On Friday, Feb. 3, 2006 at 2:27 a.m., 18 companies of Los Angeles firefighters, six LAFD Rescue Ambulances, one Arson Unit, two Urban Search and Rescue Units, two Hazardous Materials Teams, one EMS Battalion Captain, four Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, and one Division Chief Officer Command Team, all under the direction of Assistant Chief John Ware responded to a barricaded suspect and structure fire at 1260 S. Veteran Ave. in Westwood.
Los Angeles police requested the LAFD to stand by during SWAT operations on a barricaded suspect. Firefighters responded to the LAPD command post and were briefed on the situation. A suspect had barricaded himself inside one unit, on the second floor of a four-story garden-style apartment building. The residents of the building had been evacuated and a SWAT operation was underway. Upon the arrival of firefighters, smoke began emitting from the suspects unit and additional fire companies were requested. Firefighters, wearing body armor and with police assistance were strategically positioned throughout the building, prepared to protect the surrounding units.
Los Angeles police officers were negotiating with the individual when the suspect apparently bolted from the unit, becoming mobile within the building. The LAFD Command Post, to protect the firefighters on scene, immediately issued an “Emergency Traffic” broadcast to all units on the scene. Fortunately, the suspect was quickly apprehended by LAPD officers. Firefighters were able to quickly control the fire and limit the damage to the unit involved. The suspect was transported to UCLA Medical Center for evaluation. Several police officers were evaluated by paramedics at the scene for minor smoke related complaints, however, none were transported. After the scene was secured and the fire extinguished, residents were allowed to return home. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The dollar loss is still being tabulated.