On Sunday, January 19, 2003, at 1355 hours (1:55 p.m.), nine companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, two Battalion Command Teams, and two LAFD Rescue Ambulances, under the direction of Battalion Commander Ralph Ramirez, respond to a structure fire at 436 South Clarence Street in the Boyle Heights area.
First units on the scene reported a two-story 4-plex, with fire showing from one unit on the first floor. Fire Fighters using handlines aggressively attacked the fire while simultaneously conducting search and rescue operations, confined the fire to the kitchen area and extinguished the fire eight minutes.
During the initial search and rescue of the involved unit, the body of a sixty-year old male confined to a wheelchair was found and declared dead on the scene.
Two other male adults were injured during an attempted rescue of the victim; one suffered smoke inhalation and the other suffered a laceration to his right foot, both were transported to White Memorial Hospital good condition.
No other injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is listed as under investigation. Fire damage is estimated at $25,000. ($20,000 structure and $5,000 contents)
