SHERMAN OAKS, CA – A quiet Sherman Oaks neighborhood has been shaken by a series of fires that have left residents fearing for their safety. The most recent blaze erupted in a carport late Wednesday, destroying vehicles and threatening nearby homes.
Adelie Lopez was startled by a loud noise while watching TV at her Fulton Street apartment. She rushed outside to find her car, a 2022 Kia Soul, consumed by flames. The fire quickly spread, destroying a neighbor’s car and the entire carport.
The flames, visible from the street, soared 15 feet into the air, causing significant damage. Lopez’s bedroom window cracked from the heat, and her air conditioning unit on the second floor melted. “It’s been a nightmare,” she said, describing the past few days as harrowing.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern in the area. Over the past month, there have been multiple fires within a mile of Fulton and Moore Park, including three vehicle fires and a building fire. On the night of the carport blaze, Mark’s Garden, a local business, was also set on fire.
Residents are increasingly concerned about their safety and the possibility of a serial arsonist. The fires’ proximity and timing have led some to believe they are connected. Lopez noted the unsettling coincidence of a previous fire on October 20 and her carport fire exactly one month later.
While the community generally feels safe, the recent fires have heightened anxiety. “We park in the garage, but now who knows,” one resident said, hoping the incidents will lead to increased police and city intervention.
The specter of a serial arsonist is troubling, and residents are demanding action. “If someone is setting these fires, they need to be caught,” Lopez urged, stressing the importance of community vigilance.
Lopez, lacking surveillance footage, has called on the public to aid the investigation. She is appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about suspicious activity to come forward.