Probe of Calif. Metal Plating Blaze Continues

Aug. 21--The cause of a fire that destroyed a metal plating business in Panorama City early this morning remains under investigation as Los Angeles County Fire Department investigators comb through the building's remains.

According to LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey, the fire at Aero Chrome plating was reported by passersby at 3:14 a.m. Two people, believed to be employees of the company, were inside the building at the time but were able to get out unharmed.

"There was heavy fire on the building, which forced firefighters to take a defensive position to protect surrounding businesses," he said.

It took two hours and seven minutes for 162 firefighters to extinguish the blaze, which leveled the building at 14660 Arminta St., according to Humphrey. No other businesses were damaged.

The company makes parts used in aerospace manufacturing, and the presence of chemicals used in that process prompted LAFD to call in a Hazmat unit, which determined that there was no off-site water or air issues. A damage estimate is not yet available.

Arminta Street remains closed west of Van Nuys Boulevard.

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