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Arson Investigators Combing Torched Carson Apartment Complex For Clues

CARSON (CBS) — Fire and arson investigators Friday are trying to determine what caused a massive blaze that destroyed an apartment complex under construction in Carson.

The fire began around 5 p.m. Thursday at the future site of Renaissance at City Center in the 21000 block of Avalon Boulevard, Los Angeles County fire officials said.

It took nearly three hours for firefighters to knock down the flames, but not before they damaged 10 mobile homes adjacent to the construction site.

The fire forced the evacuation of 200 people in the mobile home park.

"I looked out and saw the flames shooting really, really high and the heat was so intense, and I thought I needed to go" said evacuee Pat Bruggeman.

Officials have designated the site as a crime scene. The fire caused $3 million in damage, investigators said.

As of Friday morning, fire officials have not reopened the mobile home park. Temporary shelter is being provided by the Red Cross.

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