LOS ANGELES, CA – A fire erupted Thursday morning at a historic downtown Los Angeles building, forcing several homeless occupants to flee the structure as more than 100 firefighters worked to contain the blaze. Officials declared the incident a “Major Emergency” as flames tore through the site, which has stood for over a century.
The fire at 1246 S. Hope St. was first reported shortly before 11 a.m. Crews responded quickly, with 17 fire companies dispatched to battle the flames. It took firefighters approximately one hour and 37 minutes to bring the fire under control, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
Aerial footage captured thick smoke rising from the building as flames engulfed its upper floors. Despite the intensity of the blaze, no injuries were reported. Firefighters used ladders to access fire escapes, assisting unhoused individuals who had been sheltering inside the vacant structure. Several dozen people were evacuated as fire crews secured the perimeter.
The affected building, constructed over 110 years ago, was formerly home to the Morrison Hotel. It gained cultural significance after serving as the backdrop for a renowned photoshoot featured on the cover of the Doors’ fifth album. More recently, the property was slated for redevelopment into an affordable housing complex after its purchase by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation in December 2023.
Before its most recent plans for renovation, the building had been utilized as a training site for the LAFD for approximately 15 years. Fire officials noted that prior familiarity with the structure allowed crews to navigate efficiently during the response.
However, the building’s structural integrity posed challenges. LAFD officials confirmed that it was deemed unsafe for firefighters to conduct a full interior search or completely extinguish pockets of fire. As a precaution, crews were expected to remain on-site overnight to monitor flare-ups.
The intersection of Pico Boulevard and Hope Street was closed to traffic, and authorities advised drivers to avoid the area.
LAFD Arson investigators launched an inquiry into the cause of the fire. Once conditions were deemed safe, human remains-detecting K-9 units were set to search the premises to ensure no one had been trapped inside.
Fire officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and efforts to secure the building will continue until the site is declared safe.
