Fire crews battled a blaze that broke out Friday morning at a downtown Los Angeles business in the Fashion District area.
The fire was reported at about 5:10 a.m. in the 1400 block of South Main Street, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The flames burned through the roof of the building, which reportedly houses a clothing business.
“Due to the amount of materials stored, it made it difficult for them to get to the fire and the fire continued to grow to the point where the firefighters were driven off the roof because the flames and the size were one story high,” said David Ortiz, Los Angeles Fire Department public information officer.
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Ortiz said the fire at the sportswear store burned piles of synthetic clothing, which fueled the fire and was making it hazardous to breathe in.
Newschopper4 images showed flames picking up again around 6:30 a.m. Fire and smoke could be seen as far as the 110 Freeway.
The roof partially collapsed, and firefighters went into a defensive mode, working to prevent the flames from spreading to other buildings.
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"Firefighters have established positions on adjacent buildings on either side using hand lines to keep the flames at bay, but due to the condition of the building, this will be an extended operation," said Nicholas Prange of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Main Street between 14th and 15th will be closed to any traffic. Motorists were advised to avoid the area until further notice. Authorities also warned those who work nearby to stay inside and close their windows.
No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire remains unknown.
