USA News: Fire Ravages South LA – Homes Destroyed, Lives Altered
Los Angeles, California –In a devastating incident, a fire tore through South Los Angeles, destroying five homes and leaving a man and woman in their 60s with severe burns. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded to multiple calls of garbage fires just before 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday, reported USA Today.
The flames engulfed a building under construction from all directions, rapidly spreading to seven nearby homes, resulting in the complete destruction of five of them. As authorities investigate the cause, a 66-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. A man in his 30s was treated at the scene for minor injuries but declined further treatment.
The LAFD reported that numerous individuals had to be evacuated from the area, with at least 17 people seeking assistance from the Red Cross and the city’s emergency department. Los Angeles City Councilwoman Karen Price, representing South Los Angeles, pledged support for all households affected by the fire, which caused significant damage to three surrounding homes.
The aftermath revealed one address deemed uninhabitable, marked as such, and a total of six addresses affected by the fire. The youngest victim, a one-month-old child, underscores the tragic impact of the incident. The LAFD highlighted the additional danger posed by the heat from the “blockwide fire,” affecting utility poles in the vicinity.
Described as a “stick fire,” the blaze originated from the construction site. Exposed wood fueled an intense fire, consuming everything in its path. Over 140 firefighters valiantly battled the flames for more than an hour. The LAFD confirmed that the Arson and Terrorism Division is conducting a thorough investigation in accordance with protocol.
According to reports, the building under construction was a four-story affordable apartment complex.
