1 Killed In 3-Alarm Fire In West Hollywood
WEST HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Homicide and arson detectives Thursday were investigating a fire that killed one person in West Hollywood.
The 3-alarm fire was reported just before midnight in the 9000 block of Santa Monica Boulevard near Melrose Avenue, officials said.
"We found smoke and fire showing from the rear commercial building, potential victims inside," Los Angeles County Fire Department's Anthony Whittle said.
The building was abandoned and set to be demolished.
"There was a heavy fire load, which means there was a lot material in pack-rat style conditions so that creates an obstacle for us," Inspector Chris Reade said.
When firefighters made entry, they located a man, who was believed to be homeless and living in the building, in serious distress in the hallway.
He transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
"It's a closed business. And when you have a fire inside a closed business of course it's going to be considered suspicious on its face," Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Lt. Steve Jauch said. "As a result, we've got arson explosives detectives on the case as well as homicide detectives on scene, and we're going to stay all day out here to find out how the fire started."
Anyone with information was asked to call (323)890-5500.
