North Hollywood Auto Body Shop Erupts In Flames, No Injuries Reported

NORTH HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA) — It took 127 firefighters more than three hours to knock down a large structure fire that broke out late Friday night in North Hollywood. Crews were still working Saturday morning to put out hot spots.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, an auto body shop in the 6800 block of Lankershim Boulevard, near Vanowen Street, broke out in flames which then spread to a number of nearby buildings spanning the block between Lankershim to Troost. The fire was described as a "major emergency" structure fire.

CBS2/KCAL9's Joy Benedict reports that four businesses were completely gutted by the fire. All four are considered a total loss and as of Saturday morning power to surrounding businesses was still cut off.

Local business owner Bradley Coukos said it's having an impact: "We can't open. So it's affecting contractors. They can't come and get their supplies or work. Most of them come Saturday to prep for Monday."

Firefighters say they got the call just before midnight and when they arrived, on of the businesses, IDF Studio Scenery, was burning.

"Our firefighters were driven off the roof and out from the inside due to a large volume of fire," said LAFD Battalion Chief Jim Holland.

Firefighters initially made their way into the building and were able to cut holes into the roof to ventilate the building, but the fire grew, forcing crews off the roof and out of the building to assume a defensive posture. There were no injuries reported as a result of the fire.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

In:
• North Hollywood