Massive fire rips through commercial complex, destroying several historic Newhall businesses
NEWHALL, SANTA CLARITA (KABC) -- A massive fire ripped through a business complex in the Newhall neighborhood of Santa Clarita, destroying several of those establishments early Monday morning.
The fire started around 3 a.m. at an autobody shop on Main Street, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The 3rd alarm fire quickly spread to the popular Newhall Refinery restaurant and a performing arts theater next door called The MAIN.
Officials say up to six businesses have possibly been impacted, including a clothing store and another restaurant, but the exactly extent of the damage has not been determined.
For hours, more than 100 hundred firefighters battled the stubborn blaze that cast an orange glow around the building and sent up thick smoke. The flames were still actively burning hours after it started.
Despite the widespread destruction, no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Historic Newhall businesses destroyed
The fire wiped out businesses that have been staples in the area for many years, even decades, and many community members were shocked and saddened to see the gutted storefronts after the firefight.
"The strip where these buildings are... is really the heart of Main Street, the heart of Old Town Newhall, our premiere arts and entertainment center," said Carrie Lujan with the City of Santa Clarita. "... So it's absolutely devastating to wake up and see that this has happened."
Those who owned those businesses surveyed the damage once the intense flames were extinguished.
"It was my dream and it's all our passion, all the hard work that we put into it... It feels like a bad dream," said Care Tucker, who owned a boutique that was destroyed.
Just down the street, an artist watched as years of her work were scorched.
When asked how much she was losing, Jane Mick said: "We're over 20,000. It's years of working on your art... it's sad."
Many business owners were left speechless as they watched a piece of Newhall's history disappear.
"This is a historical building that can't be replaced the same way and so it's just tragedy in so many ways," said Johnny Tucker.
In a post on Instagram, the Newhall Refinery said "we are heartbroken and still processing what has happened. We want to thank everyone for the prayers and support. We want to thank our community we love and adore Newhall and Santa Clarita. We want to thank the fire fighters and first responders who worked tirelessly to try to stop the fire."
