Massive fire destroys 5 homes in South Los Angeles, 2 people in critical condition

An investigation is underway after five homes burned down in South Los Angeles Tuesday morning, leaving two residents in critical condition.

A 64-year-old woman and a 66-year-old man were both injured in the fire and taken to a local hospital with serious burn injuries, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. A 30-year-old man was also injured, but he was treated and released at the scene.

The massive blaze started at a resident building under construction at 1585 E. Vernon St. between Lima Street and Morgan Avenue around 3:45 a.m. and quickly spread to nearby homes, according to LAFD.

When firefighters arrived to the scene, they found a "city-block-size" fire and several people were forced to evacuate the area.    

Over 140 firefighters responded to the fire, and it took around 1 hour and 18 minutes to put out the flames.

A total of seven buildings were damaged in the fire and five were destroyed, according to LAFD. Seventeen people were displaced from their homes, and the American Red Cross was contacted to assist the residents.

The LAFD's Arson Section is investigating the cause of the fire.