Two juveniles have been cited for allegedly starting a fire at the Westfield Culver City mall, police announced Thursday.
The fire was reported at about 7:45 p.m. on Feb. 19. The Los Angeles Fire Department dispatched 23 firefighters to assist crews from the Culver City Fire Department, according to LAFD spokeswoman Jennifer Middleton.
The mall was evacuated after the fire broke out inside the Target store, prompting an investigation into its cause. According to Culver City police, officers discovered an active fire burning in the paper goods aisle.
Crews quickly extinguished the blaze. No injuries were reported, and there were no signs of structural damage to the building.
“Detectives and forensic personnel assumed responsibility for evidence collection and follow-up investigation. At the time of the incident, the estimated financial impact from damage was approximately $1.5 million,” police said.
The suspects were identified with the assistance of surveillance footage and an automated license plate reader system. Officers patrolling the mall Tuesday were alerted to a vehicle associated with the arson, located it and conducted a traffic stop.
Two juvenile suspects were identified and cited on suspicion of arson of an inhabited structure or property.
Police said they were later released to their parents.