LAFD investigators are looking into the cause of an apartment fire that left one woman dead early Wednesday morning.
Forty-four firefighters arrived at 516 S Clarence Street following a report of the fire and were able to extinguish the flames within 21 minutes, preventing it from spreading to other units in the building, according to LAFD Public Service Officer Margaret Stewart.
According to news reports, firefighters searching the burnt unit discovered the body of a 68-year-old woman, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The Coroner’s office later identified her as Victoria Velazquez Mendoza.
Neighbors of the victims organized a prayer vigil on the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 16, to honor the memory of Velazquez Mendoza and show support for her family.
This story was updated Aug. 16 with victim’s name and vigil information.
