Elderly sisters die in suspected arson fire at Hollywood home

LOS ANGELES - Two elderly sisters died in a house fire that investigators believe was arson. 

What we know:

The fire erupted just before 3 a.m on Feb. 4 at a home on Vista Del Mar Ave. between Yucca St. and Carlos Ave. in Hollywood. 

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, one victim was pronounced dead at the scene and another was taken to the hospital where she later died. 

A GoFundMe identified them as sisters Chelo, 76, and Yola, 82. 

The fire was knocked down within 20 minutes and the LAFD Arson team responded per protocol. 

Detectives are investigating the fire as arson.  

Series of nearby arson fires 

Local perspective:

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell says the fire was one of several that were intentionally set in the area that morning, possibly by transients.

"These incidents involve fires set to trash containers located adjacent to residential structures," McDonnell said. 

Neighbors say it's the only home on the block without a fence and nearby abandoned homes have been used by squatters.

"It just looked like a horror movie. You could see just red red red," said neighbor Osvaldo Gomez. "There was no way for me to get in. Yeah, it’s fully engulfed."

LAFD said a suspect was arrested on suspicion of arson, connected to several rubbish fires that were set nearby that same night. 

At this time, they can not confirm if that suspect is responsible for the fatal house fire. 

Search for victim's dog 

According to the GoFundMe, Chelo's dog Coco went missing after the fire. 

"Amidst our immeasurable grief, we are searching for Coco, Chelo's beloved dog and constant companion. She has not been found and we hope she may have run to safety. Coco is microchipped, and we are desperately searching for her. Finding her would mean holding on to a living piece of what was lost."