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2 firefighters injured battling massive fire at Monterey Park strip mall

A Monterey Park firefighter looks for hot spots in the aftermath of a four-alarm fire at a Monterey Park strip mall Thursday.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
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Two firefighters were injured early Thursday and dozens of residents were evacuated after a massive fire swept through a Monterey Park strip mall, officials said.

The blaze erupted just after 1:30 a.m. at the strip mall in the 300 block of East Garvey Avenue and triggered evacuations in a nearby apartment building, said Monterey Park police Lt. Gus Jimenez.

Forty residents were forced to leave their homes as heavy smoke filled the neighborhood, he said.

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Firefighters battled large columns of flames and the roof collapsed as the fire raged for more than three hours. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries according to KNBC-TV.

Multiple businesses were destroyed or damaged by the stubborn fire.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.

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