A violent blaze tore through a Bell Gardens apartment complex late last night, requiring a swift and robust response from the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The fire, which engulfed a two-story building on the 6700 block of Toler Ave., presented additional dangers due to leaking propane tanks reported in the structure's garage. In a statement by the Fire Department's Public Information Office, firefighters were described as being in "offensive mode" in their efforts to quell the leaping flames and dense smoke.
APARTMENT HOUSE FIRE | FS39 | 6700 blk of Toler Ave. #BellGardens | #LACoFD units are on-scene of a fully involved 2-Story apartment with smoke and fire showing. Reported propane tanks leaking in garage. Crews are currently in offensive mode.#TolerIC
— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) December 17, 2023
Complications in the firefighting efforts arose from the presence of health hazards, with Health Hazmat teams called to the scene to manage the perilous situation. According to a follow-up post from the Los Angeles County Fire Department Public Information Office, stores of propane and gasoline significantly fueled the fire, adding a volatile element to an already dangerous scenario. Residents were forced to flee into the night as the fire illuminated the sky, with emergency crews battling to gain control of the conflagration.
**Follow Up** APARTMENT HOUSE FIRE | FS39 | 6700 blk of Toler Ave. #BellGardens | #LACoFD units are on-scene of a fully involved 2-Story apartment | Health Hazmat on scene | stores of propane & Gasoline fueled fire pic.twitter.com/sOFmzq85Cf
— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) December 17, 2023
The story continues to develop and updates are anticipated as investigations proceed.
