Firefighters responded to the blaze near Whitworth Drive and Fairfax Avenue around 5:47 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Crews reported a knockdown of the fire in about 14 minutes.
A person was found dead at the scene, according to fire officials. An investigator indicated the victim may have been unhoused.
Los Angeles police and an arson investigator were called to the location as the investigation continued.
Further details on the victim and how the fire started have not been released.