Large fire tears through strip mall in Woodland Hills

A large fire tore through a strip mall in the 20900 block of W. Victory Boulevard in Woodland Hills Friday evening.

The fire broke out just before 5:30 p.m. with heavy smoke and flames showing. Firefighters mounted an aggressive attack.

Victory Boulevard between De Soto Avenue and Independence Avenue remained closed to traffic while firefighters worked to get a handle on the blaze and prevent it from spreading.

The fire spread to the common attic at the one-story commercial complex making it difficult for crews to fight the fire. As a result, the Los Angeles Fire Department says it had to go into defensive positions.

Firefighters operated large handlines and were able to hit part of the fire from the back of the building. It took approximately 106 firefighters to knock down the fire, which caused significant damage to the part of the complex where the fire originated.

One firefighter was treated for minor injuries, according to fire officials.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.