CITY OF SANTA MONICA | FIRE DEPARTMENT | BILL WALKER, FIRE CHIEF
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 8, 2020
Contact: Battalion Chief Sean Van Sluis
Santa Monica Fire Department
310-458-8674
Sean.vansluis@smgov.net
SANTA MONICA, CA – On Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at 7:04 p.m., Santa Monica Fire companies responded to a
reported Structure Fire at historical Gussie Moran Building, built in 1887, located at 1323 Ocean Avenue.
The first arriving Engine company reported a 3-story building to the rear with an exterior fire that was
extending to the third floor. Firefighters made an aggressive offensive attack and knocked down the exterior
fire. Interior fire crews found extension of the fire on the third floor and quickly opened interior walls
knocking down all fire within 16 minutes.
A total of 27 Firefighters worked to control the fire, responding with five Engines companies, one truck
company, and a Battalion Command team to mitigate the emergency. The Santa Monica Police Department
provided traffic control. Los Angeles City Fire Department, Engine 63, and Light Force 63 provided backfill
assistance at Santa Monica’s Headquarters, Fire Station 1. There were no injuries to civilians or fire personnel.
Santa Monica Fire Prevention fire investigators responded for cause determination and the cause of the fire
is still under investigation.
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