Workers, shoppers flee as fire spreads through busy commercial area in downtown LA

Massive building fire in downtown Los Angeles

A massive fire sparked in a commercial building in downtown Los Angeles. Firefighters have spent hours trying to put out the flames.

LOS ANGELES - A massive fire broke out in a busy business area in downtown LA, with customers and business owners fleeing for safety. 

What we know:

The fire broke out around 1 p.m. Thursday at the Lucky Avenue commercial building in the 200 block of East Winston Street.

According to LAFD, the fire extended to the adjacent commercial building. They say due to the inside being cramped and cluttered, firefighters were able to reach the source of the flames. 

Images from SKYFOX showed flames shooting through the roof, with heavy dark smoke visible from miles away.  

By 7:30 p.m., the LAFD reported that most of the fire had been put out.

"The RS3 Robotic Firefighting Vehicle is on scene to assist with reaching remaining pockets of fire in areas that are not safe for firefighters to enter," the fire department said in a statement. 

Local businesses and street vendors scrambled to grab what they could as they attempted to get away. 

Residents were advised to avoid the areas of Los Angeles St., Winston St., Wall St., and E 4th St.

Luckily, no injuries were reported.

Large fire burns in downtown LA

Crews are battling a large fire at a commercial building in downtown LA.

What we don't know:

The cause of the fire is unknown. 

LAFD said per protocol for a Major Emergency incident, arson investigators are on scene to investigate the cause.