Firefighters knocked down a major structure fire Saturday at a two-story downtown commercial building that housed an illegal cannabis operation, authorities said.
Five firefighters were hospitalized for comprehensive medical examinations after experiencing an unexpected burning sensation to their faces, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The fire broke out around 8 a.m. Saturday at a 69-year-old brick structure at 1400 E. Newton St., sending a huge plume of smoke into the air that was visible for miles.
Some 145 firefighters knocked down the blaze in 56 minutes, the LAFD’s Brian Humphrey said.
Humphrey added that a pair of cadaver detection canine teams were en route to the scene “to address unconfirmed reports that one or more persons may have been within the now heavily damaged building at the time of the fire.”
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
