Dog Dies In Fire That Ravaged 2 Businesses In Venice

VENICE, CA — The dog of the owner of one of two businesses that were ravaged by a fire in Venice on Sunday was found dead after the fire was extinguished, the Los Angeles Fire Department said.

The owner of an electric scooter store at 1825 Ocean Front Walk in Venice was in the building working with their dog when they heard a popping sound just before the fire ignited, according to LAFD spokesperson Margaret Stewart.

Firefighters responded to the fire at 7:06 a.m. on Sunday and found heavy flames showing through the roof of the building, especially in the scooter store, Stewart said.

Stewart said investigators found the cause of the fire was attributed to a lithium-ion battery overheating, and the large number of batteries in the store caused the fire to blaze the heaviest inside the specific unit.

The fire was extinguished by 32 firefighters after just over 30 minutes after it had extended to two adjacent buildings.

LAFD resources remained on the scene after the fire was extinguished through the morning to conduct overhaul operations and residents were requested to avoid the area due to the narrow streets and limited access.