Long Beach
Fire Department

At approximately 12:25 PM, Long Beach Fire units responded to reports of a fire alarm on the 3400 block of Ransom Street. Approximately 1 minute later, the response was upgraded to a reported structure fire at the same location. Fire units arrived onscene four minutes later and reported heavy smoke and fire coming from an apartment on the 2nd story of a 3 story (garage over 2 story) apartment complex. Firefighters initiated an aggressive fire attack and confined the fire to 4 units. 3 units sustained significant damage. There was an immediate exposure concern to adjoining apartments both next to and directly above the apartment of origin. A 2nd alarm response was requested at 12:33 PM to support fire operations. Knockdown of the fire occurred at approximately 1:10 PM.

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 a minor injury to his knee. In addition, one resident complained of smoke inhalation and was subsequently evaluated by paramedics. That individual did not seek further medical care and was released onscene.  

At the height of the fire, there were 47 firefighters assigned to the incident. The cause of the fire has been determined as accidental due to the use of a portable heating device.

The American Red Cross Disaster Action Team also responded and provided additional support to the displaced residents. A $100.00 Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) Card was also issued to three families that were displaced through a state-wide victim assistance program supported by the Long Beach Fire Department in partnership with the California Fire Foundation.