Tragedy struck in the early hours of Tuesday in Arcadia when a fire consumed a two-story house, claiming the lives of three people. According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the fire erupted around 1:00 a.m. in the 5300 block of Tyler Avenue. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire by 1:31 a.m., but not before three occupants of the home were lost to the blaze.
STRUCTURE FIRE | FS169 | 5300 blk of Tyler Ave. #Arcadia | #LACoFD at approx 1:01 am units were dispatched to a two story home with smoke and fire showing in home and attached garage. Crews achieved knock down at 1:31 am.
— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) January 2, 2024
3 confirmed civilian fatalities.#TylerIC
Five individuals were initially inside the residence during the incident, with two managing to escape the flames. One of the deceased reportedly tried to save the others, climbing the stairs to alert them of the imminent danger, as described by FOX LA. The two who survived were rushed to the hospital for possible smoke inhalation and were expected to recover.
As of now, the identities of the deceased have not been disclosed, adding a somber anonymity to the casualties of the devastating event. A pair of residents in a detached unit on the property were also evacuated by deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, according to CBS News Los Angeles, ensuring no further harm came to others in the vicinity of the fire.
Authorities are probing the cause of the fire, with the origin suspected to be the attached garage that spread to the rest of the home. While the investigation continues, arson has not been ruled out, and accelerant detection canines have been brought to the scene.
