Fire in Long Beach Auto Shop Sends 3 to Hospital

Nine people were treated for smoke inhalation caused by a small but stubborn fire Sunday at a Toyota auto body shop in Long Beach, authorities said.

The blaze, caused when a welder’s torch ignited flammable oils, broke out about 9 a.m and was extinguished 30 minutes later by 50 firefighters, who had difficulty maneuvering hoses and equipment into a small spray booth where the fire started.

“It was like working in a dungeon,” said Battalion Chief Reed Bingham of the Long Beach Fire Department.

Six of the victims were treated at the scene of the blaze, in the 6400 block of Paramount Boulevard, Bingham said, and the other three were taken to local hospitals, where they were reported in good condition.