Fire Rips Through Residential Basement in Pasadena

A fire broke out in a basement densely packed with stored items beneath a Pasadena home on Wednesday afternoon, officials said.

The fire was first reported about 5 p.m. in the 500 block of South Oakland Avenue, Pasadena city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian said.

Firefighters encountered flames burning through an abundance of fuels in the basement, she said.

They declared the blaze extinguished within about 20 minutes.

Fires in basements pose particular dangers for firefighters, such as generally having only single entrances and exits, tight quarters and little ventilation, Derderian said.

No injuries were initially reported.

The public was asked to avoid the area as the scene remained active Wednesday afternoon.

This story is developing.