In the early hours of August 3, 2024, a significant fire broke out in the Westlake area, originating from a homeless encampment. The blaze quickly spread to a nearby vacant restaurant, causing substantial damage and threatening adjacent structures.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded promptly to the scene, classifying the incident as a Greater Alarm Fire due to the scale and potential danger. Flames were visible shooting out from the roof of the affected buildings, prompting firefighters to initially adopt a defensive strategy to contain the blaze. Despite their efforts, the fire spread to a two-story building next to the vacant restaurant, further escalating the situation.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but it is believed to have started within the homeless encampment before spreading to the surrounding structures. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, though the extent of the damage to the buildings is still being assessed.