A fire ripped through a first-floor unit of a Van Nuys apartment building Tuesday evening, landing a 75-year-old man in the hospital and triggering a sizable Los Angeles Fire Department response. Crews moved fast, knocking the flames down before they could jump to neighboring units.
According to an alert from the Los Angeles Fire Department on X, firefighters were dispatched to 7342 N Haskell Ave after flames were seen pouring from the balcony of an occupied first-floor unit. First-arriving companies reported achieving knockdown in about 14 minutes, and the department noted the fire "did not impinge on other structures or residential units." The incident was logged as INC#0867 and involved Station 90 along with multiple engine, truck, battalion, and chief units assigned to the Valley Bureau.
Firefighters And Patient
In its post, the Los Angeles Fire Department said a 75-year-old male was in at least serious condition and was transported by LAFD paramedics to a local hospital. Crews stayed on scene for continued patient care and overhaul operations to make sure the fire was fully extinguished and the unit was safe.
Building And Neighborhood Context
A current Zillow listing identifies 7342 N Haskell Ave as a multi-family complex with roughly 21 units and parking beneath the residential floors in the Lake Balboa area. That description lines up with the fire department's account that the building has residential levels above a parking area and that damage was confined to a single occupied unit. Officials did not immediately provide an estimate of structural damage.
What Comes Next
The cause of the fire has not yet been released. Investigators were expected to examine the scene to determine the origin of the blaze and the extent of the damage. Authorities are urging residents to keep an eye on official LAFD updates and other local public safety channels for any further information.
