Los Angeles, CA – A Tuesday afternoon apartment fire in Los Angeles’ University Park neighborhood claimed the life of a man in his 50s, according to city fire officials.
At 1:51 p.m. on October 7, 2025, Los Angeles City Fire Department crews responded to reports of a structure fire in the 2300 block of South Portland Street. Smoke was visible from the second floor of a mixed two- and three-story apartment building when firefighters arrived.
According to LAFD, crews launched an aggressive interior attack while truck companies deployed ladders for roof ventilation. Firefighters confined the blaze to a single second-floor unit, preventing it from spreading to nearby apartments.
During a primary search, firefighters discovered a male victim inside the burned unit. The man, believed to be in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said functioning smoke alarms helped alert residents and prompted safe evacuations before crews arrived.
The LAFD Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section is investigating the cause of the fire. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner will determine the victim’s identity and official cause of death.
