Third-alarm fire burns clothing store
No arson is suspected in a third-alarm structure fire that occurred Wednesday morning at the shoe and clothing shop, Zapatos Y Ropa, located at 101 E. First St.
The store was unoccupied and closed at the time. Two Calexico firefighters sustained minor injuries while battling the fire, although both were treated and released shortly after.
No other injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported, Calexico Fire Department Chief Diego Favila confirmed Friday.
The fire remains under investigation, Favila said.
Firefighters attempted to salvage as many items as possible from inside the store, which was full of merchandise.
The cost of damage to the building, as well as to merchandise inside, from fire and water damage had yet to be determined as of Friday.
The fire was reported to 911 at 10:50 a.m. Wednesday.
At 11:11 a.m., the fire was escalated to a second alarm. Shortly after, a third alarm was initiated.
The store is located at the corner of Paulin Avenue and First Street next to the Greyhound bus station.
While the fire was contained to the single building, the entire block was evacuated as a safety precaution.
Due to the heavy smoke of the fire, CFD gave a warning to the west port of entry’s pedestrian secondary area for a possible evacuation; however, the evacuation proved unnecessary.
The store itself sustained heavy structural damage.
Firefighters spent about three hours on scene before clearing the area.
El Centro, Imperial County, Brawley, Holtville and Naval Air Facility El Centro fire departments provided mutual aid during the incident.