Three-Story Framed Lumber Building Burns in South LA

Over 100 firefighters battled flames consuming a three-story building, in the framed stage of construction, where flames spread to several nearby structures.

The Los Angeles City Fire Department was summoned to the 200 block of East Vernon Avenue at 4:06 AM on Sunday, September 1, 2024, when LAPD called in to report a structure fire. Crews arrived to find a three-story building under construction, in the framing stages and surrounded by scaffolding. Due to the open-air nature of the exposed lumber frame, the fire grew quickly and burned intensely, eventually damaging several nearby structures.

The Incident Commander ordered crews to remain in a defensive posture, keeping all firefighters to the exterior of the structure. Intense flames spread to two nearby single-family homes, which firefighters entered to extinguish, and several detached buildings (carport, sheds, ADU) were also damaged.

Approximately 20 people have been displaced and Red Cross responded to assist them. Although there were initial concerns of structural or scaffolding collapse, everything remained standing during the fire fight. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety responded for further assessment. LAFD Fire investigators are actively investigating the cause. Thankfully there were no injuries to firefighters or residents.