Los Angeles, CA (September 17, 2025) – A tragic fire erupted early Tuesday morning inside a historic high-rise in downtown Los Angeles, leaving one person dead and prompting an arson investigation, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The fire broke out around 2:00 a.m. at the Rosslyn Hotel, located on West 5th Street. Firefighters arrived swiftly to find heavy flames on the seventh floor of the 12-story building. Over 100 LAFD personnel were dispatched to the scene, facing significant challenges in battling the fire due to the height and interior layout of the building. With elevators unusable during a blaze, crews were forced to manually carry gear up seven flights of stairs.
Residents were ordered to shelter in place as firefighters worked aggressively to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading further. The building’s sprinkler system was reported to be functioning at the time, which helped limit fire damage to just a few units. Once the fire was extinguished, a victim was discovered deceased in one of the impacted apartments. The individual has not yet been publicly identified.
No additional injuries or fatalities have been reported. An arson unit is currently assisting in determining the cause of the blaze. Authorities have not yet stated whether foul play is suspected.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time.
