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Arson Investigation Underway After 2 South LA Churches Erupt In Flames

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Authorities Thursday extinguished two fires that erupted in separate churches early this morning.

Shortly before 12:30 a.m., firefighters were sent to the 8500 block of San Pedro Street for report of a structure fire.

Upon their arrival, crews located a form of a fire on the outside of the Starlight Church of God, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Arson investigators said the fire was intentionally started following a form of dispute with a person who stayed in a room at the church.

Just after 1 a.m., firefighters were sent to a second fire located in the 8300 block of Compton Avenue for reports of smoke coming from a church.

When crews arrived, they found heavy smoke coming from the attic of the church.

Authorities ruled the fire was started accidentally. Crews worked to determine if the fire was caused by an electrical problem.

No injuries were reported. Just before 1:20 a.m., firefighters contained the blaze.

At this time, authorities do not believe the fires are related to each other.

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