By Mary O’KEEFE

A house fire was reported in the 3300 block of Santa Carlotta Avenue in La Crescenta on Friday, March 13. Northbound traffic on New York Avenue was diverted to Dunsmore Avenue. Smoke could be seen below Foothill Boulevard.

According to Cheryl Getuiza, communications manager with the Glendale Fire Dept., the initial companies on scene encountered fire originating in the garage with extension into the living quarters. 

Battalion Chief 2 assumed command with Engine 29, Engine 24, Engine 25, Truck 29, Truck 26, Squad 21, BLS 26, and Engine 63 assigned to fire attack, search and ventilation operations. Crews initiated an aggressive interior attack and completed both primary and secondary searches of the residence.

The fire was contained; however, crews remained on scene conducting overhaul operations. Firefighters continued efforts to cool a large HVAC unit located on the roof. The unit contained internal insulation and proved stubborn to fully extinguish, remaining the primary source of residual heat and smoke.

Specific sections of the single-family dwelling were cordoned off to prevent crews operating inside the structure from working in the hazard zone.

Glendale Water & Power was requested to assist at the scene. Mutual aid resources from Pasadena were released once the incident was stabilized.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.