The Region - News from Jan. 31, 1985

Investigators have determined that a fire in the Proud Bird restaurant, which claimed the life of a Los Angeles firefighter and caused $2 million damage, was set to cover the theft of restaurant equipment. Fire Department Capt. Tony DiDomenico said a large commercial refrigerator and a large freezer unit--both stainless steel and manufactured by Raetone-- were stolen, shortly before the blaze broke out in the early morning hours of Dec. 4, 1984. Firefighter Benjamin Pinel was trapped in the restaurant at 11022 Aviation Blvd., near International Airport, and died at a local hospital.