VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) – Crews battled a large fire raging in a restaurant and nearby buildings in downtown Visalia on Sunday afternoon.
The fire broke out in a garbage can near the Mexican restaurant Alejandra shortly before 4:30 a.m. Sunday afternoon.
It then quickly spread to the roofs of many buildings in the Main and Floral area.
Video from the scene shows huge flames rising from the roof of the building, emitting thick gray streams of smoke, which could be seen from a few miles on our sky camera at Kaweah Health Medical Center.
Firefighters from a number of agencies came to the aid of Visalia Fire, including those from the Tulare County Fire Department and CAL FIRE.
Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar said the source of the fire was suspicious. Visalia police and firefighters are working together to investigate the cause.
Authorities said three businesses were affected by the blaze – a jewelry store, a restaurant for Jimmy John and Alejandra. No one was injured.
Firefighters worked all Sunday night to control the fire and protect the Visalia Fox Theater, as well as other buildings in the city center.
Visalia Mayor Steve Nelson said the city would do everything possible to help the business reopen.
“One thing about the center of the Visalians – we are very resilient. We will come together … and when they reopen, we will show the support and love they have in the community.”
Some of Alejandra’s employees were still shocked when Action News spoke to them. They say they fled the building when they saw smoke.
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