Multiple businesses damaged in San Pedro fire; fire captain hospitalized

SAN PEDRO, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Multiple businesses were damaged and a fire captain was hospitalized for heat exhaustion after a fire broke out at a commercial building in San Pedro Monday morning, Los Angeles Fire Department officials said.

The blaze erupted at a one-story structure in the 500 block of S. Pacific Avenue at about 4:15 a.m.

Between five and six businesses were damaged or destroyed by the flames and smoke, including Playground Fitness and CrossFit WorldPort.

Jamie Burton, who has been in the fitness business for the last 10 years, watched in horror as flames ripped through the adult and youth fitness center she owns.

"I never expected what I saw when I got here. It just spread right before my eyes -- there went my life," she said.

A total of 143 firefighters were assigned to the blaze, which was knocked down in two hours and nine minutes.

Arson investigators are looking into the cause of the massive fire. A damage estimate was not yet available.

Streets near the fire scene were shut down during the firefighting effort.

Burton says she has already received offers from others in the fitness community wanting to help.

"The love is great but that doesn't make the hurt go away," she said.