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Firefighters are actively working a vegetation fire near the 60th Street West and Avenue I area in Lancaster after multiple 911 calls reported a loud explosion just before the flames started.
The fire has grown to about 20 acres and is moving through light brush, with conditions allowing it to spread quickly. A second fire has also been reported nearby to the north, prompting additional crews to respond as both areas are monitored.
Authorities say the fire remains active with no containment reported so far. It’s still unclear whether the reported explosion is connected to the fire.
02/20/2026
A 67-year-old Caltech research scientist has been identified as the victim of a fatal shooting at his home in Llano.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed Carl Grillmair died Feb. 16 from a gunshot wound to the torso. His death has been ruled a homicide.
Deputies responded around 6:10 a.m. to the 30700 block of 165th Street East after reports of a shooting. Grillmair was pronounced dead at the scene.
Grillmair worked at Caltech’s Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC) and was widely respected in the astronomy field. Colleagues credit him with helping analyze data from NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope, identifying water signatures on distant planets, and discovering stellar streams that provided insight into how the Milky Way formed.
No suspect information has been released. The motive remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the LASD Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500 or submit an anonymous tip through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.
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