LoudLabNews - Written by City News Service - Authorities said an arson investigation is underway today
after fire extensively damaged a large vacant house in Downey.
The two-story house was one of two dwellings on a lot on the 7700 block
of Third Street in Downey.
The fire was reported around 2:40 a.m., according to Lee Lindquist, a
dispatcher for the Joint Power Communication Center, which handles radio
communications for the Downey Fire Department, and was knocked down 40 minutes
later.
Lindquist said three engine companies fought the blaze.
He said the house had been vacant for about six months.
Neighbors told a videographer the property had recently been sold, and
that the new owner planned to raze the block and erect new houses.
Linquist said an arson investigation was underway.
``They're asking for an arson dog to find the accelerant,'' he said. LOUDLABS NEWS