Local News in Brief : Burned Man Found Handcuffed to Bars

A 50-year-old man was found handcuffed to bars on a window and severely burned after a fire in a North Hollywood apartment Tuesday afternoon, the Los Angeles Fire Dept. said.

The man, who authorities believe was attempting to take his own life, was taken to Northridge Hospital Medical Center with burns over 50% of his body. His condition could not be immediately determined.

Authorities said the man told them he had handcuffed himself to the bars and set fire to the apartment.

The fire, reported about 4:30 p.m., was confined to the one unit of a vacant two-story apartment building in the 5500 block of Cumpston Street at Klump Avenue and was put out in less than 10 minutes, said Greg Acevedo, a department spokesman. Firefighters inspecting the building then discovered the man, Acevedo said.

Authorities estimated damage to the building and contents at $38,000.