Woman killed in Bellflower house fire

A house fire in Bellflower early this morning killed a 28-year-old woman and sent five other people to the hospital.

Flames engulfed a garage that had been converted into a two-bedroom living space when firefighters arrived around 5:30 a.m., authorities said. The fire, which also damaged another room in the house and one vehicle, was knocked down about a half hour later.

Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Frank Garrido said a 55-year-old woman and 14-year-old girl were taken to Long Beach Memorial Hospital with minor burns on their arms and legs. A 17-year-old girl was also taken there to be treated for smoke inhalation. Two girls, ages 7 and 9, were taken to La Palma Hospital to check for injuries.

The relationship of the victims is unknown, but several related families lived in the residence, said Lt. Daniel Waidner of the Lakewood sheriff’s station.

The cause of the fire appears accidental but is under investigation, he said.

joanna.lin@latimes.com