San Pedro Elks Lodge destroyed by fire

Los Angeles City firefighter Jim Tsarofski shoots water over smoldering structure early Tuesday morning.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Tony Sardisco, an Elks Lodge member, and his wife, Ruta, are distraught over the destruction of the San Pedro Elks Lodge.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Investigators were trying to determine the cause of the blaze, which Los Angeles Fire Department officials said started sometime before 3 a.m.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles City firefighters look for hot spots after the Elks Lodge in San Pedro nearly burned to the ground early Tuesday morning.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)