The Los Angeles Fire Department determined that a blaze in the Sportie L.A. shoe store on Melrose Avenue on June 16 was arson.

The LAFD deemed arson as the cause of a fire that erupted on June 16 in the Sportie L.A. store on Melrose Avenue. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The fire was reported at approximately 1:07 a.m. at 7366 Melrose Avenue. Flames and smoke were visible toward the rear of the building when firefighters arrived, said LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey. A caller initially reported the blaze as a rubbish fire, but Humphrey said firefighters determined it was a structure fire that spread inside the store.

The cause of the blaze has not been released. Humphrey said Tuesday that the LAFD’s Arson Unit is investigating the blaze. He said investigators have “evidence,” but would not divulge any further details.

“It’s under active investigation,” he said. “They are working with the LAPD to identify the person responsible.”

No damage estimate was available.