12 Children, 9 Adults Displaced By Pacoima House Fire
PACOIMA (CBSLA.com) — Firefighters contained a structure fire Saturday that has displaced 21 residents in Pacoima.
According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, crews were sent around 5 a.m. to a one-story home located in the 13000 block of Kelowna Street for report of a well involved fire.
Once on scene, about 44 firefighters were able to knock the blaze down in 37 minutes.
No injuries were reported, however, nine adults and 12 children, between the ages of one to 16-years-old, were displaced from fire damage.
The family dog also managed to escape injury.
Due to the cold weather, firefighters explained they took the displaced families -- three in all -- to the fire station and provided them with hot coffee and snacks.
The Red Cross arrived around 8:30 a.m.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
CBS2's Jasmine Viel said the family was very lucky to be alive.
"They're very fortunate," said LAFD Captain David Marino, one of the first responders on scene.
No working smoke detectors were found inside the residence.
The fire was so intense it melted furniture and burned down walls.
"It really speaks to the need in Los Angeles for quality housing that's affordable for families," said LA City Councilmember Felipe Fuentes, "Twelve children, nine adults living here. We've got to do more in this city."
