Echo Park/Elysian Park house fire this evening

A house fire broke out early this evening up near Douglas Street and Montana Street, north of Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park.

There was a huge response to the densely populated neighborhood by the LAFD. Over 74 firefighters responded along with two water dropping helicopters, according to the LAFD Twitter.

As of 6:15 pm, the fire is under control. The official address/area is 1400 block of North Elysian Park Drive, cause unknown but apparently there was heavy fire in the basement and attic. When we took these photos, you could hear the scary popping sounds as the fire grew.

Echo Park and Elysian Park smells heavily of smoke, so close your windows and stay inside if you can!

UPDATE:

The home is owned by actress Ann Robinson, who is known well for her role in the ’50s movie War of the Worlds. Nearby neighbors rushed to their homes to keep an eye on pets and close windows, including restaurant owner Rhonda of Masa (it was laundry night, so we got to say hi at our favorite Echo Park hub tonight). Thankfully, nobody was harmed.

And the popping noises we all heard? Actual ammunition! Check out our video below:

The LA Fire Department posted some more information about the blaze on the morning of Thursday, October 13. Of note, 165 firefighters ended up responding. The owner was evaluated on scene but was not injured nor taken to the hospital. The house is also not a total loss, but they estimated a loss of $300,000 (includes $50,000 in contents, which included movie memorabilia as mentioned on last night’s news).