The Santa Monica Fire Department responded to a reported fire in a house under major renovation at 2311 La Mesa Dr. on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 11:29 am.
The first fire unit to arrive on scene reported light smoke from the roof and no fire from the interior of the second floor, suspecting a possible attic fire.
Initial arriving companies assisted with an aggressive interior attack of the attic fire and initiated vertical ventilation from the roof.
Due to the roof construction and size of the structure, a second alarm was quickly called.
The additional companies were assigned the task of salvage and overhaul operations to minimize water damage and assure complete extinguishment.
The fire was contained to the attic with “knock-down” declared at 11:59 am.
A total of 35 firefighters were on scene with an additional five Americare Ambulance personnel.
The Los Angeles City Fire Department Engine 59 and Rescue Ambulance 59 assisted SMFD during the incident by providing city coverage.
Two construction workers were treated for smoke inhalation and released from the scene.
Initial investigation reveals that the fire started in the attic above a second floor closet where workers had been welding steel support members.
