Early Tuesday in Koreatown, a quiet overnight stretch turned tense when two separate apartment fires broke out just minutes apart, drawing a major response from Los Angeles firefighters. Both blazes were ultimately knocked down, and one person was located and evaluated for an undetermined medical condition, officials said, as neighbors shared video of flames shooting into the sky while investigators moved in to figure out what happened.
Where the Blazes Started
The first fire erupted at a three-story fourplex on the 3000 block of San Marino Street and was extinguished in a little more than half an hour. About 15 minutes later, a second blaze was reported at a four-story apartment building on the 200 block of South Westmoreland Avenue; that fire was knocked down after roughly 45 minutes, according to KTLA.
Fire Response and Injuries
The Westmoreland fire drew about 45 firefighters, who had the flames out by 12:45 a.m., Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Jamie Stewart told MyNewsLA. At that scene, paramedics evaluated one person for an unknown medical condition, and officials had not released any further medical updates at the time of reporting.
Crews stuck around after the knockdown to chase hot spots, secure the buildings and give investigators room to work through the charred areas and structural damage.
Flames Hit the Skyline as Investigators Dig In
A citizen video obtained by KTLA captured just how intense the situation became, with flames towering high enough to frame the downtown Los Angeles skyline while firefighters battled both blazes. There was no immediate word on what caused either fire, and the department said investigations are underway to determine whether the two incidents are connected in any way.
Authorities have not indicated any arrests or evidence of criminal activity tied to the fires at this time.
Local Context: Repeat Fires on San Marino
Koreatown has been dealing with a run of recent structure fires, including a boarded-up building on San Marino Street that burned in April, a pattern that has not gone unnoticed by residents. Vacant and previously damaged properties can be particularly vulnerable, and emergency crews often bring in extra resources when working in densely packed blocks filled with older apartment buildings.
Investigators with the Los Angeles Fire Department are expected to release more details as they become available. This story will be updated when officials provide additional information.
