Newhall fire destroys historic business complex in California

A major fire destroyed a historic business complex in the Old Town Newhall area of Santa Clarita, California, early Monday morning. The blaze, which triggered a third alarm, consumed a century-old structure housing several community landmarks.

Among the businesses destroyed were the Newhall Refinery restaurant and The MAIN Theatre, as well as an automotive body shop. Firefighters responded to the 24000 block of North Main Street around 3:00 a.m. Due to the intensity of the flames and the risk of structural collapse, crews eventually transitioned to a defensive strategy, using aerial ladders and ground equipment to surround and contain the fire to protect adjacent buildings.

More than 110 firefighters and 58 pieces of apparatus were deployed to the scene. While one individual was transported to a hospital several hours after the initial report, officials stated the person was not believed to have been injured by the fire itself. Investigators and a hazardous materials team were called to the site to manage the aftermath and determine the cause of the blaze. Metrolink services in the area remained unaffected.