Van Nuys commercial building fire damages businesses

VAN NUYS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- At least two businesses were heavily damaged following a massive fire that swept through an industrial building in Van Nuys.

The fire erupted shortly after midnight at a building on Calvert Street. Firefighters said the blaze started in a flooring business in the building and spread to a medical supply business.

It took 161 firefighters more than two hours to knock down the flames, which poured out of the roof of the one-story structure, which was subsequently red-tagged.

One firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion, but there were no other injuries. Crews have been very busy battling brush fires in the extreme heat, so the department has had to bring out extra resources to keep their crews healthy.

"We'll call in our hydration units and they'll bring in water, liquids and plenty of ice, sometimes some snacks and food just to replenish our firefighters, because they are just putting out a tremendous amount of effort and leading to a loss of body fluid," said Assistant Chief Emile Mack with Los Angeles City Fire.

The cause of the fire and the extent of the loss have yet to be determined.