Westlake

Man Arrested in Tree Fire That Spread to Westlake Apartment and Forced Residents From Homes

The fire began in a tree and spread to the two-story apartment building.

NBC Universal, Inc.

A 38-year-old man was arrested in a tree fire that extended into a two-story apartment building Thursday night in the Westlake area of Los Angeles and forced dozens of people from their homes.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 1500 block of W. Cambria Street at 8:18 p.m. Thursday, where heavy fire was reported in the attic. The structure contained approximately seven units, according to LAFD spokesman Nicholas Prange, who said 74 firefighters extinguished the blaze in about 45 minutes.

Prange said fire fully consumed the attic, with partial involvement of the second floor, where firefighters prevented it from burning down into any first-floor units.

No injuries were reported.

The identity of the man who was arrested was not immediately available.

Arson investigators said the Westlake fire is unrelated to a series of possible arson fires in Mount Washington, Silver Lake and other communities.

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