The first fire was reported around 8:15 p.m. Crews responded to five trash bin fires in addition to a larger fire on the 13900 block of Ventura Boulevard. At least three of the fires were set in the area of Ventura Boulevard, near Woodman Avenue.
The large fire spread to the exteriors of a one-story commercial building and a two-story apartment building. The flames have been extinguished. Damage to the structures was estimated at $20,000.
As of 11 p.m., authorities were still searching for one or more suspects.
"We don't know exactly how many individuals are involved. It's a preliminary investigation. We still have to look at possible video of the...businesses here on Ventura Boulevard," said Capt. Michael Rueda, an LAFD arson investigator.The Los Angeles Police Department is assisting firefighters in the investigation.
