July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

19th Century Historic Santa Monica Building Catches Fire

Firefighters extinguish fire at the Gussie Moran Building⁣

By Sam Catanzaro

Tuesday night the Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) put out a fire that had broken out in a historic 19th century Santa Monica house.

On Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at 7:04 p.m., the SMFD responded to a reported structure fire at the historical Gussie Moran Building, built in 1887, located at 1323 Ocean Avenue.

According to the SMFD, the first arriving engine company reported a three-story building to the rear with an exterior fire that was extending to the third floor. Firefighters made an aggressive offensive attack and knocked down the exterior fire. Interior fire crews found extension of the fire on the third floor and quickly opened interior walls knocking down all fire within 16 minutes.⁣

A total of 27 firefighters worked to control the fire, responding with five Engines companies, one truck company, and a Battalion Command team to mitigate the emergency. The Santa Monica Police Department provided traffic control. Los Angeles City Fire Department Station 63 provided backfill assistance at the SMFD’s headquarters.

The Gussie Moran Building. Photo: smconservancy.org

There were no injuries to civilians or fire personnel.⁣

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, according to the SMFD.

The Gussie Moran Building is notable for both its Victorian architecture and its famous resident—Gertrude “Gorgeous Gussie” Moran.

Born in Santa Monica, where her family had owned the house since the 1890s, Moran took up tennis early, winning several singles and doubles championships. Moran would go on to achieve a career-high ranking of number 4 in the world.

Moran, who passed away in 2013, lived in the house until 1986.

Gussie Moran. Photo: Facebook.

“The Gussie Moran House is a remnant of the time when Ocean Avenue was first developed as a residential street. It is remarkable both for its Victorian styling and as the longtime residence of tennis champion, Gertrude Moran. Santa Monica was a small town of perhaps a few thousand, most living in the downtown area, when this house was started around 1887. Though many structures built in early Santa Monica were hastily erected and architecturally undistinguished, lots on desirable Ocean Avenue filled up with imposing Victorian homes,” the Santa Monica Conservancy writes about the house on their website. “The unexpected combination of a traditional house and a very untraditional woman make this landmark truly memorable.”

<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...