Los Angeles Fire Department

Fire Tears Through Homes in Koreatown

A large fire ripped through three homes in Koreatown on Friday, leaving three families without a roof over their heads.

The fire erupted at a two-story Craftsman-style home in the 100 block of Ardmore Avenue about 11:49 a.m., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. 

Ranging flames quickly spread to a second home, sending black plumes of smoke into the air. At least one of the home's roofs collapsed and was left with a charred frame.

A third home was also destroyed.

Nearly 100 firefighters attacked the "major emergency fire" that at one point threatened additional buildings, LAFD said. 

The fire was knocked down shortly after 12:30 p.m.

Fire officials said arson investigators were on scene and were looking into initial reports of possible explosions, including the possibility that they were gas explosions.

John Volz was working in his home office and his son Sam, 21, was upstairs at the time of the reported explosions.

"Big bang," he said. "Blew out all the windows in my office and I got Sam out."

The Volz's home was destroyed.

"There was a loud boom and the window over there exploded out and our living room windows exploded," Sam Volz said. "My dad ran out and he called me. He was, like, screaming. I thought he wasnted me to do a job or something. Nothing serious. He said our house was on fire."

Leslie Marin also lost her home and said everything was inside. Fortunately, her 5-year-old terrier mix, Brownie, was rescued.

There were no injuries reported.

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