Uploaded July 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Over 170 LAFD firefighters worked for more than five hours to extinguish what appeared to have begun as an outside fire in the wee hours of July 19, 2024. Ultimately, several commercial buildings along Kohler Street were impacted.
Firefighters used a combination of offensive and defensive tactics on the various burning buildings -- where they were unable to make interior and/or roof access, they utilized large streams of water from ladder pipes, large-diameter hand lines, and portable monitors to combat the blaze. The grueling fire fight lasted from 2:07 a.m. until 7:22 a.m., when all active flame related to this conflagration was extinguished.
Several specialist companies are assisting on this incident -- among them are LAFD Heavy Equipment and LAFD's firefighting robot, RS3. Crews will remain on scene for an extended period of time today, uncovering hot spots and cooling the smoldering material beneath the debris. Smoke can be expected above downtown throughout the day.
Only one injury was reported as a result of this fire -- one firefighter sustained a knee injury and was transported to a local hospital in fair condition. There were no known civilian injuries or fatalities. The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.
Over 170 LAFD firefighters worked for more than five hours to extinguish what appeared to have begun as an outside fire in the wee hours of July 19, 2024. Ultimately, several commercial buildings along Kohler Street were impacted.
Firefighters used a combination of offensive and defensive tactics on the various burning buildings -- where they were unable to make interior and/or roof access, they utilized large streams of water from ladder pipes, large-diameter hand lines, and portable monitors to combat the blaze. The grueling fire fight lasted from 2:07 a.m. until 7:22 a.m., when all active flame related to this conflagration was extinguished.
Several specialist companies are assisting on this incident -- among them are LAFD Heavy Equipment and LAFD's firefighting robot, RS3. Crews will remain on scene for an extended period of time today, uncovering hot spots and cooling the smoldering material beneath the debris. Smoke can be expected above downtown throughout the day.
Only one injury was reported as a result of this fire -- one firefighter sustained a knee injury and was transported to a local hospital in fair condition. There were no known civilian injuries or fatalities. The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.



![LAFD Foundation Valor Awards 2025 - Captain I Daniel Lievense, Engineer Matthew Lievense
[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 - Captain I Daniel Lievense, Engineer Matthew Lievense](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7zkOAEV4uZ8/mqdefault.jpg)






