Ten people were displaced and a dog was killed in a single-story house fire in Boyle Heights Friday evening.
A 12-year-old girl was taken to a hospital to be examined “after the traumatic experience of fleeing the fire,” Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Nicholas Prange said.
Firefighters responded to the 3400 block of East Estrada Street, between Lorena and Spence streets, around 7:40 p.m. to a report of a residential fire, according to Prange.
After knocking back a significant amount of heat with a transitional attack, firefighters advanced hose lines inside to get water on the seat of the fire and search the structure for any occupants, Prange said.
Firefighters found the dead dog, but no people. The 12-year-old girl and a second person had gotten out of the house before firefighters arrived, Prange said. They were both assessed by paramedics and found to be in good condition, Prange said.
The fire was knocked down in 23 minutes by 32 firefighters, Prange said.
The Red Cross is assisting the home’s residents. The household has been issued a Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) card to help with immediate financial needs, Prange said.
An investigation was underway to determine the cause of the fire.
Firefighters use a transitional attack whenever there are intense flames or smoke, also referred to as imminent flashover, presenting itself from any door or window, allowing firefighters to direct a straight stream of fire retardant or water at a steep angle toward the ceiling to battle the flames, according to Prange.
“Controlled studies have shown this method greatly increases survivability inside the structure as firefighters transition to interior attack,” Prange said.