The investigation was continuing Thursday into the cause of a fire that damaged a 108-year-old house in Venice and seriously injured or killed a trapped dog.
There were media reports alleging people at a nearby homeless encampment may have had something to do with the blaze, but officials said there is “no evidence” that homeless people were involved.
The fire was reported in the 100 block of East Club House Avenue at 3:37 a.m. Wednesday, said Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
“Firefighters arrived quickly to find an outside fire had extended into a 1,206-square-foot one-story home,” Humphrey said.
“With reports that a person may have been trapped inside the residence, a relentless and well-coordinated offensive fire attack ensued, with a simultaneous double search of the premises,” Humphrey said. “Though no persons were discovered inside or injured by the fire, the Department of Animal Services was immediately notified of a seriously injured pet.” There were media reports that the dog had died.
Twenty-six firefighters extinguished the flames in 18 minutes, Humphrey said.
“At this early stage of the investigation, there is no evidence that indicates the involvement of a person experiencing homelessness,” Humphrey said.