Fatality Fire in Van Nuys

A 50-year-old man died following a heavy fire that tore through a Van Nuys home Friday afternoon.

At 2:55pm on January 2, 2026 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 6900 block of N Burnet Av for a reported structure fire.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing from the rear of a one-story, single family dwelling. Crews initiated an offensive interior fire attack while the truck companies conducted vertical ventilation on the roof to clear heat and smoke.

Under the command of Battalion Chief Robert Barna, 33 firefighters extinguished the fire in 22 minutes. No injuries were reported among LAFD personnel.

Inside the home, firefighters located a male, approximately 50 years old. He was immediately extricated and provided advanced life-saving care by firefighter/paramedics during rapid transport to a local hospital. Sadly, his injuries were too severe, and he was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The Mayor's Crisis Response Team was on scene to assist those affected by this tragic loss.

Per standard protocol for a fire involving a fatality or serious injury, the LAFD Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) is actively investigating the cause of the fire. The County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner will provide official identification of the victim and determine the cause of death.