Firefighter hospitalized as 124 LAFD crews battle downtown LA commercial fire

One firefighter was hospitalized with minor injuries early Sunday after about 124 Los Angeles firefighters battled a commercial building fire in downtown Los Angeles for nearly two hours, according to City News Service.

The blaze at 1225 S. Hope St. ignited at 3:58 a.m. and was not declared knocked down for nearly two hours — a prolonged fight that required commanders to withdraw all firefighters from inside the building and shift from offensive to defensive tactics.

Firefighters arrived at the two-story building with a mezzanine at 1225 S. Hope St. at approximately 3:58 a.m. and encountered heavy smoke and flames from the structure, according to City News Service. Some 124 Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters ultimately responded to the scene.

Crews initially worked in offensive mode, attempting to enter the building, before commanders ordered all personnel out as interior conditions worsened. The operation shifted to a defensive exterior attack. Arson investigators and emergency air units were also requested at the scene, City News Service reported.

One firefighter was hospitalized with minor injuries during the operation. An initial report that three people had been transported to a hospital was later retracted, according to City News Service. No evacuations of surrounding buildings were ordered.

The fire was declared knocked down at 5:52 a.m., nearly two hours after it ignited. Hope Street remained closed as crews continued mop-up operations. A shelter-in-place order was issued for occupants of a nearby high-rise building as a precaution during the fire.

LAFD spokesperson Jamie Stewart was among officials at the scene, according to City News Service. Investigators have not determined a cause, and arson units remained on scene as the inquiry continued.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. LAFD arson units were among the teams retained at the scene after the blaze was knocked down, according to City News Service.