SYLMAR - Arson suspected after fire tears through Sylmar strip mall

Arson suspected after fire tears through Sylmar strip mall

Source - by: Tony Kurzweil KTLA Channel 5 News Los Angeles

A fire that tore through the roof of a Sylmar strip mall Thursday morning, damaging six units, is believed to have been started by an arsonist. Carlos Herrera reports.

A fire that tore through the roof of a San Fernando Valley strip mall early Thursday morning, damaging six units, is believed to have been intentionally set.

Nearly 100 firefighters responded to the blaze, which erupted around 12:45 a.m. at a one-story, 10-unit commercial building in the 13700 block of Foothill Boulevard in Sylmar, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Arriving firefighters aggressively battled the blaze after finding smoke and flames coming from a row of units. Video showed crews on the roof of the building as flames shot into the air.

Firefighters battle a blaze from the rooftop of a Sylmar commercial building on Sept. 17, 2026. (RMG)

The fire was knocked down in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, according to the Fire Department.

“The fire started near the electrical panel,” LAFD Battalion Chief Scott Hilton said. “Our arson unit is obviously doing the final investigation, so it remains undetermined.”

Los Angeles police officers were seen speaking with a man believed to be the suspect, who was detained at the scene.

“He was found on scene,” Hilton said. “They’re looking at camera footage and any eyewitness video.”

Several business owners spoke with Hilton at the scene to determine their next steps after five or six units suffered smoke and water damage.

No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported, Hilton said.

Source - by: Tony Kurzweil KTLA Channel 5 News Los Angeles