Firefighters battled a blaze that broke out in a single-story industrial building in downtown Los Angeles Tuesday afternoon.
The building was located on the 1200 block of Industrial Street and was first reported around 1:50 p.m.
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Fire crews battle a structure fire on Kohler Street in downtown Los Angeles on Aug. 27, 2024. (KTLA) -
Fire crews battle a structure fire on Kohler Street in downtown Los Angeles on Aug. 27, 2024. (KTLA) -
Fire crews battle a structure fire on Kohler Street in downtown Los Angeles on Aug. 27, 2024. (KTLA) -
Fire crews battle a structure fire on Kohler Street in downtown Los Angeles on Aug. 27, 2024. (KTLA) -
Fire crews battle a structure fire on Kohler Street in downtown Los Angeles on Aug. 27, 2024. (KTLA)
Video from Sky5 showed massive plumes of black smoke billowing from the structure as firefighters attacked large flames from above with ladders and hoses.
Gil Leyvas, reporting live from Sky5, reported that multiple explosions could be heard at the scene, which kept firefighters from getting inside to the building itself. Officials later confirmed that the building contained pressurized gas cylinders which ruptured in the blaze.
Unable to get inside, crews took on a defensive approach to try and keep embers from spreading to nearby buildings where occupants were sheltering in place.
The fire was threatening an adjacent three-story apartment building, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The roof of the building was heavily damaged and eventually collapsed as firefighters worked to contain the flames to the affected structure.
At 2:50 p.m., an hour after the fire was initially reported, the LAFD declared that the fire was knocked down.
Firefighters remained on scene to put out any hot spots and monitor for potential collapse of the building walls.
LAFD officials say the 5,800-square-foot commercial building appeared to be “vacant and secured.”
No injuries were reported, fire officials added.