Man fatally burned while lighting fire to stay warm in Cudahy
CUDAHY, Calif. - A man suffered fatal burn injuries in Cudahy after he started a fire trying to stay warm on a cold Southern California night, authorities said.
Los Angeles County firefighters responded to a report of a burn victim in an alley behind Big Lots located in the 7900 block of Atlantic Avenue.
Authorities say the man was likely homeless and caught fire when he attempted to ignite a warming fire in the alley on Elizabeth Street.
Arson investigators were called to the scene and determined foul play was not suspected.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene and the death appeared to be accidental, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s investigators.
Temperatures reached the low 40s in southeastern Los Angeles County Monday night, with strong winds making it feel even colder.
The victim was taken to the coroner’s office and has not been identified.