A blaze that scorched several of the bottom floors of a local apartment building is one of several recent Westwood fires that officials are investigating as arsons.
The Los Angeles Fire Department Arson Unit is investigating two incidents on Midvale Avenue near Strathmore Drive – one on Monday and one on Saturday – according to a UCPD statement. A third fire under investigation was reported on Oct. 8 on Gayley Avenue near Charles E. Young Drive South.
All three incidents happened between 4:30 and 5 a.m, according to the statement.
David Liske, senior arson investigator at the Los Angeles Fire Department, said the fire on Saturday was the most severe of the three.
The fire started in the basement of the building and spread into the walls and floors above, Liske said. No injuries were reported and no arrests have been made.
He added that he could not elaborate on what officials believe started the fires but they are being treated as a criminal investigation.
Several witnesses of the fire early Saturday morning said they saw smoke consume most of the building and flames trail up from the building’s basement.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents or similar incidents can contact UCPD at (310) 825-9371.
Compiled by Yael Levin, Bruin senior staff. Contributing reports by Sam Hoff, Hee Jae Choi and Tara Kappel, Bruin contributors.