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SOUTH EL MONTE, Los Angeles County, Calif., Oct. 29, 2026 — Two people were hurt on Tuesday night, October 27, when a vehicle fire spread to an apartment building in South El Monte. The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the blaze in the 3000 block of North Lashbrook Avenue, near Garvey Avenue.
The fire was reported at 9:18 p.m. and crews had it out by 9:33 p.m., according to fire department spokesman Jonathan Torres. At least one of the two patients was found on the second floor of the building, Torres said.
Both patients were taken to a hospital by ambulance. Their conditions were not known as of the latest update from the fire department.
Video from the scene showed firefighters reviving a dog with oxygen. Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies helped place the animal in an animal control truck. The cause of the vehicle fire, and how it spread to the building, remains under investigation.
We hope everyone involved is okay, and we will share more as details are confirmed.
More on Accidents in South El Monte, CA
This incident happened on 3000 North Lashbrook Avenue in South El Monte, CA. We cover accidents across Los Angeles County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Los Angeles County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should someone do if they survive a fire that starts in a vehicle near a building?
Get clear of the structure and call 911 immediately, even if the fire looks small, since flames can spread to siding, carports or nearby units within minutes.
What injuries are most common in building fires like this one?
Smoke inhalation, burns, and injuries from falls or being trapped on upper floors are the most frequently reported injuries in structure fires that start from an outside source.
What typically causes a vehicle fire to spread to a nearby apartment building?
Common factors include a vehicle parked close to the structure, flammable materials nearby, and wind that pushes flame and embers onto siding, eaves or balconies.
Why do fires that start outside a building still put upper floors at risk?
Heat and smoke rise quickly through stairwells, vents and exterior walls, so residents on higher floors can be cut off or overcome by smoke even if the original fire is on the ground level.
