Two Los Angeles City firefighters and one other person were hospitalized following a Westlake neighborhood structure fire on Saturday afternoon, September 26, 2026. The incident, which began just before 1 p.m. in the 500 block of South Union Avenue, drew approximately 60 LAFD firefighters to the scene as flames quickly spread across multiple structures.
Response Timeline and Damages on South Union Avenue
Firefighters were dispatched to 525 S. Union Ave. at 12:58 p.m., according to Lyndsey Lantz of the Los Angeles Fire Department. The blaze quickly extended from an outside fire into a two-story apartment building, a single-family bungalow, and a recreational vehicle, authorities said. Crews battled the multi-structure fire and achieved a knockdown at approximately 1:42 p.m., marking 44 minutes from the initial 911 call as reported by the Los Angeles Fire Department. The incident left two residential units uninhabitable, displacing at least eight individuals who are receiving temporary shelter assistance from the American Red Cross.
Did You Know? Approximately 60 LAFD firefighters responded to the height of the incident on South Union Avenue, working to contain flames that spread across a two-story apartment, a single-family bungalow, and an RV before declaring a knockdown at 1:42 p.m.
Injuries and Hospitalizations Among First Responders and Civilians
Three individuals sustained injuries or medical emergencies during the emergency response. The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that one firefighter was struck by a vehicle while working on the scene and was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. A man who was rescued from a burning home was also taken to a hospital. Following the knockdown declaration, a second LAFD firefighter experienced a medical emergency and was transported to the emergency room. All three individuals were reported to be in stable condition at local hospitals.
Traffic Control and Ongoing Investigation
Following the knockdown, crews remained on scene for overhaul operations. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did the Westlake structure fire begin?
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 12:58 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
How many people were hospitalized?
Three individuals—two LAFD firefighters and one civilian man who was rescued—were taken to local hospitals and listed in stable condition.
What structures were affected by the fire?
The fire extended from an outside fire into a two-story apartment building, a single-family bungalow, and an RV, leaving two residential units uninhabitable.
What alternate routes are you currently using when driving around emergency response zones in your neighborhood?
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