A massive fire consumed an AutoZone store in Hollywood on Saturday, causing extensive damage to the building and adjacent businesses in the strip mall. FOX LA reported that the blaze required over 120 Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) personnel to combat the flames, which also affected nearby establishments, Fat Sal's Deli and Sushi Ajito. The fire, which started at approximately 4:20 p.m., was fully extinguished by 10:30 p.m., according to the same source.
The official LAFD alert indicated the presence of heavy smoke initially shown from the automotive parts store situated within an L-shaped one-story strip mall. Crews quickly turned to a defensive strategy after flames visibly broke through the roo.
In a statement given by the LAFD, no injuries have been reported amidst the chaos that once claimed the busy strip mall. Road closures were implemented in the area, with northbound and southbound Highland Avenue between DeLongpre Avenue and Lexington Avenue closed off to facilitate firefighting efforts.
Further details provided by the LAFD advised travelers to avoid the area and to expect congestion, suggesting that alternate routes should be considered. While the specific cause of the fire remains under investigation, initial 9-1-1 calls described an "explosive fire" that some believed could have involved a "battery" within the AutoZone store.
