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For LADWP’s COVID-19 response, visit www.ladwp.com/covid19response

Status of Downtown Building Fire and Nearby Power Outage

Status of Downtown Building Fire and Nearby Power Outage

LADWP Crews Working to Restore Power to 12 Buildings
LADWP crew members are on the scene of a 22-story downtown building located at 811 Wilshire Blvd following a fire which occurred at 10:17 pm last night.  Do to damage to the building’s electrical and fire safety systems, the building has been red-tagged at this time by City building inspectors, according to the LA Fire Department.  The fire ruptured some building pipes, causing some flooding. Two people were hospitalized for back pain and a headache according to LAFD, and two others were checked at the scene, but declined treatment. Based on initial information, the explosion may have been the cause of a momentary power outage at Staples Center, where a Shania Twain concert was underway. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation.  However, initial inspections indicate extensive damage occurred to a LADWP on-site industrial power station, which provides power to the building.  This damage and related damage to LADWP equipment supplying the building with power has affected power to 12 nearby buildings, which remain without power as of 6AM this morning.  Over 30 LADWP power system crew members have been on site working to isolate the power supplied to the building and restore power to the remaining affected customers.  At this time, crews are hoping to restore power to the 12 affected buildings by this afternoon.  

Senior managers from LADWP’s Power System are on scene providing interviews to media and will provide updates as progress is made and more information is available.

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