Dec. 26--A fire at a three-story motel in Westlake on Christmas night left at least five people injured, officials said.
Just after 6 p.m., more than 100 firefighters and 11 ambulances responded to a report of visible flames at JJ Park Motel Residence at 3rd and Bonnie Brae streets near MacArthur Park, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Erik Scott.
Crews used chainsaws to cut holes in the roof to keep flames, smoke and gas from filling the rooms and hallways, and propped ladders against windows so residents could climb out, Scott said.
"They performed a rapid search and rescue," Scott said. "If it wasn't for the fast action and the hard work of those firefighters, this could have been a lot worse."
Five people were sent to hospitals to be treated for injuries that officials said were probably burns. The flames were extinguished in 21 minutes.
