Two unexpected fires erupted within hours of each other at private schools in Los Angeles, raising concerns about their potential connection and overall school safety. The incidents at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks and Oakwood School in North Hollywood have prompted investigations and drawn significant attention from the community.

Notre Dame High School Fire: Construction Mishap Turns Dangerous
On the evening of July 11, 2024, at around 9:30 p.m., firefighters rushed to Notre Dame High School after reports of a fire on campus. Upon arrival, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the roof of a two-story building.
Preliminary reports suggest that the fire started during ongoing roofing construction when tar ignited, causing flames to spread rapidly. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded quickly, deploying 38 firefighters who battled the blaze for about 20 minutes before bringing it under control.
🔥 Key Details:
- The fire was confined to the roof and an exterior wall, preventing widespread damage.
- No students were present due to summer break.
- Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
- The cause is under investigation, but early signs point to an accident during construction.
Oakwood School Fire: Second Blaze Raises Questions
Just two hours later, at 11:20 p.m., another fire broke out at Oakwood School in North Hollywood—adding a layer of mystery to the night’s events.
Firefighters arrived to find smoke billowing from a building’s wall. They quickly forced their way inside, where they located and extinguished the fire. While the situation was brought under control before it could spread, the cause remains unclear and under investigation.
🔥 Key Details:
- Firefighters cut through a door to access and put out the fire.
- No students or staff were harmed.
- Investigators are working to determine whether the two fires were coincidental or connected.

Are the Fires Linked? Investigations Underway
The close timing and similar locations of the fires have led authorities to investigate any possible connections between them. At this stage, there is no official confirmation of arson or foul play, but both incidents remain under review.
Given that both schools were closed for summer break, no students were in danger, but the events have heightened awareness of fire safety measures in schools, especially during construction work.
Community Response: Gratitude and Concerns
Local residents and school officials have praised the LAFD’s swift response, which prevented greater destruction. However, the back-to-back fires have also sparked discussions about school safety, fire prevention, and the importance of strict construction regulations to avoid such incidents in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Were the two fires connected?
Authorities are still investigating whether the fires were related or purely coincidental. No official statement has linked them yet.
2. What caused the fires?
At Notre Dame High School, the fire was likely started by roofing tar igniting during construction. The cause of the Oakwood School fire is still under investigation.
3. Were there any injuries?
No, thankfully, no one was injured in either fire.
4. How severe was the damage?
At Notre Dame High School, the roof and an exterior wall sustained damage. The extent of the damage at Oakwood School is still being assessed.
5. What’s next?
Investigators will continue to look into both fires, and school officials may implement additional fire safety measures to prevent future incidents.
With concerns rising over the cause of these incidents, Los Angeles school communities remain on alert. Whether these fires were accidents or something more, the focus now shifts to ensuring student and staff safety moving forward.
Sources The New York Times