Local : Man Dies in Sherman Oaks Fire

A 75-year-old man who lived in a hillside home overlooking the San Fernando Valley was found dead in his bedroom this morning after fire raced through the house, authorities said.

The cause of the 1 a.m. fire in the 15400 block of Briarwood Drive in Sherman Oaks was not known, but investigators were looking into the possibility that an electric heater may have sparked the blaze that caused an estimated $560,000 in damage.

Los Angeles police described the victim, whose name was not released while investigators attempted to learn if he had any family, as a “pack rat.” He had filled much of the house with newspapers, magazines and other belongings. There were several heaters spaced throughout the house, police said.

Los Angeles firefighters took 50 minutes to extinguish the fire that apparently erupted in the middle section of the ranch-style house on a hill overlooking the San Diego Freeway and the West Valley. Firefighters said the house was gutted by the fire, and a car was also destroyed.

Police investigators were called to the scene because firefighters found what appeared to be a bump-like injury on the victim’s head. But neighbors told officers that the victim already had the deformity and foul play was ruled out.

“It appears he died as a result of smoke inhalation,” Detective Don Tabak said. “There is no evidence of foul play.”