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The riots that erupted on this day in 1992 were more recent and are more often revisited. (Most recently through Daryl Gates and, at LA Observed, this clip from "The Garden.") But you may not remember, or have ever known, that on April 29, 1986, the Central Library — arguably the greatest repository of the city's history — was torched by an arsonist.
The pre-renovation library was sardine-packed with flammable papers and books and primed to burn. Despite one of the LAFD's biggest firefights ever, 400,000 volumes — 20 percent of the library's holdings — were destroyed. Another 700,000 items were damaged by smoke or water. Entire collections were lost, but more than 1,500 volunteers helped to remove and begin freezing books and papers to prevent mildew from claiming much more. The holdings were housed elsewhere until 1993, when the renovated Central Library reopened with a new underground wing. If you ever receive an old book or magazine with water damage or smelling of smoke, you'll know why.
After the jump: A passage from the LAFD's reconstruction of the fire.
Thanks to LAHistory on Twitter for link pointers.
Los Angeles Times photo from April 29, 1986, UCLA LIbrary Digital Collections
On April 29, 1986, at approximately 10:52AM, an audio smoke detector alarm in the library began sounding. The LAFD's Operations Control Dispatch (OCD) received a "bells ringing" alarm and a B-assignment was dispatched, including Task Force 3, Task Force 9, Engine 10, Squad 4 and Battalion 1 (Chief Cate)....As the heat and fire crept through the building, fire attack companies were forced to withdraw and be replaced every 15 minutes. Every time a hose line was opened up inside, super-heated steam pushed the fire attack company back. As a result, reaching the seat of the fire became a challenge.
By 12:30PM, the fire had spread and the department was faced with three major problems: fire attack, ventilation, and salvage to protect the array of published works and other artifacts below the fire floor. Using sledge hammers and axes, the Ventilation Division is able to breech the roof, but are unable to open a hole large enough for effective ventilation. Inside, the heat continues to build and commanders express concern about flash over conditions. By now, the fire has been burning for two hours. There are now 34 fire companies, 12 command and staff officers, 1 air ambulance, and 7 rescue ambulances committed to the fire.
Chief Anthony, realizing his expertise related to fire attack is where his talents lie, allows Chief Drummond to take over as Incident Commander, reassigning himself to Operations where he can coordinate all firefighting operations.
It is now nearing 1:00PM and fire is now visible in the west windows of the "Patent Room" which was located on the west end of the building on the mezzanine level. The fire extended almost 300 feet on the second floor through the building, and from the northeast stack through the connecting hall into the northwest stack and out the window on the west end of the building. Chief Anthony and Chief Rojo entered the library and toured each floor, working to develop a plan to attack the fire while protecting the library's valuables.