LAIT911 | Incident Details

[VERIFIED] Update at 12:27PM, 1/15/26: LAFD units including Heavy Equipment, Arson, and specialized search dog teams coordinated a systematic search over the course of three days, and have located a body inside the structure affected by this fire. Demographics of the victim are unknown at this time. LAFD Incident Command, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, and LAPD are working together to effect body removal in a dignified manner while fire operations continue throughout the day and into Friday. Parthenia Street will be closed between Columbus Avenue to the west and Burnet Ave to the east, anticipated through Friday, January 16. LAFD PIO Captain Erik Scott is still on scene until 2PM.

[VERIFIED] Update: 14 Jan 5:45PM The LAFD Heavy Equipment Operators (HEO) have completed their work for the evening. They successfully removed that wall which had collapsed against the gas meters for the adjacent apartment building. This will provide safe access for SoCal Gas to make any necessary repairs and restore gas service to the apartments. The HEO will return in the morning to continue systematically clearing debris and potentially work with the HRD K9s. LAFD PIOs will be on scene at 6:00AM tomorrow morning for media availability. There will be no further updates tonight.

[VERIFIED] Update Jan 14th 3:20PM: This morning, out of an abundance of caution, Human Remains Detection (HRD) K9s were utilized to search the heavily damaged structure. They showed interest in an area that could not be safely investigated by firefighters. NOTE: HRD K9s are trained to alert to the presence of human blood, bone or tissue. An alert does not necessarily mean a body was located which is why visual confirmation is required. LAFD Heavy Equipment is on scene and is strategically demolishing the structure so the debris can be searched and cleared. If needed, the HRD K9s can return. This will be an extended duration operation which could last several days. LAFD PIOs (for both English and Spanish) will available tomorrow as needed.

[VERIFIED] Over 100 firefighters extinguished the fire in just under two hours. Crews will remain on scene throughout the night, chasing hot spots and conducting fire watch. If LA Building and Safety 'red tag' the building (deem it unsafe to occupy), LAFD Heavy Equipment operators will evaluate the building tomorrow for possible demolition. Per protocol, LAFD Arson is on scene to investigate the cause.

[VERIFIED] After the roof collapsed, firefighters were more effectively able to reach the deep seated fire and are making good progress. Firefighters are evaluating the exposed apartment building for any damage as there are some broken windows. One 42 year-old female patient was transported in fair condition for possible smoke inhalation. There are no other reported injuries. This will be an extended duration operation (included overhaul) and drivers are advised to avoid the area. It is recommended that residents who are close enough to smell the smoke keep their windows closed and stay indoors until the fire is fully extinguished. PIO Captain Cody Weireter is on scene for media availability with a staging area at 8644 Parthenia Place.

[VERIFIED] With 17 fire companies assigned, this is now a Major Emergency incident. Firefighters are in the defensive mode on the commercial (boarded up) building and are offensive on the exposed apartment building. Crews are working their way through each floor of the apartment complex for evacuation and location of any fire. There are no injuries reported at this time. LAFD PIO Captain Cody Weireter is responding for media availability.

[VERIFIED] Two-story (boarded up) commercial building with heavy fire showing, exposing a four-story garden style apartment building. Additional resources requested.