Garment District Fire

Friday, February 25, 2005

A spectacular fire raged for nearly three hours on Feb. 24 inside a building in the Los Angeles Fashion District before more than 200 firefighters put out the blaze. The fire, at 832 S. San Pedro St., started at 5:41 a.m. and was extinguished by about 8:30 a.m. No injuries were reported. Seven businesses were located inside the one-story building, including a warehouse for textiles, according to Capt. Carlos Calvillo, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department. When the flames and smoke became too intense, firefighters evacuated 12 people living next door in apartments located over a commercial structure. The residents were able to return to their homes after the fire was extinguished. The cause of the fire is under investigation. “It takes time to visit the depth of the fire and determine the cause,” Calvillo said.