Firefighter Suffers Second-Degree Burns Battling House Fire

At approximately 4:16 AM, Long Beach Fire units responded to reports of a structure fire on the 1400 block of Atlantic Avenue. Fire units arrived onscene four minutes later and reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the front of a 2.5 story single family dwelling. Firefighters initiated an aggressive fire attack and confined the fire to the involved structure. There was an immediate exposure concern to the south of the address and a subsequent 2nd alarm response was requested at 4:25 AM to support fire operations. Knockdown of the fire occurred at approximately 4:50 AM.

Upon completion of the primary search at 4:36 AM, it was determined that the building was vacant. However, there is evidence of homeless occupancy. It is unknown if there was anyone in the building at the time of the incident. The building appears to have been unoccupied for an undetermined period of time.  According to Fire Investigators, this is the second fire at this address in the last year.

One firefighter was injured during suppression operations and was transported by Fire Department paramedics to a local area hospital for further evaluation. The firefighter sustained first and second degree burns to the back of his neck.

At the height of the fire, there were 50 firefighters assigned to the incident. The cause of the fire is undetermined.