Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Centinela Fire damages 7 Mar Vista businesses
Los Angeles firefighters battle the Centinela Fire on Sunday, May 7, 2017.
(
LAFD via Twitter
)
Los Angeles firefighters battle the Centinela Fire on Sunday, May 7, 2017.
(
LAFD via Twitter
)
Los Angeles firefighters battle the Centinela Fire on Sunday, May 7, 2017.
(
LAFD via Twitter
)
Seven business were damaged Sunday afternoon when fire tore through a half-block stretch of Mar Vista.
The fire at 3519 S. Centinela Ave., just south of Palms Blvd., was reported to the Los Angeles Fire Department by a passerby shortly before noon.
"By the time firefighters arrived at the scene there was a towering column of smoke in the air and a very aggressive and well entrenched fire in the common attic of this seven-business building," LAFD spokesperson Brian Humphrey tells KPCC.
Most of the businesses were closed at the time and firefighters had to make a forcible entry into all seven businesses, according to Humphrey.
Support for LAist comes from
It took 119 firefighters 95 minutes to put out the flames. Firefighters remain at the site as they continue the mop-up.
No injuries were reported. Firefighters have not pinpointed the cause of the fire, which remains under investigation.
The strip mall includes a pizzeria, a dry cleaners and a pool supply company, among other businesses. All of the businesses sustained damage and will be closed for some period of time.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist