Alhambra Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at Main and Curtis in the City of Alhambra. Firefighters first on scene reported "active smoke" from a large one story commercial building housing a Chevrolet dealership, requesting a second alarm assignment.
Firefighters advancing handlines encountered heavy smoke from the center of the structure. Firefighters ventilating the roof were also encountering heavy smoke conditions from above. Flames and heavy fire started showing from the attic/truss area in front and firefighters were ordered off the roof and out of the building. Via Verdugo Dispatch a third alarm was called, bringing in a total of seven departments on scene including Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, El Monte and Monterey Park.
Units on scene then went to an exterior attack, knocking down the fire with several engine monitors, handlines and ladder pipes. Spectacular flames engulfed the front portion of the structure, eventually destroying two-thirds of the building including several autos inside. In a shower of sparks the roof eventually collapsed inwards, destroying the dealerships showroom. Firefighters also had to contend with an arching power line next to the involved building. Alhambra Police assisted Fire on scene with traffic and crowd control.
The fire was brought under control in an hour and a half and continued to smolder several hours later. Damage was extensive and estimated at 3 million dollars. There were no reported injuries, the cause of the late night blaze is under investigation.
