Blaze Destroys Dollar Store In El Cajon, California

Feb. 28, 2008
When firefighters arrived at Allen's 98-Cent Store flames were shooting out the roof.

EL CAJON, Calif. --

A three-alarm fire broke out in a discount store shortly before 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, officials said.

View Images | Watch Video

When firefighters arrived at Allen's 98-Cent Store in the 700 block of Main Street, flames were shooting out the roof. They entered the store but had to pull out because of concerns that the building would collapse, NBC 7/39 reported.

It took about 50 firefighters from four different fire agencies to bring the blaze under control.

One firefighter suffered a hand injury and was taken to a local hospital. Fire officials said Thursday morning that the firefighter was not seriously hurt.

Police closed Main Street to traffic overnight. Fire crews remained at the scene through the morning to put out hot spots. Officials estimated the damage to the building and its contents at about $2 million.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!