(Oct. 29, 2015) -- A much cherished RV is destroyed, but worse damage was averted when LB Firefighters made an aggressive attack on a fire that broke out inside the parked vehicle close to neighboring homes just east of Bellflower Blvd. and south of Monlaco Rd.

Neighbors spotted the smoke, reported the blaze, and realizing the owners weren't at home, began fighting the fire using garden hoses.

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LBFD Public Information Officer/Firefighter Jake Heflin tells LBREPORT.com that when Engine 19 arrived, its crew initiated an immediate aggressive attack on the blaze, mindful of significant exposures nearby (homes in close proximity.) The actions of Engine 19's crew protected the surrounding homes, which don't appear to have been damaged. At one point, Engine 5 was dispatched from El Dorado Park to provide additional resources. (Station 18 on Palo Verde at Wardlow no longer has a fire engine due to budget cuts initiated under Mayor Bob Foster and continued under Mayor Garcia by Council majorities.)

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Neighborhood Good Samaritans included LBCC student Brian Nyberg. aided by nearby neighbor Liberty Tornatore, plus a high school freshman (Alex) and another adult; they did the best they could with garden hoses until firefighters arrived. It was a very smokey blaze, and arriving firefighters immediately directed the neighbors to move away...since smoke from the RV's interior synthetic materials and plastics is considered toxic. Firefighters (some wielding fire axes) put on self-contained breathing apparatus as they made entry to the vehicle to find the seat of the fire and quash the blaze.

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It was a visibly tough fight; some firefighters exited with their protective helmets darkened by smoke.

Fortunately no persons or pets were hurt...and no nearby homes were damaged. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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