Small earthquake shakes LA area

A small earthquake was widely felt across the Los Angeles area early Friday morning, but authorities said there were no immediate reports of injury or damage.

 

The U.S. Geological Survey said more than 2,000 people reported on its website that they felt the magnitude 3.5 quake, which struck at 12:03 a.m. and was centered in the Beverly Hills area.

 

Following its earthquake protocol, the Los Angeles Fire Department sent firefighters on the ground and in helicopters to check roads, bridges and other key infrastructure for problems.

 

Fire spokesman Brian Humphrey reported an hour after the temblor hit that there were no injuries and the firefighters found no signs of significant damage. The inspection was discontinued.

 

Beverly Hills Police Department Watch Cmdr. Todd Withers told the Los Angeles Times that he felt a "sharp jolt" followed by a slow roll. The department received calls from residents, including some about burglar alarms going off, but no damage or injuries were reported.

 

The temblor followed a 3.2 magnitude quake that struck in the area on Monday.