Arson Investigators, ATF National Response Team Probing LA Fire
The Los Angeles Fire Department's spokesperson, Katherine Main, reported that LAFD's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section has requested the assistance of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Response Team to aid in the cause investigation.
After a major fire destroyed a seven-story apartment building in downtown Los Angeles on Dec. 8, Los Angeles Fire Department arson investigators and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents and specialists will work together to identify the fire's cause. LAFD spokesperson Katherine Main reported that the department's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section requested the assistance of the ATF National Response Team, and about 20 ATF personnel are heading to Los Angeles to join the investigation.
Main wrote in a news release that the investigation will begin when all agencies and Investigators are present, and "it is anticipated this will be Wednesday December 10, 2014."
She reported that 250 firefighters under the command of Deputy Chief Joseph Castro battled the fire, which spread to several floors of a 16-story adjacent high-rise building that was heavily damaged. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in a little more than 90 minutes, according to the release.