Arlington small businesses destroyed in four-alarm fire

A four-alarm fire destroyed three small businesses in West Arlington on Monday evening. The blaze occurred in a commercial building located in the 2400 block of West Abram Street, involving Beirut Grill, Smash Toast, and Folklore Grove Bookstore.

More than 80 firefighters responded to the scene, including support from the Pantego Fire Department. The intensity of the fire caused the roof of the building to collapse, and crews eventually transitioned to defensive operations to prevent the flames from spreading to adjacent structures. While the contents of the building are considered a total loss, no civilian injuries were reported. One firefighter was treated at a hospital for smoke inhalation and is in stable condition.

The cause of the fire remains unknown.