Human remains were found Tuesday morning after a large fire at a suspected cannabis business in Canoga Park that has now resulted in two deaths, officials said.
When firefighters responded to the burning structure in the 8400 block of North Canoga Avenue just before 12:20 p.m. Monday, they were met with three badly burned people who were running out, calling a fourth person’s name, LAFD Capt. Erik Scott said.
The next morning, after the fire was put out, crews found a man dead at the scene.
Of the three burn victims, one person who suffered burns to 90% of his body later succumbed to his injuries. Officials have not identified those who died in the blaze.
The other two people remain hospitalized, one in critical condition and the other in serious condition.
The firefight was a challenging one for arriving firefighters Monday afternoon.
The flames were already getting into a nearby business and firefighters heard reports of possible explosions inside the structure where they were also faced with electrical challenges, Scott said.
Complicating matters further, the left side of the building was beginning to buckle.
Sky5 was overhead as crews battled the blaze and a thick black cloud of smoke billowed from the commercial structure, which officials initially said was possibly the site of a marijuana grow operation.
Investigators took samples from the scene, finding that there was hash inside the building, along with large cylinders, according to the captain.
“There is still an abundance of that hash material that is still smoldering,” Scott said.
The investigation still continues into the operations inside the building and what may have sparked the fire.
As overhaul efforts continued, crews were concerned there was someone still inside. Firefighters meticulously combed through the debris throughout the night, Scott said.
The captain said they found six burned vehicles, but only have five people accounted for.
The agency was expected to bring in a human remains K-9 detection unit to help make sure there was no one else still inside Tuesday.