Updated: Fire Destroys San Marino Business, Locals React

Updated 10:45 a.m.

A non-injury fire raged at Masters Realty in the 2500 block of Huntington Drive for almost three hours Friday morning before a knockdown was declared, City News Service reported.

See photos and video of the fire damage here.

The cause is still under investigation but will likely be known by the end of the day, Captain Mark Phillips told Patch at the scene Friday around 9:30 a.m.

“I don’t know if it’s accidental or intentional yet,” said Phillips. “We never rule it out till the very end.”

Two investigators were at the scene of the fire aftermath Friday morning and Phillips said another investigator will also be involved.

Phillips said it was a “miracle” that firefighters stopped the fire from going to adjoining businesses, given the amount of combustible material and the intensity of the fire.

“Normally when we have a fire and it’s in its growth stage … we can go in and knock it out but when it’s so involved the guys are going to get burned,” said Phillips. “It was basically already going when they got here.

Employee Reaction

Employees from Masters Realty and nearby businesses were also at the scene after the fire was extinguished Friday morning.

“We’re all shocked,” a Masters Realty employee who had worked at the office for 15 years told Patch. She and other employees declined to comment further.

Paul Argueta, CEO of on Huntington Drive, felt bad and came to see the fire aftermath Friday morning.

“It’s always a sad thing because we can relate on a human level with losing a business,” said Argueta, who added that he will think a lot more about fire safety and preparedness for his office.

Firefighters believe the fire may have originated from the left of the center of the building because of the way the burn patterns are and the science involved, said Phillips.

Check back on Patch for updates to this story.

Earlier:

A non-injury fire raged at Masters Realty in the 2500 block of Huntington Drive for almost three hours Friday morning before a knockdown was declared, City News Service reported.

“Upon arrival, Engine 91 found heavy fire and smoke rolling out from the front windows of Masters Realty,” said in an incident report. “Immediately, a second alarm was called and an aggressive attack of the fire began."

The extreme fire conditions inside the building kept firefighters from advancing any further into the structure so two additional alarms were called. 

“Due to the effective actions of all firefighters on scene, the fire was contained to the occupancy of origin thus preventing any losses to the adjacent businesses,” said Frawley.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Fire Facts:

• Time Fire Reported: 1:11 a.m.
• Time to Control Fire: 2 hours, 47 minutes
• Injuries: None
• Estimated Structure Damage: $1.5 million
• Estimated Contents Damage: $500,000
• Firefighters on the scene: 68
• Fire Departments involved: San Gabriel, Alhambra, LA County, Arcadia, Glendale, Pasadena, South Pasadena and Monterey Park

Did you see the fire when it was happening? How would you describe it? Tell us in the comments below. If you have photos of the fire, upload them directly to this article.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said the fire took place on Thursday. Patch regrets the error.