Smoke as seen from the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles | Photo by Callie Miller

On air news reports are saying that one whole city block is basically destroyed in a fire that started in the Hyde Park neighborhood of South Los Angeles around 2:15 p.m. this afternoon near the major intersection at Western and Slauson, more specifically at the industrial block of Gage and Gramercy. As of 4:30 p.m., fire officials said that it appears that the fire was contained and under control. Seven business occupancies were involved in the fire, but to what extent they were damage is unknown at this point, according to d'Lisa Davies, LAFD spokesperson.

The fire, which is now suspected to have begun at 1919 Gage St., spread throughout the block, burning many of the buildings and cars parked on the street. Unconfirmed reports are saying that a construction or demolition crew using a torch may have started this blaze and that it may have been a sound studio.

Temperatures in the area is soared just over 100 degrees. One firefighter was injured after becoming overwhelmed with smoke and suffering heat exhaustion. No other injuries or lives lost have been reported. It seems that civilians self-evacuated the buildings before fire companies arrived.

Earlier: South LA Fire Raging Out of Control