An early morning apartment fire in Santa Monica's Ocean Park neighborhood left an elderly man dead Friday, after flames tore through a unit on the 2600 block of 5th Street near Ocean Park Boulevard.
According to the Santa Monica Daily Press, the Santa Monica Fire Department was called to a structure fire at about 8 a.m. and arrived to find a single apartment unit fully involved. Firefighters knocked down the flames and found an unresponsive elderly man inside. Crews attempted lifesaving measures, but he was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. As reported by the Santa Monica Daily Press, officials said the investigation is ongoing, and no additional information has been released. Authorities have not yet disclosed the victim's name or any further identifying details.
Ocean Park Context
Ocean Park is a longtime beachside neighborhood in southwest Santa Monica, centered around Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard. The area mixes early-20th-century bungalows, midcentury apartment buildings, and newer development, and sits a short walk from the pier and beachfront. As outlined by Wikipedia, Ocean Park stretches from the beach east to Lincoln Boulevard and includes several blocks of Main Street shops and housing.
