A rapidly moving blaze tore through a Reseda apartment building Friday afternoon, forcing about 20 tenants out of their homes and sending one person to a nearby hospital. Firefighters managed to knock down the flames in roughly 44 minutes, but investigators say the cause is still a mystery, and a resident’s cat was found deceased inside the building.
According to LAFD, crews from the Valley Bureau, including units tied to Fire Station 73, responded to 18325 W Vanowen St, where a total of 89 firefighters worked the incident, listed as INC#0402. One apartment unit was fully involved, and the fire extended into the unit above before crews declared a knockdown and shifted to overhaul operations. LAFD reported that about 20 tenants were displaced and one civilian was transported to a local hospital, while the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Help for displaced residents
The American Red Cross and 211 LA typically step in to help residents after local apartment fires, offering shelter, food and recovery casework. Those affected can call 2-1-1 for immediate assistance or visit 211 LA or the American Red Cross Los Angeles for support.
Past fires at the address
The building at 18325 W Vanowen St has seen this kind of chaos before. An August 2024 blaze at the same address was also knocked down by LAFD, as reported in coverage of an August 2024 fire at the same building. That earlier incident likewise required a multi-unit response and left residents temporarily displaced.
Investigation
According to LAFD, investigators remained on scene to determine where and how the fire started, while city teams were brought in to help with traffic control, utilities and building inspections. LAFD Public Information Officer Branden Silverman was on site to handle media inquiries as crews wrapped up their work.
