Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded to and extinguished a fire on Roebling Avenue early Friday morning, September 26, 2025. The incident, which began around 12:20 a.m., saw flames quickly brought under control by firefighters shortly after 12:40 a.m.. This event is the latest in a series of fires that have become a recurring phenomenon on the street, often associated with student gatherings and celebrations near the UCLA campus.
Roebling Avenue Fire Erupts
The fire on Roebling Avenue started in the early hours of Friday, drawing attention from onlookers. As the flames grew, individuals present reportedly encouraged bystanders to contribute items to the blaze, with a mattress and a chair being notably added to the fire. Adding to the surreal atmosphere, Billy Joel’s iconic song “We Didn’t Start the Fire” was played on a speaker during the event. The University of California Police Department (UCPD) arrived on the scene at approximately 12:33 a.m., with LAFD extinguishing the fire shortly thereafter. A spokesperson for UCPD did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the incident.
A History of Roebling Avenue Fires
This latest fire is far from an isolated incident for Roebling Avenue. Reports indicate that fires have been occurring on this street for approximately six years, often without a consistent pattern for their ignition. These blazes frequently coincide with, or follow, victories by UCLA Athletics teams, serving as spontaneous celebrations for students and part of the local party scene. Thousands have gathered for such events, with students contributing a variety of items, from furniture like couches and chairs to smaller objects and even scooters, to the street fires.
While the exact origins of this tradition remain unclear and no specific group openly claims responsibility, these recurring fires have become a known, albeit controversial, aspect of student culture in Westwood. For some, these gatherings foster a sense of community and shared experience. However, they also pose significant safety concerns for the students involved, residents, and their property, as well as diverting valuable emergency resources. One individual present at the recent fire described the event as signifying “the start of the fall” and “new beginnings”.
Past Tragedies and Ongoing Concerns
Roebling Avenue has a history marked by fire, including a tragic incident in 2015. On September 21, 2015, a fire in an apartment building on Roebling Avenue resulted in the death of a UCLA student, Andrea DelVesco. Investigations into that event revealed it was a homicide and arson, with prosecutors alleging the killer set the fire in an attempt to destroy evidence. This past tragedy underscores the potential dangers associated with fires in the area, distinct from the more recent, celebratory-fueled incidents.
Authorities, including UCPD and LAFD, continue to monitor the situation on Roebling Avenue. The current trending news from Los Angeles highlights the ongoing challenge of managing these frequent, often disruptive, and occasionally dangerous fires that have become a peculiar fixture of the neighborhood’s current events. The LAFD’s swift response in extinguishing the latest blaze is a testament to their preparedness, even as the underlying issues contributing to these recurring fires remain a point of concern for the broader Los Angeles community.
This incident is a developing story, and further details regarding the specific circumstances and any potential investigations will be reported as they become available.
