Shortly after 2am this morning an empty and gutted home on the 600 block of New Hampshire at Melrose in East Hollywood caught on fire engulfing it in a matter of seconds.  I was the first on the scene.  Neighbors called emergency crews but by the time they arrived their apartment building also had caught on fire.  The North end of their building and the second story was ablaze as firemen raced to control the flames before they spread to yet another building to the South.  for a moment I thought perhaps it had already happened. Residents had to jump out of the second story window to reach safety as the blaze spread quickly.  Nobody was injured.

In total I believe there are three structures there; the two that I visually saw ablaze and a secondary structure in the back of the property.   Having lived on this street for seven years I’ve become familiar with the people there this isn’t the first time something like this has happened.  As little as a month ago I turned onto my street to find one of the current tenants car on fire.  An apparent retaliation for a fight earlier that night.  Although firemen refuse to tell me if arson is the cause I think its safe to say these two events are related.

It took a good hour for firemen to control the blaze needing to climb to the roof and open up ventilation holes.  The sound of the chainsaws coming from men both on top and inside the structure made me cringe at the thought of that being at one time, somebodies bedroom.  I can’t imagine how horrific and painful it must have been for those who live there. 17 people lost their homes.

Beyond the sadness of people losing their homes and all their belongings a disgusting truth was brought to my attention and I was faced with it first hand.  People who do not live or work in this quiet residential area taking photographs of the fire.  I’ll admit I too was taking pictures after I made sure that everybody was out of the home and firemen had taken over the situation.  This being my instinct after my CERT training.  Nobody was injured so I grabbed my camera.  After shooting the blaze and the firemen who worked to put them out I decided to walk back to my home only to be approached by some men asking me who I was going to sell my photos to.  What? Really?  Do people find ways to profit on other peoples tragedy?

In times like these few people step up and assist the unfortunate souls who lost everything.  One neighbor brought out bags of clothes and blankets and another gave out bottles of water.

Let it be known: The LA Native is not for sale; he cannot be bought.

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