Stubborn Fire Tears Through NoHo Arts District Mall

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA — Throughout the morning Monday, firefighters battled to extinguish a blaze that damaged several businesses in a North Hollywood strip mall.

Hours after the blaze was first reported at 5:35 a.m. in the 52-hundred block of North Lankershim Boulevard, crews were continuing to fight the fire. Flames tore through the roof of the single-story building, and firefighters were forced into a defensive mode, battling the blaze from the exterior to prevent the flames from spreading to other structures.

The Los Angeles Fire Department says five businesses were damaged. Two people in the area were seen placed in handcuffs by Los Angeles police, although the reason was not reported. No injuries were immediately reported.

Among the businesses damaged were Tokyo Delve's Sushi Bar, Greenhouse Juice Bar and Chili Rollz ice cream shop. The fire reportedly started in Tokyo Delve's, according to reports from the scene.

The fire spread through a common attic in the building, according to the LAFD, which sent arson investigators to the scene as is protocol for a multi-business fire.

A fistfight broke out at the scene, reportedly involving two business owners, and three men were arrested: two on suspicion of battery and one on a warrant. One of them was taken to a hospital for treatment of an injury described as not life-threatening.

The NoHo Arts District is home to theaters, art galleries, restaurants, bars and shops.

City News Service contributed to this report.