ATF Joins LAFD Arson Teams In Da Vinci Fire Investigation
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Federal agents Wednesday joined local arson teams in the investigation to help determine the cause of a massive construction fire at a 1.3-million-square-foot apartment complex downtown.
A team of approximately 20 agents with the federal bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives began examining the remnants of the 7-story Da Vinci Complex, located at 906 N. Fremont Avenue, the LAFD said.
Chemists, electrical engineers and explosive experts are among those aiding in the investigation.
The fire, which is being treated as suspicious due to its intensity and how rapidly it spread across the 245-unit complex, was reported at 1:20 a.m. Monday. It also damaged three adjacent high-rises and forced the closure of the 110 Freeway.
"What we find in there is going to dictate how this goes," Carlos Canino of the ATF said.
No one was injured in the fire, but damages were estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars.
Police have kept the scene secure in order to preserve any possible evidence that could be criminal in nature.
Officials are searching for video related to the fire and conducting witness interviews. A tip line has been set up at (213)893-9850.
"The investigation may take weeks and may take months," LAFD Chief Ralph Terrazas said.
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