Bonin: 'Media Is Spreading Rumor Fire Started By Homeless'

VENICE, CA — A fire that killed a family dog and badly damaged a doctor's house this week in Venice is still under investigation, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department and Los Angeles city Councilmember Mike Bonin.

Bonin pointedly decried rumors that an unhoused person was responsible for the fire. The "LAFD says no evidence that a Venice fire that destroyed a home & killed a dog was started by someone who is homeless," Bonin tweeted Thursday. "Media is spreading rumor fire started by homeless person upset w homeowner. Fire under investigation, no evidence yet of who started it."

Firefighters responded to the blaze at 3:37 a.m. Wednesday in the 100 block of Clubhouse Ave., according to Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Firefighters found a fire outside extended into a 1,206-square-foot, one-story house, 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," Humphrey said.

It took 26 firefighters about 18 minutes to knock down the flames. It's unclear the monetary loss to the 108-year-old home.

"The cause of the fire remains under active investigation, with members of the LAFD Arson [and] Counter-Terrorism Section continuing to review physical evidence, as well as security and bystander video from adjacent buildings and at the scene, in order to make a precise cause determination," Humphrey said.

"At this early stage of the investigation, there is no evidence that indicates the involvement of a person experiencing homelessness," Humphrey said.

Multiple media outlets reported that the fire could have been caused by or connected to a growing number of homeless people and encampments in the area — and that neighbors are concerned about safety.

"The woman who lives at the home that burned, a doctor who was working at the time, was known to have had several confrontations over the homeless trespassing at her property," ABC7 reported.

Los Angeles Police officers from the Pacific Division were interviewing neighbors in the area Thursday night, canvassing the neighborhood for more information about what might have caused the fire.

A series of fires have broken out along the boardwalk, alleys and near Penmar Golf Course over the last several months as neighbors pleaded with local leaders for help. In January, a large fire that started at a homeless encampment spread and destroyed a building along the beach boardwalk.

A GoFundMe fundraiser was created by Midnight Runners L.A. to support the doctor whose dog, Togo, was killed in the house fire.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional sponsor.

LAFD says no evidence that a Venice fire that destroyed a home & killed a dog was started by someone who is homeless. Media is spreading rumor fire started by homeless person upset w homeowner. Fire under investigation, no evidence yet of who started it. https://t.co/GNBrE3oAf1
— Mike Bonin (@mikebonin) April 22, 2021

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