Los Angeles

Fire in Downtown LA Building Burns ‘Hazardous' Gas Cylinders

Fire engulfed a two-story commercial building in downtown Los Angeles Monday, causing gas cylinders inside to explode and forcing firefighters to battle the flames from a distance.

Firefighters declared a knockdown a little more than two hours after the fire was reported at 8:10 p.m. at a wholesaler and distributor of smoking materials called "SmokeTokes," at 330 E. Third Street, near San Pedro Street, according to Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

More than 160 firefighters responded to what Humphrey deemed as a "stubborn blaze," that caused heavy damage to the 100-year-old building. No injuries were reported.

The loss and cause are to be determined with LAFD firefighters expected to remain at the scene until early Tuesday morning, according to Humphrey.

Motorists are advised to avoid the immediate area and expect delays and closure of one or more lanes on nearby San Pedro and Third streets until LAFD operations are complete, Humphrey said.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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