Fire Guts Panorama City Condo Project

A fire swept through the top floor of a condominium complex under construction in Panorama City early Monday, causing an estimated $1.2 million in damage, the Los Angeles Fire Department said.

The cause of the fire, reported at 12:36 a.m. in the 3-story building in the 8600 block of Willis Avenue, was still under investigation, said Fire Inspector Ed Reed. The building was unoccupied, and no injuries were reported, authorities said.

“It is listed as suspicious and under investigation,” Reed said of the fire. “We don’t have a cause, but it could be an arson. Because of the magnitude of the fire, it is going to be actively investigated.”

The top floor of the complex, owned by Lycon Development Co., was gutted by the blaze, and its roof was burned away, authorities said. The building was near completion. It was surrounded by scaffolding so stucco siding could be applied, authorities said. Lycon officials declined to comment on the fire.

Flames billowed from all sides of the third floor of the building, but nearby apartment buildings were not threatened, officials said. Firefighters, stationed on the roofs of buildings on three sides of the complex, were successful in keeping the fire from spreading by directing water against the flames, authorities said.

Authorities closed Willis and Parthenia Street to vehicular traffic on blocks near the complex until the fire was extinguished.

About 140 firefighters from 28 engine companies battled the fire for about an hour before bringing it under control. Authorities said one firefighter was slightly injured when he twisted his knee. He was treated at Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills and released.