Officials say a 61-year-old man who perished in a garage fire early Monday in Winnetka may have been living inside in pack rat conditions, reports The Los Angeles Times.
The man, who was not immediately identified, was homeless and a longtime friend of the homeowners, who allowed him to stay in the garage, said Los Angeles Fire Battalion Chief Stephen Ruda.
“A good intention turned into a tragedy,” he said.
It was unclear if the man was using the garage as a full-time residence.
Firefighters responded about 4 a.m. to a report of a fire at a single-story home in the 7900 block of Sunnybrae Avenue, officials said. When they arrived at the home, they found a detached car garage engulfed in flames and heavy smoke. Firefighters had to cut open the garage door to gain access. They also made holes in the roof to let some of the heat and smoke out.
More than 30 firefighters responded to the scene and the fire was knocked out within 17 minutes.
When it was over, firefighters discovered what they described as pack rat conditions inside the garage, including a bed and chair, Ruda said. A four-wheel shopping cart was at the side of the building.
“他collec的珍宝ted were the combustibles that took his life,” Ruda said.
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