07/27/2010 // WPB, FL, USA // Nicole Howley // Nicole Howley

Los Angeles, CA—An industrial building fire killed two people and left two others with serious burns in Boyle Heights. More than 100 firefighters rushed to the auto repair shop, located at 3575 Whittier Blvd., at around 6:30 a.m. on Monday, July 26, 2010, as reported by the Los Angeles Times and the San Jose Mercury News.

Responding firefighters arrived at the scene where they were met with billowing smoke and raging flames. Two people were found dead inside the building. Officials have yet to release their ages and identities. Two German shepherds who guarded the property also died in the blaze.

A 61-year-old man suffered burns to 40 percent of his body, and was rushed to County—USC Medical Center in critical condition. A 33-year-old man also rushed to the hospital with burns to his shoulders and arms.

Witnesses reportedly told police that eight to 11 people resided on the property, but the owner said that is not the truth. The owner, Faustino Gamez, was out of town when the building caught fire, and he believed the workers “figured they were free to do what they wanted since I was gone.” Gamez suspected the workers stayed at the building overnight after partying and drinking throughout the night.

Fire Capt. Jaime Moore said, “When this fire initially broke out, they tried to extinguish the fire using a garden hose and they delayed the 911 response because of their activities.”

The fire was so intense that it left scorched vehicles and singed metal sidings.

Police officials are investigating the structure fire.

Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for California personal injury attorneys.

Media Information:

Address: 3575 Whittier Blvd., Boyle Heights, CA
Phone: 561-247-1646
Url: http://NicoleHowley.visionsmartnews.com/la-fire-100-firefighters-battled-auto-repair-shop-fire-2-killed-2-burned_1577.html