At 12:38 p.m. on Monday, April 28, the Santa Monica Fire Department responded to the report of a structure fire at 1725 Centinela Avenue. Four engine companies, one truck company, one rescue ambulance, and a Battalion Chief initially responded to the fire. Once on scene, Santa Monica Fire Department units were assisted by several Los Angeles City Fire Department apparatus consisting of two engine companies, a taskforce, and a Battalion Chief. Santa Monica Police Officers and Community Services Officers assisted with traffic and crowd control, and administrative staff from the Santa Monica Fire Department assisted with civilian and firefighter safety.
First-in companies reported large volumes of fire coming from a ground level apartment and the unit just above it. The initial fire was extinguished within 15 minutes of the report of the fire. Both apartment units suffered severe fire and smoke damage and several adjacent units suffered heavy smoke damage.
Firefighters discovered that the fire had spread to a neighboring apartment building to the south of the initial fire. Firefighters quickly evacuated the occupants of the second complex and extinguished a small amount of fire in the roof area within minutes. Once the building was checked for extension and found to be safe, residents were allowed to return to their apartments.
There were no reported civilian or firefighter injuries. A small dog was rescued from the second floor of an apartment in the initial fire. Fire Department personnel administered oxygen, and the owner transported the animal to a local veterinarian.
Fire investigators were called to the scene to determine the cause of the fire, total loss, and the extent of damage to the structure. The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time.
The Santa Monica Red Cross is providing housing for four individuals from three apartments at 1725 Centinela. Most of the building’s tenants are single. Three of the building’s units were completely gutted, while a fourth unit received extensive fire, water, and smoke damage. The Red Cross is also providing housing at a motel for two people from the 10-unit building at 1733 Centinela where three apartments received extensive smoke and some fire damage.
