Sunday Night Blaze Torches Glassell Park Market

Written by City News Service

An investigation was under way today into a fire that destroyed a 5,000-square-foot market in Glassell Park.

The fire at the Verdugo Ranch Market at 3344 North Verdugo Rd. was reported at 8:58 p.m. Sunday, and a knockdown was declared only at 11:05 p.m., according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Katherine Main, who said 125 firefighters responded.

Arriving firefighters reported flames showing through the roof of the market, which was closed at the time, and soon had to assume a strictly defensive stance, battling the blaze from the exterior, she said.

"The structure is a total loss with a total roof collapse and the collapse of two walls," Main said. "The cause and dollar loss are being tabulated."

One firefighter suffered an eye injury but was treated at the scene and quickly returned to work, Main said.