Human Remains Possibly Found at North Hills Fire Site
Human Remains Detected at North Hills Fire Scene
Investigators have launched an inquiry following alerts from human remains detection K-9s at a fire-torn building in North Hills, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department on Wednesday.
The blaze erupted Tuesday at a vacant structure that previously served as a church, located on the 15000 block of West Parthenia Street. Firefighters battled the flames overnight as the fire flared up again, necessitating additional firefighting efforts.
After successfully extinguishing the fire a second time, arson investigators and trained K-9s began searching the site. One dog detected possible human blood, bones, or tissue in a specific area of the building.
As investigators work at the scene, heavy machinery is being utilized to clear access to the area of interest, which has prevented crews from reaching it thus far. Due to this ongoing work, Parthenia Street has been closed between Columbus Avenue and Burnet Avenue until further notice.
The LAFD indicated uncertainty regarding whether any individuals were inside the structure at the time of the fire, noting that nearby unhoused individuals may have sought shelter within the building.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined.
