Tag Archives: Fire

Homeless Man Arrested For Burbank Blvd. Overpass Fire

Photo by Ross A. Benson

Not long after a brush fire spread along the embankment of the Burbank Boulevard Overpass yesterday evening, the Burbank Police Department arrested Edwin Matos, a 55-year-old homeless man, for allegedly starting the fire.

(Photo Courtesy Burbank Fire Department)

The fire prompted the closure of the Interstate 5 on-ramps and off-ramps, causing traffic backup which may foreshadow the gridlock in 2018 when the Burbank Blvd. bridge will be closed for construction.

During the fire, a traffic light was damaged and had to be repaired by the Public Works Department. Irrigation lines were also affected. Although the brush fire quickly spread from the south side where it originated to the north side, it was soon contained by the Burbank Fire Department. Since there are not any fire hydrants on the bridge, engines had to shuttle over 5,000 gallons of water.

(Photo Courtesy Burbank Fire Department)

The BPD was in search of a man fitting Matos’ description after receiving a report from a witness, saying the suspect ran northbound on the railroad tracks after causing the fire. When police spotted Matos and told him to stop, he ignored the officers’ orders and began to run. They eventually caught up with Matos who struggled with police, attempting to resist arrest.

While the arrest was taking place, the suspect’s dog, a Chihuahua mix named Rico, bit an officer on his arm and leg. However, the officer was not badly harmed. Matos’ dog is currently at the Burbank Animal Shelter in a 10-day quarantine for rabies monitoring, which might lead it to be euthanized.

Matos, who is said to be from Burbank, was found in possession of multiple lighters, matches, and a switchblade when he was taken into custody. It was also discovered that he had three outstanding arrest warrants for drug offenses and resisting arrest. Matos was booked into the Burbank City Jail for felony arson, resisting arrest, and possession of a knife.

Matos is currently being held at $141,000 bail and is due at the Burbank Court House on Friday.

(Photo Courtesy Burbank Fire Department)

Firefighters Rescue Cats From Burning Structure

Leave a reply

Burbank Firefighters received a call around 8:45 pm Saturday of a fire in a structure at 129 N. Sparks Street.

Burbank Fire Fighters put on breathing apprentice and safety equipment prior to entering this apartment fire at 129 Sparks Street Saturday evening. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Upon arrival they found a ‘granny flat’ that had fire showing from the window and quickly raced to put out the flames. Upon entering they found two cats and after the rescue of the felines quickly had the flames out by 8:59 pm.

The cats had inhaled some smoke so firefighters did what they could to give the small animals oxygen. Burbank Police on scene requested that the Animal Shelter send someone to assist but the owner decided to take the cat directly to the animal hospital for further treatment.

Damage from smoke was extensive throughout the small controverted apartments. ( Photo by Ross A. Benson )

Damage to the structure was estimated at $25,000 and the contents were valued at $10,000. The Red Cross was called to help two occupants who were unable to remain in the residences.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation by Burbank Fire.

Burbank Fire Investigator Captain Nishisaka looks for clues while speaking to the resident to determine a cause of the fire, which remains under investigation. ( Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Two cats were rescued and treated for smoke inhalation prior to being transported to a Veterinarian. ( Photo by Ross A. Benson )

Fire Next to Burbank Business Caused by Illegal Fireworks

Leave a reply

Burbank Fire Fighters were called to a reported structure fire at Samuel’s Florist near the corner of Victory Blvd. and Olive Avenue late Monday evening. Upon arriving on the scene, they found a tall Cypress tree well involved in flames. The fire was located in the driveway of the business next to a brick building.

Burbank Fire Department knocked down this Cypress bush fire next to Samuel’s Florist within minutes. The cause was possibly illegal fireworks. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Firefighters found there was no spread of flames after checking the roofs of the nearby business.

A neighbor had reported hearing some fireworks going off minutes before the fire was reported.

The Burbank Fire Department along with nearby Fire Departments reminds Burbank residents that ALL FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL IN BURBANK, including even the ‘Safe and Sane’ type.

Civilians grabbed a garden hose prior to the Fire Departments arrival and knocked down a good part of the fire next to Samuel’s Florist. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank Firefighters Knock Down Garage Fire

1 Reply

Burbank firefighters were dispatched at 11:05 Thursday night to a report of a garage fire in the 1900 block of Hilton Drive.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Upon arrival they found an unattached garage on fire with exposures to other structures on the side. Quick action by the crew of Engine 16 quickly knocked down the flames without seeing an damage to any of the other structures or homes.

A fire investigator was called to the scene and has still not determined the cause.

Firefighters at the scene estimated damage to the structure at $40,000 and the contents at $15,000.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Reader Mike Elman sent in this photo of the fire with the city in the background

Beauty Kiss Owner: Fire Not Going to Stop Us

1 Reply

This version has been updated from its original post

Burbank’s biggest fire in years won’t stop Beauty Kiss owner Rich Raad from helping his customers who made his business what it is.

