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Crime & Safety

LAFD Links Early-Morning Strip-Mall Fire to Possible Electrical Problem

No injuries reported, but at least 7 businesses appear to have been damaged in fire at Sherman Oaks Plaza.

Firefighters said an early-morning fire Sunday at Sherman Oaks Plaza, 15030 Ventura Blvd., may have begun as the result of electrical problems in one store that spead to several others in the strip mall. No injuries were reported.

The fire was reported by customers at Starbucks, on the east side of the complex, at about 7:45 a.m. Sunday.  Before the fire was extinguished 45 minutes later, 130 firefighters had responded.

At least seven businesses appeared to have at least some damage from the fire.

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A Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman said the cause seemed to have been electrical problems.

"The origin of the blaze appeared to be from a unit that contained beauty supplies," Firefighter Erik Scott told City News Service on Sunday afternoon. "Flames extended to the adjacent businesses on both sides as well as the attic."

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A man in front of Sherman Oaks Beauty Center on Sunday morning acknowledged to Sherman Oaks Patch that he owned the business, but wouldn't give his name. He said his store was a total loss.

There also appeared to be extensive fire, smoke and water damage at Tochal Market & Deli, next to the beauty-supply store. Other stores in the strip mall appear to have sustained significant damage.

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