LOS ANGELES (AP) - Los Angeles officials say a large quantity of red chili peppers burned during a fire at a downtown strip mall, adding an extra irritant to the smoky blaze.
Firefighters reported burning sensations in their eyes and throats from the charred peppers.
Officials said Monday that a produce supplier, party supply store and other units were gutted.
City fire spokeswoman Margaret Stewart says nobody was hurt Sunday when flames sent a huge plume of smoke into the sky.
Nearly 200 firefighters battled the blaze for more than two hours. The cause is under investigation.
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