Fire Erupts At 99 Cent Store In Culver City

CULVER CITY, CA — Firefighters from Culver City and Los Angeles Monday battled a blaze in a 99 Cent store, authorities said.

It was reported about 2:15 a.m. in the store at 12717 Washington Boulevard, Culver City police Sgt. M. Van Hook said.

Neighbors told reporters at the scene they heard an explosion that sounded like fireworks before seeing the store engulfed in flames. Firefighters took a defensive stance in the battle, training water on the fire from atop ladder trucks and the street outside. Walls collapsed. At 5:30 a.m. it appeared most of the flames were out.

Neighbors also told reporters they lost power after a utility pole caught fire.

No injuries were reported and surrounding properties were not threatened, Van Hook said. The store was closed at the time.

Streets in the area were closed down, he said. Motorists were urged to avoid the area.

The Los Angeles Fire Department sent 45 firefighters to help in the effort, LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey said.

City News Service