Hermosa Beach Fire Department Helps in Strand Fire

A fire in a garage in the 4400 block of The Strand Monday around 10:15 a.m. was knocked down in about 15 minutes by crews from five fire departments, according to Manhattan Beach Fire Chief Robert Espinosa. Hermosa Beach firefighters were among those who responded.

Residents in the area were evacuated however no injuries were reported, said the chief. Officers from the Manhattan Beach Police Department provided traffic control for the residential fire, said MBPD Officer Stephanie Martin, noting that the Command Post was set up at the Chevron Gas Station at 45th Street and Highland Avenue.

MBFD Chief Espinosa said the fire, which was completely extinguished in about an hour, caused damage to the homes to the north, south and east of the involved property. The home to the north “had fire spread through a second story window into a kitchen,” he said.

“If it had been windy, this fire could have easily spread to the surrounding neighborhood,” said Chief Espinosa.

The residence attached to the garage where the fire burned “was not breached. They may be without power and utilities for a while, but little or no damage to living space,” said the chief.

MBFD was assisted by El Segundo, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Los Angeles County firefighters. Eleven fire engines, two ladder trucks, three paramedic rescues, and four Battalion Chiefs responded to the blaze.