Massive Fire Rips Through Chinatown Commercial Building, Sends Smoke Skyward

LOS ANGELES, CA — A massive fire tore through commercial buildings in Chinatown Thursday night, sending flames and smoke high into the sky and forcing firefighters to battle the blaze from outside the structures.

The fire was reported at 6:59 p.m. at 1009 N. Main St., where firefighters arrived to find a one-story commercial building with heavy flames coming through the roof, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The fire appeared to have started outside before spreading into the building, fire officials said.

Firefighters initially attacked the blaze from inside the building and from the roof, but the incident commander ordered crews to withdraw and switch to defensive operations because of the intensity of the flames, ABC 7 reported.

The fire involved a commercial building measuring approximately 100 feet by 200 feet, with an attached two-story portion, according to the LAFD.

The eastern half of a two-story commercial building was also affected, but a dividing wall prevented the fire from spreading to its western half, LAFD Capt. Branden Silverman told ABC 7.

Firefighters used ladder trucks and powerful streams of water to attack the flames and protect surrounding businesses.

The firefight was complicated by energized high-voltage electrical wires near the burning buildings, according to ABC 7. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power shut off electricity in nearby areas to reduce the danger to firefighters.

Crews also worked to protect a nearby apartment complex from the flames. Residents were instructed to shelter in place and keep their doors and windows closed to prevent smoke from entering their homes, Silverman told the station.

The apartment complex was spared, and firefighters remained nearby to monitor conditions.

The fire was knocked down at 8:40 p.m., approximately 100 minutes after the initial 911 call, according to the LAFD.

No injuries were reported.

Fire officials requested arson investigators and heavy equipment to assist with overhaul operations, which involve searching for and extinguishing remaining hotspots.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.