Flames could be seen shooting through the roof of a pharmacy there as the blaze raged on.
Investigators say the strip mall near Vanowen Street and Haskell Avenue had been looted and there was even a report of a shooting earlier at this scene.
No patients or suspects were found at the scene by the time firefighters arrived.
At least three units in this strip mall suffered damage.
Large protest in Van Nuys dispersed by LAPD
LAPD dispersing protest in Van Nuys