Fire damages LA County fire station

HUNTINGTON PARK, Calif. - A fire heavily damaged an LA County fire station in Huntington Park.

The blaze broke out around 4 a.m. Wednesday at Fire Station 164 on 6301 Santa Fe Ave. 

Firefighters said they woke up to a smoke-filled station after a passerby alerted them to the fire. They attempted to grab their gear and called for help.

The fire was upgraded to a second alarm due to the fire station being fully engulfed, the department said. Much of the station was destroyed, including fire trucks and a paramedic unit.

Images from SkyFOX show two to three vehicles, including a fire engine, burned by the flames.

"Our dedicated teams are diligently working to determine the fire's origins. We appreciate the community's patience and understanding as we conduct a thorough examination to ensure the safety and security of all involved," said Fire Chief Anthony Marrone.

The LA County Fire Department requested Huntington Park police respond to search for a possible arson suspect on the loose. Arson investigators also responded to the scene. However, it is unclear if a suspect was located or if the fire was arson.

Luckily, no injuries were reported. Personnel from Fire Station 164 have been temporarily relocated to a station in Vernon.

"This was a tragedy, and we are going to get to the bottom of what happened, but in the meantime, we are going to take care of these firefighters who valiantly came down from their sleeping quarters in t-shirts and flip-flops and grabbed hoses to fight this fire and defend their home," Supervisor Janice Hahn said in a video posted to Instagram.

The city did not experience any interruptions in fire or paramedic services.