Liquor Store Fire Likely Caused By Discarded Drug Paraphernalia

SANTA ROSA, CA — A structure fire early Wednesday that caused around $50,000 in damage to a Santa Rosa liquor store appeared to have been started by discarded drug paraphernalia, an official with the Santa Rosa Fire Department said.

The structure fire at CS Liquor in the Oliver's Market Shopping Center, 419 Stony Point Road was discovered around 12:31 a.m. Wednesday by the crew on Engine 2, SRFD Battalion Chief Jason Jenkins said.

According to the battalion chief, Engine 2 was returning from a different call when they smelled smoke in the area of Stony Point Road and West Third Street, and found a fire burning at the back of CS Liquor.

"Firefighters made access into the business and were able to keep the fire from spreading into the business," Jenkins said. "The fire did burn up an exterior wall, which required extensive overhaul."

Chainsaws were used to cut open the exterior wall, and fans were used to remove smoke from the business.

The building's electrical service panels were burned in the fire, so PG&E was called out.

"The fire was brought under control quickly, however crews remained on scene for nearly two hours overhauling and making sure the fire was completely extinguished," Jenkins said.

A total of 15 fire personnel responded to the blaze.

"The fire appears to have started by discarded drug paraphernalia," Jenkins said. "There was a small homeless encampment established in the enclosed exterior portion of the business."

There were no injuries related to the fire.