire Load
Just 30 minutes after the Woodland Hills call, dispatchers received reports of another fire—this time at a commercial property in Boyle Heights. Firefighters arrived at 3181 E. Pico Avenue to find flames showing from the front of a one-story commercial building.
Early indicators suggested that the fire may have originated outside the structure, though investigators emphasized that the cause remains undetermined and an active investigation is underway.
Firefighters faced several immediate challenges:
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substantial fire load inside the building
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downed or nearby high-voltage lines, creating hazardous conditions
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major forcible entry obstacles, delaying safe access for crews
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instability concerns that made entering the building dangerous
Due to the risks and intensity of the fire, the first-arriving companies adopted a defensive strategy, working from the exterior to prevent the flames from spreading. Additional resources were soon requested, and ultimately around 90 firefighters operated on scene.
Their efforts successfully protected a nearby structure that was at risk of becoming involved.
This incident also stood out for its use of specialized equipment. The LAFD deployed:
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RS3, the department’s firefighting robot, which can access high-risk areas humans cannot
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skid steers, used to remove debris and expose remaining hotspots
These tools allowed firefighters to extinguish hidden pockets of heat in areas unsafe for personnel using standard hand lines.
While one firefighter required transport to a hospital for evaluation, officials reported that the individual is expected to recover fully. No civilian injuries occurred during the Boyle Heights incident.
Granada Hills Roof Fire at School Construction Site
The third emergency occurred at 10:05 a.m., when dispatchers received reports of a fire at a construction site on the campus of John F. Kennedy High School in Granada Hills. The blaze was located on the roof of a 50-foot by 150-foot building still under construction.
School staff had already begun evacuating students from nearby buildings, following established safety protocols. As LAFD units arrived, paramedics and on-scene nurses assessed several students who experienced minor smoke inhalation; however, no one required transport to a hospital.
Firefighters discovered that the fire involved construction materials on the roof, which produced a noticeable amount of dark smoke. Fortunately, the flames were contained to the rooftop and did not extend into the building’s lower levels. Crews brought the fire under control in just 26 minutes, demonstrating effective coordination in a potentially complicated environment.
Once the fire was extinguished, additional steps were taken:
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inspection of surrounding buildings
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collaboration with school district officials
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coordination with other city agencies to ensure safety before students returned
The incident highlighted the importance of rapid response and interagency communication, especially in a school setting.
Coordinated Citywide Response and After-Incident Operations
By late morning, all three fires had been brought under control. Fire crews remained at their respective scenes to conduct overhaul operations, monitor for potential rekindling, evaluate structural stability, and assist partner agencies with follow-up inspections.
Despite the challenges posed by multiple fires occurring in close succession, officials reported no additional impacts to nearby neighborhoods. The LAFD emphasized that their ability to manage simultaneous emergencies is a result of comprehensive training, preparedness, and the availability of specialized equipment.
A Morning That Showcased LAFD’s Preparedness
While each fire presented unique obstacles—from high-rise logistics to hazardous access points and school evacuations—the unified efforts of firefighters, paramedics, inspectors, and support agencies ensured that the situations remained contained. The department’s quick response and coordination across different regions of the city underscored the critical role emergency personnel play in maintaining public safety.
The events of December 4 served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of fire emergencies and the importance of continued readiness. Although the morning involved serious incidents and several injuries, the outcomes demonstrated the effectiveness of rapid intervention, cross-department collaboration, and adherence to established safety protocols.
