Westlake fire: 3 buildings burn, 20 people displaced

A fire at a vacant house spread to two apartment buildings early Monday morning, forcing residents of about 56 apartments to evacuate. 

Los Angeles firefighters responded to a vacant two-story house on fire at 245 S. Reno Street in the Westlake District at 1:17 a.m. Monday. The fire spread to apartment buildings on both sides of the house.

Approximately 56 apartment units were affected by the fire, according to the Los Angeles Fire Dept. As many as 85 people were reportedly evacuated.

The number of people displaced was estimated at 20 after crews investigated a possible gas leak in one building. Thirteen units are now uninhabitable and residents would not be allowed to return to them, according to the LAFD. 

City buses were brought in to carry the displaced residents to a recreation center at LaFayette Park at 625 S. La Fayette Park Place. The American Red Cross was assisting those affected.

More than 150 firefighters fought the fire, according to the LAFD.

One resident was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. No firefighters were injured.

Firefighters were checking the scene for possible gas leaks and were searching the vacant house and later confirmed no one was inside.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.