Rubbish Fire Burns Church, Nearby Building Evacuated

Pacoima, Los Angeles, CA: A large outdoor rubbish fire grew to Greater Alarm status as it burned through an unoccupied church and threatened a nearby occupied building on Sunday afternoon, May 15, in the neighborhood of Pacoima.

Los Angeles Fire Department crews responded to the 10200 block of North San Fernando Road to a reported large outdoor rubbish fire that was soon categorized as a Greater Alarm incident, with 71 firefighters assigned in offensive firefighting operations, according to LAFD.

The fire extended into the rear/attic area of a nearby one-story unoccupied church, heavily involving the structure in flames, reported LAFD. The fire threatened a nearby two-story occupied building prompting evacuation of residents.

LAFD reported around 1:16 p.m. that it took firefighters 63 minutes to extinguish the flames. There were no injures reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Video: Keith Johnson, Photojournalist / KNN