A house fire in Montebello on Thursday left one person dead, according to authorities and local TV reports. Fire crews responded to a single-family residence, put out the flames and searched the home, and investigators were still working the scene Thursday morning.
According to a report from FOX 11 Los Angeles, the station shared video of firefighters at the scene and noted that the cause of the blaze remains under investigation. The report, published May 14, 2026, did not include the victim's identity or the exact address of the house, and officials have not yet released additional details.
How common and deadly home fires remain
Home-structure fires are still a major source of accidental deaths. According to the National Fire Protection Association, reported home structure fires averaged about 336,848 per year in 2018–2022, and many home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. The NFPA notes that functioning smoke alarms and early detection substantially reduce the risk of fatal outcomes in residential fires.
How to reduce risk at home
The Los Angeles County Fire Department advises installing working smoke alarms on every level of a home, testing detectors regularly and practicing an escape plan with two ways out of each room. For step-by-step guidance on putting together a plan and other home-fire preparedness tips, see resources from the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
What authorities are asking
Anyone who witnessed the fire or has information that could help investigators is asked to contact the Montebello Police Department non-emergency line at (323) 887-1313. For immediate emergencies, call 9-1-1. This story will be updated as officials release more information.
