A 38-year veteran of the Los Angeles Fire Department was injured early Thursday after a ceiling collapsed during a blaze at a Hollywood Hills home.
Updated Story: LA Firefighter Injured in House Fire Dies
Firefighters were on the roof of the 12,500-square foot home when it collapsed, Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Tina Haro said. Colleagues had to use chainsaws to gain access to the critically injured firefighter and pull him out.
"He is fighting for his life at this time, he's in grave condition," Haro said. "The other firefighters are doing well."
Two firefighters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and three from the Los Angeles City Fire Department were injured, but are in good condition, Haro said. Four of the injured firefighters have been released from the hospital.
The fire in the 1500 block of North Viewsite Drive, near Sunset Plaza, was reported at 11:20 p.m. on Wednesday and knocked down at about 1 a.m., Gales said.
The blaze may have spread from the fireplace, Haro said. Two residents had only been living at the home for about a week and escaped the fire without injuries, Gales said.
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"We kind of chased the fire around for a while, trying to find it," Haro said.
Unbeknownst to firefighters, the fire had burned through sprinkler pipes in the attic and filled the space with water, Haro said. The weight collapsed a drop ceiling held in place by 2-by-4-inch wood struts, Haro said.
"The ceiling came down in huge piece," Haro said.
The veteran firefighter was buried.
"Our rapid intervention teams came in and they could see his turnout coat under the rubble," Haro said.
Using chain saws, they cut up the ceiling and pulled him free, then used cardiopulmonary resuscitation to revive him, the captain said.
