Firefighters extinguished a blaze on Dec. 22 that damaged a vacant residence on Bronson Avenue, near the corner of Fountain Avenue, in Hollywood.

The vacant single-family home partially collapsed. It was built in 1907. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The fire was reported shortly before 6 p.m. at 1251 N. Bronson Ave. Firefighters arrived to find flames and smoke emanating from a one-story residence built in 1907 at the site. Approximately 85 firefighters extinguished the blaze in 25 minutes. The front portion of the structure collapsed, but no injuries were reported.

“There were actually two buildings on the property. Both of them had boarded windows and were unoccupied,” said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey. “They had to make forcible entry and had to pry wood off the windows. They did a comprehensive search and no persons were inside.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation, and no value of damage and loss was available. Investigators are looking into whether homeless individuals may have been inside and started the fire.

“That’s a problem throughout Los Angeles,” Humphrey said. “When there are abandoned buildings, often times homeless people are seeking shelter and go inside. If you see people breaking and entering, notify law enforcement. If there are other safety issues, people should call 311 to notify Building and Safety.”