Historic Pacific Dining Car damaged in early-morning blaze

Los Angeles Times - Mar 20th, 2025

A fire broke out at the historic Pacific Dining Car restaurant in Westlake, Los Angeles, early Thursday morning. This marks the second blaze at the shuttered eatery in less than a year. About 100 firefighters responded to the incident, which was reported at 6:53 a.m. and reached by 7:06 a.m. The fire originated in the attic, damaging the roof but leaving the structure largely intact. The building was vacant, so no injuries occurred, and the fire was controlled within 45 minutes. While the cause is still under investigation, the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed the building did not burn down. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety was also present to assess any structural damage.

Built in 1921 and relocated in 1923, the Pacific Dining Car was a beloved Los Angeles establishment known for its fine steaks and 24-hour service. It gained fame through appearances in films like "Training Day." The restaurant closed permanently in 2020 and was boarded up at the time of the fire. Part of it had previously burned in August. In 2023, the Los Angeles City Council designated a portion of the site as a historic-cultural monument, underscoring its cultural significance. The repeated fires raise concerns about the preservation of this historic site, which holds a nostalgic place for many in the community.

Los Angeles Los Angeles Fire Department Pacific Dining Car Historic Cultural Monument Fire Incident

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RATING

7.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and factual account of a fire at the historic Pacific Dining Car restaurant in Los Angeles. It scores highly in accuracy, clarity, and timeliness, effectively informing readers about a recent local event. The use of credible sources, such as the Los Angeles Fire Department, enhances the report's reliability. However, the article could benefit from a broader range of perspectives to improve balance and source quality. While the story is unlikely to provoke significant controversy or drive major societal impacts, it holds local public interest due to the cultural significance of the restaurant. Overall, the article is a well-structured and informative piece that effectively communicates the essential details of the incident.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports on the fire incident at the Pacific Dining Car restaurant. It provides specific details such as the time of the fire, the response time of the firefighters, and the extent of the damage, which are all verifiable through official records or statements from the Los Angeles Fire Department. The article quotes a spokesperson, Lyndsey Lantz, affirming that the building 'has not burned down,' which adds to its factual accuracy. However, the article mentions the restaurant's designation as a historic-cultural monument in 2023, which would need verification from city council records to confirm the exact status and date of designation.

Balance

The article maintains a neutral tone and presents the facts without apparent bias. It provides historical context about the restaurant, which adds depth and perspective to the story. However, the article could have included perspectives from local community members or historians on the cultural significance of the restaurant. Including comments from these stakeholders would enhance the balance by representing a broader range of viewpoints.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the sequence of events surrounding the fire. The language is straightforward and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the key points. The historical context is well-integrated, providing additional background without overwhelming the main narrative. The use of direct quotes helps clarify the information presented.

Source quality

The primary source of information in the article seems to be the Los Angeles Fire Department, as evidenced by the quote from spokesperson Lyndsey Lantz. This is a credible and authoritative source for information about the fire. However, the article does not mention other sources or seek external verification from independent experts or historians, which could have strengthened its reliability and depth.

Transparency

The article is transparent in its reporting of the basic facts of the fire incident, including the timeline and the response by the fire department. However, it lacks transparency regarding the methodology of how the information was gathered. There is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest or the basis for the historical claims about the restaurant's past significance and its designation as a historic-cultural monument.