At a Glance
- Human remains detection K-9s alerted investigators to a specific area of a fire-torn North Hills building.
- The blaze ignited twice inside a former church on West Parthenia Street, forcing extended firefighting efforts.
- Parthenia Street is shut down from Columbus Avenue to Burnet Avenue while heavy machinery clears debris.
- Why it matters: The discovery raises safety concerns for unhoused people known to shelter near the building.
Investigators are responding after human remains detection K-9s signaled the possible presence of human tissue inside a vacant North Hills building that burned twice this week, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Fire Breaks Out Twice at Former Church
The first flames tore through the empty structure on the 15000 block of West Parthenia Street on Tuesday. The building, once used as a church, reignited overnight, sending firefighters back for a second battle.
After crews extinguished the rekindled blaze, arson investigators and human remains detection dogs canvassed the scene. One dog alerted to a specific section of the damaged building, indicating the possible presence of human blood, bones, or tissue.
Heavy Machinery Blocks Roadway for Days
Fire officials have not yet accessed the flagged area. Crews brought in heavy equipment to remove unstable debris, a process LAFD estimates could take several days.
Because of the ongoing work:
- Parthenia Street is closed from Columbus Avenue to Burnet Avenue
- The closure will remain in effect until further notice
Uncertainty Over Occupancy
LAFD said it remains unclear whether anyone was inside when the fire started. Unhoused individuals often shelter near the structure, raising the possibility that someone could have been within the building during either ignition.
The cause of the original fire is still under investigation.
