(Thechieftainspear) – A long-abandoned Hollywood property, notorious for drawing transients and criminal activity, was torn down early Thursday after a fire engulfed the building overnight.
The blaze broke out just after 2 a.m. at a two-story home located in the 1700 block of North Wilton Place. Los Angeles Fire Department crews quickly arrived and worked to contain the flames as smoke and fire consumed the structure, according to footage captured by bystanders.
Following the fire, officials from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety deemed the property unsafe and red-tagged the building. Due to the risk of collapse and continuing safety concerns, the home was promptly demolished by LAFD personnel.
Residents say the burned structure was one of two vacant homes on the block that had long been a magnet for illegal activity. Neighbors reported frequent disturbances, including drug use, loitering, and break-ins by squatters.
“It’s been absolutely chaotic,” said local resident Jeane Rice. “We’ve had fires before, and there’s constant noise and danger. We’ve begged the city to take action.”
Despite repeated calls to law enforcement and outreach to city officials, residents claim little was done to address the growing problem—until the fire made the issue impossible to ignore.
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“This morning’s fire could’ve easily spread to neighboring buildings and cost lives,” Rice added. “It’s terrifying.”
Neighbor Nathaniel Siri said he was relieved to see the structure finally come down but expressed frustration over the delayed response.
“They should’ve handled this a long time ago,” he said. “These houses have been uninhabitable for years. Tearing them down is the only logical solution.”
According to Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez’s office, the city had already been pursuing action to label the property a public nuisance. The issue is expected to go before the Board of Building and Safety Commissioners in May, where a lien may be placed on the property.
Still, concerns linger. The adjacent vacant home, also frequented by squatters, remains standing and continues to pose a threat, neighbors say.
Rice criticized the city, developers, and the Department of Building and Safety for what she described as a collective failure.
“There needs to be a more effective, urgent response when people’s safety is on the line,” she said. “Letting this kind of danger fester is unacceptable.”
No injuries were reported during the fire, and the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
