Sun Valley Fire Injures Man, 36

A 36-year-old Sun Valley man was seriously injured when fire swept through a Sun Valley house Monday night, causing $65,000 worth of damage, Los Angeles city fire officials said.

The man, whose name was not released, suffered second- and third-degree burns over 70% to 80% of his body, department spokesman Michael Little said.

The fire started about 7:20 p.m. at the house in the 11300 block of Sheldon Street and was put out by 7:38 p.m., Little said.

“It was also reported that there was a possible explosion that initiated the fire,” Little said. The victim was “seen running from the garage area engulfed in flames,” he said.

The victim was transported to Pacifica of the Valley Hospital where he was listed in critical condition.

Eight other people who were in the living room of the house escaped without injury, Little said. A neighbor who suffered minor burns when he attempted to remove his boat from the fire was treated at the scene.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.