North Hills Fire: Building Inspectors to Assess Damaged Structure, 41 Apartments Yellow-Tagged
A large emergency fire ripped through a vacant commercial building in North Hills on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, prompting concerns about potential demolition and displacing dozens of residents from a neighboring apartment complex. Building inspectors are expected to determine the structural integrity of the building and whether it poses an ongoing safety risk.
Major Fire Engulfs North Hills Building
Los Angeles firefighters responded to reports of flames engulfing a two-story commercial building located at 15226 Parthenia St., between Burnet and Columbus avenues. According to LAFD spokeswoman Margaret Stewart, the fire quickly escalated, collapsing the roof and threatening a four-story garden-style apartment building adjacent to the site.
Fire crews battled the blaze from outside the commercial structure while simultaneously working to evacuate and search the apartment complex for any remaining occupants. Seventeen fire companies, comprising over 100 firefighters, ultimately extinguished the fire in just under two hours.
Displacement and Injuries Reported
The fire resulted in the displacement of 27 people – six adults and 21 children – from the adjacent apartment building, primarily due to broken glass and smoke damage. Initially, the fire department reported that only three apartments had been “yellow-tagged,” indicating moderate damage and limited habitability. However, a subsequent report from the scene on Wednesday afternoon revealed that a total of 41 units had received yellow tags.
One woman, 42 years old, was transported to a local hospital in stable condition for possible smoke inhalation. At least two other residents of the apartment building were treated at the scene for similar symptoms.
Investigation Underway, History of Building Revealed
The Los Angeles Fire Department’s arson section is investigating the cause of the fire, alongside a similar incident that occurred less than 24 hours prior in Winnetka, where a commercial building was partially destroyed and one person injured.
Residents of North Hills informed reporters that the now-damaged commercial building had previously served as a church and had, in recent times, become a known shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness.
The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety is scheduled to assess the extent of the damage to the commercial building. The outcome of this assessment will determine the next steps, including the possibility of demolition.
