Uploaded August 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
SOUTH LOS ANGELES - The second fire in one month at a South L.A. automotive tire store destroyed the family owned business early Thursday morning.
The Los Angeles Fire Department was alerted by the first of several 9-1-1 calls at 3:28 AM on August 29, 2024, reporting a structure fire at 6901 South Vermont Avenue, in the Vermont-Slauson area.
LAFD responders arrived quickly to find fire through the roof of a 75' x 100' one-story tire store, and immediately began a defensive firefight against towering flames, as additional firefighters were requested to battle what became a greater alarm fire.
It took the well-coordinated effort of 80 Los Angeles Fire Department responders under the command of Battalion Chief Joseph Angiuli, ninety minutes to contain and extinguish the bulk of intense and stubborn flames, which extended to involve a large volume of used tires in the businesses' storage yard.
Despite the inferno, a relentless effort by firefighters prevented flames from extending to an accessory dwelling unit at a residential property to the west, allowing only thermal damage to the exterior of that building, and protecting the four adult residents from harm.
No injuries were reported. The cause of this fire is at this time considered suspicious, and remains under active investigation.
The business was also the site of an intentionally set outdoor fire in the predawn hours of August 2, 2024, that spread to a large number of used tires in outside storage. LAFD responders at that time were quickly notified, and protected the firm's building from being damaged by the blaze.
As the result of evidence and information gleaned from the first fire, an LAFD Arson Investigator was specifically assigned to the incident and neighborhood, and has been working closely with the business owner and members of the community for more than three weeks to identify the arsonists.
With this morning's greater alarm fire, that Investigator was immediately joined by two others from the LAFD Arson / Counter-Terrorism Section to expand and accelerate all aspects of the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding these fires is encouraged to contact the LAFD Arson / Counter-Terrorism Section by email at
LAFDARSON@LACITY.ORG
SOUTH LOS ANGELES - The second fire in one month at a South L.A. automotive tire store destroyed the family owned business early Thursday morning.
The Los Angeles Fire Department was alerted by the first of several 9-1-1 calls at 3:28 AM on August 29, 2024, reporting a structure fire at 6901 South Vermont Avenue, in the Vermont-Slauson area.
LAFD responders arrived quickly to find fire through the roof of a 75' x 100' one-story tire store, and immediately began a defensive firefight against towering flames, as additional firefighters were requested to battle what became a greater alarm fire.
It took the well-coordinated effort of 80 Los Angeles Fire Department responders under the command of Battalion Chief Joseph Angiuli, ninety minutes to contain and extinguish the bulk of intense and stubborn flames, which extended to involve a large volume of used tires in the businesses' storage yard.
Despite the inferno, a relentless effort by firefighters prevented flames from extending to an accessory dwelling unit at a residential property to the west, allowing only thermal damage to the exterior of that building, and protecting the four adult residents from harm.
No injuries were reported. The cause of this fire is at this time considered suspicious, and remains under active investigation.
The business was also the site of an intentionally set outdoor fire in the predawn hours of August 2, 2024, that spread to a large number of used tires in outside storage. LAFD responders at that time were quickly notified, and protected the firm's building from being damaged by the blaze.
As the result of evidence and information gleaned from the first fire, an LAFD Arson Investigator was specifically assigned to the incident and neighborhood, and has been working closely with the business owner and members of the community for more than three weeks to identify the arsonists.
With this morning's greater alarm fire, that Investigator was immediately joined by two others from the LAFD Arson / Counter-Terrorism Section to expand and accelerate all aspects of the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding these fires is encouraged to contact the LAFD Arson / Counter-Terrorism Section by email at
LAFDARSON@LACITY.ORG





![LAFD Foundation Valor Awards 2025 - Firefighter III Andrew Talley
[Video credit: LAFD Foundation / Valor Awards 2025]
Under the lights of Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation hosted its annual VALOR Awards on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, bringing together city leaders, corporate partners, and community members to recognize firefighters for their courage and service.
The 2025 ceremony opened with a VIP reception, giving guests the rare opportunity to meet LAFD personnel, view firefighting apparatus up close, and watch exclusive demonstrations highlighting the department’s life-saving capabilities. As the sun set over Chavez Ravine, attendees took their seats on the infield for dinner and the start of the evening’s formal program.
VALOR is the Foundation’s signature event, an annual tradition honoring men and women whose decisive actions, expert training, and selfless commitment have protected lives across and beyond Los Angeles. This year’s honorees were celebrated through a series of video presentations and personal stories, each underscoring the weight of the split-second decisions firefighters make on the city’s toughest days.
2025 Honorees
Medal of Merit:
Captain I Daniel Lievense
Engineer Matthew Lievense
Captain I Christopher Sebourn
Special Commendation:
Firefighter III Armen Chalian
Firefighter III Joseph Coleman
Firefighter III Kari Field
Firefighter III Darren Lloyd
Firefighter III Daniel Nakamura
Engineer David Roberts
Firefighter III Andrew Talley
Unit of the Year:
Critical Incident Planning & Training Section (CIPTS)
The annual VALOR Awards celebrate not only the heroism of individual firefighters, but also the vital role of the LAFD Foundation in empowering them, ensuring that our city’s first responders have the tools, technology, and support necessary to protect our city’s four million residents. LAFD Foundation Valor Awards 2025 - Firefighter III Andrew Talley](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/iwUtGfT47Ug/mqdefault.jpg)




