LAFD Station 63 At The Center of Another Controversy

LAFD Station 63 is in the news once again, this time for a semi-risqué video that includes a 21 year old hula hoop performer, Delila Santos, several on-duty firefighters, fire apparatus, and a fire pole.

The video was published on YouTube last week. It was part of a promotion by a California based company, Hoopnotica, that promotes hula hooping for physical fitness. It contains no nudity and probably the most risqué thing about it is it’s title: Firehouse Burlesque Hula Hooping

Station 63 in Venice Beach was involved in a serious controversy last year after a porn actress gained access to an engine company and used it as a backdrop in an adult video. It is also the station at which Fire Chief Brian Cummings served as a captain, and allegedly allowed firefighters to pose for some risqué photos.

The current controversy seems to be much more tame than the prior incidents and includes shots filmed inside the station with actual firefighters, turnout gear, apparatus, and a fire pole. Nevertheless, the LAFD Professional Standards Division is investigating.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Santos said “This was totally harmless. … We were just having fun hooping.”

Here is the video.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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