A late-night house fire in Sunland left two people dead and five others hospitalized, officials said Sunday.
Los Angeles Fire Department crews responded around 11:10 p.m. Saturday to the 10900 block of North Scoville Avenue, where they found a one-story home engulfed in flames and heavy smoke.
An 87-year-old man was found outside the residence with critical burn injuries and was taken to a hospital, according to LAFD spokesperson Margaret Stewart.
Firefighters launched an aggressive interior attack after reports that more people were trapped inside. Two adult men were discovered in the home and pronounced dead at the scene.
Four additional adults outside the home suffered smoke inhalation and were also transported for treatment. One person declined to be taken to the hospital, bringing the total number of patients to eight.
Officials said 36 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Scott Hilton, extinguished the flames within 30 minutes.
As is standard in fatal fires, the LAFD’s Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section is investigating the cause. Firefighters did not report hearing any smoke alarms when they arrived, and it remains unclear whether the 1,359-square-foot home, built in 1948, was equipped with working detectors.
The identities of the two victims will be determined by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
According to officials, about 16 people were displaced from two buildings on the property. The American Red Cross assisted with immediate needs, and the Mayor’s Crisis Response Team provided emotional support for those affected.
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