Foundation-Funded Technology Innovates Emergency Response for Tunnel Fire

Trash fires are a frequent occurrence for the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), often addressed within minutes. But when those fires impact critical infrastructure, like the 110 Harbor Freeway, a complex response is necessary.

Upwards of 100,000 vehicles traverse the southernmost segments of the 110 freeway daily. So when a fire broke out in an access portal beneath a portion of the major commuter corridor in San Pedro, LAFD incident commanders knew that there was a significant risk.

As a direct result of community contributions to the LAFD Foundation, crews were equipped with innovative technology that directly impacted fire suppression, firefighter safety, and on-scene communications.

The combination of dead cell service zones where the incident occurred and the multi-agency response necessitated effective, uninterrupted communications from the outset. Low Earth orbit (LEO) technology purchased by the Foundation in the wake of the January 2025 wildfires was deployed to the scene, immediately helping agencies on the ground maintain connectivity to LAFD dispatch and other crews in the area.

Reports from the incident noted significant debris inside the tunnel, leftover from its construction years ago. Since then, a homeless encampment had developed near the area, and some of the debris that caught fire included mattresses and clothing.

But the uncertainty of what else could be inside the tunnel and the challenging location raised immediate hazardous concerns for firefighter safety, prompting the dispatch of the LAFD’s Heavy Rescue and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) units.

The additional deployment of innovative technology and unique firefighting tools exemplified the real-world impact that donors have on LAFD emergency response.

“Everything that made a difference – from the drones to the robot dog – was supported by the Foundation,” said Captain Rich Moody of the Critical Incident Planning and Training Section (CIPTS), who helped deploy resources to the scene.

“From metering [atmospheric monitoring] to public safety, the technology the Foundation provides us is huge.”

Though conditions inside prevented it from entering the access portal, the RS3 firefighting robot directly supported brush clearance and the movement of sand to prevent contaminated runoff from entering storm drains. This remotely controlled firefighting vehicle - the first of its kind when the Foundation purchased it in October 2020 - has responded to more than 70 significant incidents in the city where it was deemed unsafe for firefighters to enter.

While the RS3 went to work addressing potential hazards surrounding the incident, a nimbler robot dog, nicknamed “Rosie,” was right in the middle of the action. Another Foundation-funded piece of equipment, this advanced, camera-equipped robotic canine entered the tunnel and immediately assessed the interior.

Captain Richard Thompson, with the LAFD’s Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Unit, manned the robot dog. He noted how the unstable conditions created the perfect environment for Rosie to flex her muscles, crawling into the confined space and relaying critical data to responding crews.

“To be able to utilize robotics that give us thermal imagery and atmospheric monitoring readings helps us ensure that the environment is safe for human life, and that our personal protective equipment (PPE) is adequate,” Captain Thompson emphasized.

Rosie’s assessment of the structural integrity of the tunnel helped Caltrans engineers safely evaluate the damage to the freeway, providing information that directly advanced the multi-agency response.

While technology went to work to ensure LAFD member safety and advance incident response, specialized tools enabled firefighters to manage other aspects of the scene while maintaining a safe distance from potential hazards.

“The Blitz Fires absolutely saved the day,” said LAFD Captain Andy Ruiz of the portable ground monitors that delivered high-volume foam streams to suppress the fire and any remaining hotspots. Because these monitors are designed for single-person use, other members could continue working the scene while powerful, steady streams of foam kept fire conditions under control.

With ongoing staffing challenges, the ability for a single firefighter to manage what would typically require a whole crew reflected how donor-supported technology fills resource gaps for the Department.

LAFD members and units worked through the night to ensure that the fire was completely extinguished, and remained on-scene for several days after, employing donor-supported tools and technology to fully secure the area and eventually reopen the freeway.

Those wondering how the LAFD continues to operate despite ongoing budget cuts need not look further than the LAFD Foundation, whose sole purpose is to stand in the gap between what firefighters need and what the city funds.

“The Foundation is an integral part of advancing tech and innovation for the LAFD,” Captain Thompson emphasized, “revamping how we deploy on emergency incidents and protect our firefighters.”