This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Two-alarm fire destroys building in Watts
Fire ravaged a building containing an auto body shop in Watts Saturday morning, as three contingents of firefighters fought the blaze for more than an hour.
The fire at 2540 East 114th Street was reported at 4:15 a.m. and declared out at 5:38 a.m., Los Angeles County fire dispatcher Ed Pickett said.
The roughly 300-by-100-foot building contained a body shop, a cabinet shop and a milling shop, a camera crew reported from the scene.
The first firefighters on scene called in a two-alarm response for backup.
"It's a defensive effort, meaning we've searched and ensured there's no one in the building,'' dispatcher Andre Gougis said during the fire fight.
Fire crews declared a third alarm and called for more firefighters just before 5 a.m.
An investigation was under way to determine the cause of the fire. No injuries were reported.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
