Firefighters put out large blaze at commercial building in North Hollywood

Crews put out a fire that consumed a commercial structure in North Hollywood Monday night.

The flames were first reported shortly after 9 p.m., as a rubbish fire spread to a one-story building at the corner of Tujunga Avenue and Chandler Boulevard, according to a Los Angeles Fire Department alert. Fire officials at the scene said the building housed a pipe supply company.

A total of three buildings were exposed to the flames, and the roof collapsed on the largest one. A yard of work vehicles was also exposed, fire officials said.

Minutes after firefighters arrived on scene, they had to retreat from inside the main building as flames gutted it. They continued battling the blaze from outside, with hoses from at least seven ladder trucks aimed at the structure.

The bulk of the fire was extinguished by 11:15 p.m., though crews were continuing to mop up hot spots, officials said. The flames destroyed two of the buildings, housing three businesses, while firefighters successfully defended a third building that was under construction.

The burning building sits next to a residential high-rise. Smoke entered that building, prompting firefighters to respond, but the building was not at risk of fire exposure, authorities said.

Power lines were downed, and officials with the Department of Water and Power were working to reenergize them and mitigate the hazard, LAFD said.

The cause of the fire was under investigation. No injuries were reported, officials said.