67 Displaced, Cat Killed In Valley Apartment Fire Caused By Candle: LAFD

RESEDA, CA — A candle sparked an apartment fire in Reseda that left one person hospitalized, killed a pet cat and displaced at least 67 tenants Thursday morning, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The fire was reported at 7:38 a.m. at 18325 W. Vanowen St., where firefighters arrived to find one apartment fully engulfed in flames, LAFD officials said. The fire spread to the unit above before crews brought it under control.

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Eighty-nine firefighters extinguished the blaze in 44 minutes, according to the department.

One civilian was taken to a local hospital. Officials did not immediately release details about the person's condition.

A cat was found dead at the scene, LAFD said.

Aerial footage aired by CBS Los Angeles showed flames and smoke rising from the roof of the building as crews worked to contain the blaze.

Twenty apartment units were affected, and at least 67 residents were displaced. The American Red Cross was requested to assist those forced from their homes.

The Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Department of Transportation, Department of Building and Safety, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Southern California Gas Co. and West Valley Animal Services were also called to the scene.

Investigators determined the fire was caused by a candle.