July 12, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

17 Cats Perish, Firefighter Injured in Fire at Local Feline Boarding Center

Saturday morning fire at CatPlaceLA remains under investigation

By Sam Catanzaro

17 cats died over the weekend following a fire at a feline boarding facility on Venice Boulevard in Palms that sent one firefighter to the hospital.

According to the LAOFD, a cell phone call to 9-1-1 from a passerby at 5:44 AM on September 17, 2022, brought the first of 124 members of the Los Angeles Fire Department to the 9000 block of West Venice Boulevard, where they discovered smoke showing from the central section of a 50′ x 425′ one-story row of fifteen commercial occupancies.

During the intense firefight that included both strategic defensive and well-coordinated offensive operations, firefighters forced entry into and searched the many businesses, including CatPlaceLA, a feline boarding facility, where nineteen cats were carried from the smoke charged premises by firefighters.

“While two of the cats were safely resuscitated by firefighters and soon transported to emergency veterinary care, seventeen others were sadly beyond medical help and perished at the scene,” said LAFD spokesperson Brian Humphrey. 

According to the LAFD, though thick smoke charged the majority of the large building that featured a common attic, the bulk of direct fire damage was limited to five businesses, including a nail salon, smoke shop, martial arts studio, staffing agency, and the pet boarding facility.

Collateral smoke, heat and water damage affected an adjacent jewelry store and a restaurant. 

None of the involved businesses were equipped with optional fire sprinklers, the LAFD noted. 

One firefighter suffered sudden medical illness in the midst of the firefight, and was taken to an area hospital in fair condition for further medical evaluation. There were no civilian injuries reported.

The flames were fully extinguished in just 73 minutes. 

The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.

in News
Related Posts

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Sunday Concert to Honor Late Venice Musician Dale Henderson

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Henderson was the former front man and guitarist of the Venice crossover thrash band Beowulf A concert honoring the late...

Weekly Yoga Sessions Offered at Venice Branch Library

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Open to all skill levels, the sessions aim to guide attendees in balancing body, mind, and spirit The Venice Branch...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock Venice Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock Venice Turns Kids Into Rockstars. To Sign...

California Seizes $476 Million in Illegal Cannabis

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The operation, described as UCETF’s largest to date, involved support from multiple state agencies The state confiscated $476 million worth...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

THIS WEEKEND: Tennis and Pickleball Event by Adidas Comes to the Marina Racquet Club

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The event, limited to the first 1,000 participants, features pro-led tennis and pickleball sessions, live DJ performances, and brand activations...

Promenade Restaurant Introduces Lunch Menu Set at $18 Per Person

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The fixed $18 price point targets commuters and those seeking a power lunch or a change of scenery The restaurant...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Venice Pier to Host Block Party and Beach Cleanup This Saturday

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The event will feature a beach cleanup, live music by The Brobots, face painting, balloon animals, and local vendors The...