The Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD) is investigating the causes of two apartment building fires, which occurred on Aug. 1 and 2, at 220 S. Lasky Drive and 433 N. Palm Drive.
There were no injuries caused by either incident, according to BHFD Chief Greg Barton. However, two dogs died in the fire on S. Lasky Drive.
“Our firefighters made a quick attack, were able to keep the fires to the apartments of origin and protect the rest of the people,” Barton said. “There were no injuries to any personnel and civilians.”
On Aug. 1, around 8:20 a.m., a structure fire was reported at a two-story, eight-unit apartment building at 220 S. Lasky Drive. One apartment unit was heavily damaged, and the fire caused smoke damage throughout the rest of the apartments. The people in the heavily damaged unit had to be relocated.
On Aug. 2, around 8:30 p.m., there was a structure fire in a multi-unit, five-story apartment complex at 433 N. Palm Drive, prompting the closure of Palm Drive, between Beverly Boulevard and Civic Center Drive in both directions. BHFD and the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) responded to the incident. An alert went out to the community to stay out of the area until further notice. The damage to the one
unit involved was significant enough that tenants of that apartment unit had to be relocated.
As of press time, the causes of both fires were under investigation, Barton told the Courier.
Additionally, on Aug. 3, BHFD and BHPD responded to a gas leak around Olympic Boulevard and Oakhurst Drive. Construction crews working on a residential property adjacent to Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy hit a pipe, causing the gas leak. The strong smell of gas filled the air in area. A section of Oakhurst Drive was temporarily closed as firefighters responded to the scene.
Barton reminded the community of the importance of fire safety.
“It’s important that all residents have working smoke detectors and have access to fire extinguishers to help protect their units,” the Beverly Hills Fire Chief told the Courier.
