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Officials Launch Arson Investigation Into Structure Fire In Huntington Park

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com/AP) — A cloud of heavy smoke was seen Monday over Huntington Park as crews worked to put out a fire burning in a commercial building, authorities said.

The blaze at a one-story commercial structure in the 5600 block of Soto Street was reported around 9:06 a.m., according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Personnel from the Vernon Fire Department assisted county firefighters in the effort to extinguish the flames.

The building was wilting under the force of the flames, and the metal that made up much of it was giving off noxious black smoke.

County firefighters and others from the nearby city of Vernon had retreated into defensive mode to fight the fire from a distance.

It wasn't immediately clear what business occupies the building, what caused the fire or whether there are any injuries.

No evacuations were immediately ordered, officials said.

Fire officials told KNX 1070's Ed Mertz the fire was a "crime scene" and confirmed an arson investigation was underway.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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