The day after a four-alarm fire gutted his Carpet & Draperies business, Raad returned to 140 S. Glenoaks Blvd. to talk to investigators and insurance agents as a company boarded up the front of the now burned-down store.

Richard Raad owner of Beauty Kiss Carpets & Draperies, looks at the interior of what was once his warehouse full of racks of carpets and equipment. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Mickey & Minnie Mouse arrive at Burbank City Hall’s Tree Light via Rich Raad’s 57 custom Chevy. (Photo by Ross A. Benson).

Raad is well known here in Burbank from his time on the Burbank School Board, to driving his 1957 Chevy in almost every recent Burbank On Parade, to escorting Mickey & Minnie Mouse to the steps of City Hall for the annual tree lighting ceremonies.

Raad said his phone lines have been forwarded to his office staff working off-site and he’s here to continue doing business. He took the company over from his mother many years ago and has completed installing carpets and draperies in dozens of city offices, fire stations, and Burbank homes. Raad wanted to emphasize that despite the fact the fire was devastating; his customers will continue to be first and his business will remain in Burbank.

The Burbank Fire Department spent Monday night watching the store in case of any smoldering debris flaring up or even rekindling.

The crowd was 4-5 deep watching the 4th alarm blaze Monday. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The crowd was four to five deep watching the 4th alarm blaze Monday. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

A fire of this size brings out plenty of onlookers and the Burbank Fire Department would be interested in looking at the public’s pictures of them at work and the surroundings during the fire. At one point during the blaze, there was a drone flying above and fire officials would be interested in seeing its footage.

Drone with a camera mounted on it flying over the fire scene. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Pictures can be forwarded to SNishhisaka@ci.burbank.ca.us or by calling him at 818-238-3388 and if the owner of the drone is interested please send to news@myburbank.com. We would like to share your video.

4-Alarm 1 Million Dollar Fire Destroys Longtime Burbank Business

1 Reply

Burbank Firefighters got the 911 call around 10:17 am and were on scene within minutes, finding what appeared to be some type of fire to the rear of Beauty Kiss Carpets & Draperies at 140 South Glenoaks Blvd.

Flames shoot thru the roof of Beauty Kiss Carpets.(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Firefighters made entry into the front of the store and found smoke inside upon which they requested a 2nd-alarm, bringing equipment from Glendale and Pasadena Fire Departments. The fire quickly had gotten into the attic, and firefighters had a battle attempting to gain control. When fire started going thru the roof, firefighters had to vacate the roof and go into a defensive mode where they protected the buildings next to the building that was now fully involved in flames.

Firefighters used tons of waters in an attempt to extinguish a 4th alarm fire at Beauty Kiss Carpets. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The Chief called for a third alarm, now getting all Burbank equipment to the scene and additional equipment from neighboring cities. As firefighters fought the fire from all sides, pouring thousands of gallons of water on the blaze, the Chief called a rare fourth alarm as the fire crews were starting to get fatigued and needed relief in the 80 or so degree heat.

The 4th alarm brought Firefighters from as far away as San Gabriel. Burbank Paramedics had to treat a total of 3 firefighters for heat related injuries, transporting one to a local hospital while the other two were hydrated and returned to continue fighting the fire. The firefighter who was hospitalized was released a short time later.

The cause is still under investigation, and damage is being reported as $ 1 million. The businesses to both side of the carpet store only received minor smoke damage.

Burbank’s Fire Investigator Scott Nishhisaka along with Pasadena Fire Investigator talk to PIO Peter Hendrickson, at the scene of Burbank’s 4th alarm blaze. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank Police closed Glenoaks Blvd.from Olive to Tujunga and MTA Buses were rerouted during the emergency.

Burbank Firefighters were going to keep a fire watch on scene throughout the night to make sure the fire does not rekindle.

The fire was under the command of Battalions Chief Eric Garcia, and several additional Battalions Chiefs were on scene assisting with command. Burbank’s Fire Chief Tom Lenahan on scene at one time during the blaze.

The carpet store owner Richard Raad, a former BUSD Board Member and lifelong resident was on scene with other members of his family early on and watched in amazement as fire destroyed his business. Raad reported that all 40 of his employees were off for the holiday and grateful none of them were injured. He promises to be back in operation as soon as possible.

Photos by Ross A. Benson

Flames consume the overhead sign in front of Beauty Kiss Carpets & Draperies. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Firefighters aim water at flames to the rear of Beauty Kiss Carpets. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Seventy firefighters or more from cities as far away as Alhambra assisted in this 4 alarm blaze that destroyed Beauty Kiss Carpets Monday. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Seventy firefighters or more from cities as far away as Alhambra assisted in this 4 alarm blaze that destroyed Beauty Kiss Carpets Monday. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Beauty Kiss Owner Richard Radd speaks with Burbank Firefighters at the front of his burned out business. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Beauty Kiss Owner Richard Raad speaks with Burbank Firefighters at the front of his burned out business. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Glendale Firefighters hit some hots spots inside the backdoor of Beauty Kiss Carpets. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank Firefighters Assist Glendale With Major Fire

Leave a reply

Early Memorial Day morning, Glendale received a call of a fire at 233 N. Brand.

