Townhouse Engulfed In Flames As Suspect Barricaded Inside Fires Shots

WOODLAND HILLS, CA — An alleged domestic violence suspect was firing shots from a Woodland Hills townhome engulfed in flames Sunday as firefighters worked to put out the fire from outside the unit and protect surrounding units.

The barricade reportedly began about 3:15 p.m. Sunday at the townhome at 5720 N. Owensmouth Ave., north of Burbank Boulevard and east of Topanga Canyon Boulevard, according to NBC4. A SWAT team arrived at 6 p.m.

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Firefighters were on standby until flames broke out, Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Jamie Stewart said.

Firefighters have taken up defensive positions, attempting to flood the fire with water from outside, Stewart said. "Shots are being fired and heavy smoke from the two-story townhome with three units," he said. It was unclear who or what the suspect was firing at.

"The middle unit is involved with fire," Stewart said.

News video from the scene showed the second floor of the unit fully involved in flames.

— City News Service