Cause of Brentwood House and Brush Fires Remains Undetermined

Arson investigators for the Los Angeles Fire Department determined the cause of Monday's blaze at 1225 Chickory Lane in Brentwood to be undetermined, according to spokesman Eric Scott on Tuesday.

"However, it remains an open investigation," Scott added.

Two people, 95-year-old former UCLA Professor Emeritus Byron Wright and an unidentified 90-year-old female companion, were transported to a local hospital for minor smoke inhalation and were listed in good condition.

The large two-story single family home is considered a total loss with an estimated dollar amount of $1.25 million, which includes $750,000 for the structure and $500,000 for contents. Behind the residence Monday, a small amount of medium to heavy brush also burned and two nearby homes were exposed.

Scott said that due to high wind activity and brush surrounding the area, additional ground and air resources were quickly added. First arriving firefighters aggressively attacked a difficult and stubborn fire that burned through the floor and attic of the 2,289 square-foot home.

Scott noted the 51 year-old house was severely damaged, and the Department of Building & Safety red tagged the building, deeming it unsafe to enter.

A fire watch was established due to weather conditions, requiring firefighters to remain on-scene through the night and rotate every four hours to ensure there was no rekindle.