Major Emergency Structure Fire in Winnetka

Over 120 Los Angeles City firefighters extinguished a Major Emergency structure fire in a two-story commercial building early Monday morning, successfully preventing the flames from spreading to a neighboring apartment complex.

At 5:10 AM on January 13, 2026, the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire in the 20200 block of West Sherman Way. Arriving crews found a two-story commercial building with heavy fire showing from the second floor.

Firefighters initiated an offensive interior attack while simultaneously deploying hose lines to protect an apartment building located only feet from the fire. Due to the size of the building and fire involvement, the incident was upgraded to Major Emergency status with a total of 21 fire companies assigned.

Approximately 30 minutes into the operation, a partial collapse occurred in one of the front units. Incident Commander Assistant Chief Justin Moore transitioned crews near the collapse zone to defensive operations, utilizing aerial ladders and large-diameter streams, while firefighters at the rear of the structure maintained an offensive interior position.

It took 120 firefighters nearly two hours to achieve a knockdown. The 2nd floor was heavily damaged while four units on the first floor were red-tagged by LA Building and Safety due to water damage and concerns about the stability of the ceiling. The defensive efforts were successful in protecting the adjacent apartment building, which sustained no fire damage but two units did have some water damage. One resident from that building, a 36-year-old female, was treated and transported to a local hospital in fair condition for smoke inhalation. There were no other reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.

The LAFD commends Mr. Carl Scott, a resident of the apartment building, who assisted in the early notification and evacuation of his neighbors.

In accordance with department protocol for Major Emergency incidents, the LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) is investigating the cause of the fire.