On Monday February 11 at 7:15 p.m. Santa Monica Fire Engine 2 responded to the Shores Apartments at 2800 Neilson Way to investigate a fire alarm activation. Upon their arrival firefighters discovered smoke billowing from an apartment balcony on the 10th floor of the
14-story high rise building. Additional resources were immediately requested, bringing in all Santa Monica Fire resources as well as aid from the Los Angeles Fire Department. Firefighters worked to extinguish the flames, which fortunately were kept from spreading to the common hallway of the building thanks to an activated fire sprinkler head. A challenging component to this high-rise fire incident was keeping the dozens of impacted residents safe and out of harm’s way. Firefighters used a combination of sheltering occupants in place until the fire was brought under control, as well as systematically evacuating those who could be, safely out of the building.
Thanks to a functioning fire alarm and fire sprinkler system, residents were alerted to begin evacuating immediately and the fire was kept from spreading. It took 33 Firefighters approximately 19 minutes to suppress the flames, which were confined to the kitchen and living area. There was extensive water damage to several units below the fire from the fire sprinkler. No injuries to residents or first responders were reported. The resident of the apartment where the fire occurred was not home at the time of the fire, and was displaced as a result of the damage. Firefighters were assisted by the Santa Monica Police Department as well as the Los Angeles Fire Department. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Submitted by Captain Patrick Nulty