Sun Valley Fire Out Quick Despite Fear of Flammables

A fast moving fire heavily damaged a workshop and storage structure laden with antiques Sunday, causing an estimated $900,000 in damage.

The two story structure, at the rear of a single family house on the 11,000 block of Art Street, also contained propane and acetylene tanks, as well as live ammunition, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman, Brian Humphrey.

As firefighters approached the structure, explosions could be heard from its interior, Humphrey said.

The fire burned quickly through "packrat-like conditions" in the 1500 square foot structure, Humphrey said.

Smoke from the blaze was visible for more than a mile, including from the Golden State (5) Freeway, to the south-east of the property.

The fire was knocked down in 30 minutes by the 44 firefighters in attendance, Humphrey said.

The owner of the property, whose name was not available, said the interior of the structure had been laden with antique furniture, in various stages of restoration.

Humphrey said the owner estimated the value of the structure contents at $500,000, and the structure itself at $400,000.

As the remains of the structure smoldered, firefighters were able to recover a container storing the ashes of a relative of the owner, Humphrey said.