Fireman Monroe C. Karn, Los Angeles Fire Department

Fireman Monroe C. Karn
Engine Company 54
Appointed April 1, 1924
Died July 21, 1944
Market Fire
6700 West Boulevard
At 11:33 p.m. on March 28, 1944, Engine 54 responded to
a fire in a large market. All members suffered severe exposure
to ammonia fumes, heat and smoke. Karn went off-duty ill
April 1 and died July 21.

Fireman Monroe C. Karn of Engine 54 died as a result of one of the war time fires. His company was first-due at a 11:23 p.m., March 28, 1944, telephone alarm to a large market owned by George Schaeffer at 6700 West Boulevard. Karn and members of his company laid 450 feet of hose while attacking the stubborn fire with greater alarm companies. Engine 54 firemen suffered severe exposure to ammonia fumes, heat and smoke during the ling battle. Karn, ill, went off-duy and died July 21; probably from complications arising from exposure to the ammonia.