The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a massive fire at a shopping plaza in Koreatown Thursday night.
At least 103 firefighters had been assigned to the fire in the 200 block of Vermont Ave. sometime around 7 p.m. Fire officials described their response as “greater alarm” status.
The first responders worked defensively to protect and defend nearby buildings that could potentially join the raging inferno.
Witnesses said the fire seemed to originate at Vermont Karaoke & Billiard. Online records showed the bar had been reported as closed.
The department said no one was hurt. Firefighters extinguished the fire within one hour and 36 minutes. Officials said the roof collapsed, presenting severe logistical issues to reach “pockets of fire” that continued reigniting.
Several people across Koreatown and downtown Los Angeles reported hearing a loud "boom" shortly before 7 p.m. Residents said they felt their apartment buildings shake. It's unclear if the noise is connected to the blaze.
The LAFD said "heavy equipment" had arrived to help clear debris and knock down any unsafe walls if required. Firemen planned to remain on the scene through the night to oversee the cleanup operation and continue watching for any hot spots.
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