Within minutes the blaze grew and Glendale Fire put called for a third-alarm assignment which consisted of several Burbank fire engines, a truck company and a Battalion Chief.

Burbank Fire assisted Glendale fire at this 3rd alarm commercial structure at 233 N Brand Blvd around midnight Sunday. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank Firefighters were called into assist Glendale Fire on this 3rd alarm blaze at 233 Brand Blvd. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

These Burbank Firefighters with Capt. Tray White were called into assist Glendale Fire on this 3rd alarm blaze at 233 Brand Blvd. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

One Metallic Balloon Causes Headaches to Many Residents

Leave a reply

Burbank Police and Fire responded to the 1900 block of Ontario Street Saturday evening to a report of a possible explosion involving a power line and that a fence around Provdencia Elementary School was electrically charged.

Electrical Services Supervisor Michael Gibson, talks crews what caused the power disruption, prior to them repairing the situation. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Electrical Services Supervisor Michael Gibson talks to a crew about what caused the power disruption, prior to them repairing the situation. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Upon arrival they had found a ground wire laying by a power pole, and evidence that an explosion might have occurred from a high voltage line high above. Fire Fighters and Police Officers secured the neighborhood and surrounding streets and requested Water & Power.

The force of the explosion popped a cap on a nearby water pipe, requiring its repair.

Reports from Burbank citizens across Burbank through the @myBurbank Twitter feed reported lights flickering and surges in power, causing computers and electrical devices to reset. People with At&T service had problems with service in the following the surge.

A Burbank Firefighter stands by with a electrical probe checking for electrical currency. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Burbank Water & Power arrived on scene surveyed the area and deemed it to be safe. They reported the cause of the original problem a metallic balloon made contact with a 6.4 KV power line causing the balloon to explode and grounding the circuit.

Darken marks on electrical pole shows where a an electrical charge caused a surge after a balloon came in contact with a 64 KV charged line. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The remains of a helium balloon, that caused power outage, city wide surge. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The remains of a metallic balloon, that caused power outage, city wide surge. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Water flows from a water line that was hit with electrical current during power surge. (Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Electrical Services Supervisor Michael Gibson, explains to Capt. Jim Baldridge and Battalion Chief Jeff Howe what caused the electrical disruption. ( Photo by Ross A. Benson)

Paralyzed Man In Wheelchair Hit In Crosswalk

Leave a reply

A man in a wheelchair ended up in the hospital and a suspected hit and run driver in jail, after an accident Monday night at Olive Ave. and Glenoaks Blvd.

Accorlding to Burbank Police, the accident occurred at 8:23 p.m. when the victim, an unidentified Burbank man who is a paraplegic, was crossing Glenoaks on Olive. The 30 year-old victim, who was in his motorized wheelchair, was in the crosswalk. The female driver of a white BMW who struck him, was eastbound on Olive, making a left turn onto northbound Glenoaks.

The driver, Irina Sarafyan, 38, of who resides in the Cabrini Villas in Sun Valley, did not stop, according to police. A citizen who witnessed the accident chased the suspect’s vehicle until the driver stopped. She reportedly admitted “hitting something” to officers investigating the accident.

The impact knocked over the wheelchair and dumped the man onto the ground where he sustained abrasions to his right leg, shoulder, hand, and back of his head. He complained of pain to his entire right side, and was treated at the scene by Burbank Fire Department paramedics before being transported by rescue ambulance to Providence St. Joseph Medical Center.

Sarafyan was placed under arrest for felony hit and run, and transported to the Burbank Jail. She was released on $50,000 bail, and is due to appear in court on March 18.

The Burbank Police Department thanks the citizen who witnessed the accident and called police, according to Sgt. Darin Ryburn.

Stubborn Fire Has Plenty Of Firefighters Busy Hunting

Leave a reply

Burbank Fire Fighters were summoned to 225 S. Rose Street Friday afternoon for a reported fire somewhere in the walls of the apartment building, possibly near a chimney.

(Photo by Ross A. Benson)

The complete assignment of Firefighters went to every floor looking for the source.

Firefighters using rotary saws, axes, and an inferred camera, finally located some charring in an exterior wall. The assignment which consisted of three engines companies, two truck companies, a rescue ambulance and a Battalion Chief.

After about a half an hour of breaking walls and wetting the area, the fire was considered ‘Knocked Down’ and Battalion Chief Eric Garcia started releasing equipment, so engines that had come to Burbank to man stations from nearby Glendale go return home.