Fire in Grand Terrace

GRAND TERRACE >> At approximately 6:04 a.m. on Friday, April 29, the San Bernardino County Fire Department (SBCFD) responded to several calls about a commercial structure fire at a three unit single story strip mall in Grand Terrace. County Fire Medic Engine 23 responded within a few minutes and requested additional units. Firefighters immediately began trying to extinguish the fire inside Julie's Party Supply Store and coordinating vertical ventilation on the roof. Samir Said, who works as a cashier at the Arco gas station adjacent to the strip mall said that he immediately called 911 after one of his customers reported smoke coming from the building next door. It took the firefighters approximately 40 minutes to extinguish the fire and thanks to their quick response some of the units inside the strip mall were saved. Barton Road and the north bound 215 off ramp were intermittently closed due to the firefighting activity. None of the firefighters or civilians were injured and the Fire Marshal is still investigating the cause of the fire. In total, seven ‪paramedic engines, three paramedic trucks, one paramedic squad, five chief officers, 37 firefighters, and one fire investigator responded to the scene. Agencies who assisted with the fire hailed from Colton, Loma Linda, and Riverside County. San Bernardino city fire also provided several units for station coverage. Owner Jason Greeley estimates that the fire caused $200,000 worth of damage to his business. Anna and Juan Pacheco were unable to estimate their total losses on the morning of the fire but said that they purchased $3,000 worth of pinatas the week before. According to one contract adjuster at the scene, the owner of the building lives in Washington State and did not have insurance on the building. The owners of Lowbrow Ink and Julie's Party Supply store were also without insurance.