Nine Businesses Destroyed in Arizona Strip Mall Fire
Source East Valley Tribune, Mesa, Ariz.
Mesa fire officials are continuing to investigate the cause of a fire that destroyed nine of 10 business inside the Granite Reef Plaza on Sunday afternoon, causing about 60 firefighters to battle heavy winds and be on the scene for nearly 10 hours.
The fire broke out in the plaza at 6350 E. Main St. between Recker and Power roads about 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, causing the evacuation of homes in the nearby neighborhood and requiring firefighters from at least two jurisdictions to fight the blaze, according to Mesa fire Capt. Loran Allen.
The plaza was home to an Ace Flooring store, Abel Clock Co., Next Generation Worship Centers and 64th Street Auto Repair and Mesa Academy of Pet Grooming among other businesses.
Gold Rush Coin and Watch was the only business in the plaza that was not affected and remains open, according to a man who answered the phone on Monday.
No one was injured in the fire, but a Mesa police officer was treated for smoke inhalation at a nearby hospital, Allen said.
The fire spread into the attic and flames made their way to other businesses as heavy winds accelerated the situation, Allen said.
"The winds definitely were a factor in accelerating the fire," Allen said. "During heavy winds, a brush fire is not as bad as a structure fire during windy conditions, but on this one, it became a factor. The thing to do during these conditions is to get as many men possible and as much water possible on the fire. It looks like it's going to have to be a total rebuild."
Copyright 2012 - East Valley Tribune, Mesa, Ariz.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
