A massive fire broke out at an auto parts store on Hollywood Boulevard Saturday afternoon, destroying the store and damaging two adjacent restaurants.
The Los Angeles Fire Department said the AutoZone in the 1300 block of Highland Avenue at the intersection of Fountain Avenue was on fire when firefighters arrived after receiving a 911 call at 4:21 p.m.
Fire department spokesman Brian Humphrey said the fire was under control by 6:30 p.m. No injuries were reported.
Humphrey said the auto shop was “destroyed.” He said the fire also damaged Fat Sal’s Deli and Sushi Hajito Restaurant, located next to an auto parts store in a small shopping center.
Humphrey said fire officials have not determined the cause. He said a 911 caller reported an “explosion” related to a battery issue.
“We don’t know what type of battery it is or if it’s part of the inventory,” Humphrey said.
Mr Humphrey said the fire brigade was working with environmental authorities to “contain the spill as much as possible”, citing “chemicals, motor oil and cleaning products” products available at auto parts stores.
Officials said the fire was confined to the shopping center and did not damage nearby businesses or homes. The area around Highland Avenue and Fountain Avenue will be closed to traffic until at least early morning.