LAFD spokesperson Margaret Stewart said Friday that fire department arson investigators and police detectives from the Major Crimes Division are investigating the cause, but their involvement was not necessarily an indication arson is suspected.
The investigation was customary and staffed this way “due to the nature of the fire,” she said.
Several dozen people evacuated from different levels inside the otherwise off-limits building and firefighters helped three more escape, the LAFD said in a statement. Stewart said no bodies were found during a subsequent search, and no injuries were reported.
Los Angeles County records show the property changed hands in 2023, following a proposal to redevelop it into 420,303 square feet of residential, lodging, dining, and drinking space, according to the city.
The E-shaped building is eligible for the California Register of Historical Resources, but may not have what it takes for the National Register of Historic Places because of alterations, according to a city historic resources file.
