Firefighters battling large fire at commercial building in downtown LA

DOWNTOWN LA () — Los Angeles firefighters are working to put out flames at a commercial building in the downtown area that was reported just before 4 a.m. Sunday.

Three people were hospitalized in unknown condition.

The blaze at the two-story building with a mezzanine at 1225 S. Hope St. broke out at 3:58 a.m., according to fire officials.

Hope Street remains closed as firefighters shifted from offensive to defensive mode.

LAFD spokesperson Jamie Stewart said all firefighters were ordered out of the building as arson and emergency air units were requested to the scene.

Heavy fire and smoke were seen coming from the building. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

No further details were immediately known.

This is a developing story. This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.

City News Service contributed to this report.