SAN GABRIEL >> A massive, three-alarm fire destroyed three business Thursday night and injured two firefighters, authorities said.
The fire caused an estimated $2 million worth of damage, San Gabriel Fire Department Division Chief Bryan Frieders. The damage to the building was estimated at $1.5 million, and the damage to the contents was valued at $500,000.
The heat and intensity of the flames forced firefighters to take a defensive stance around the blaze, dousing it with water from the perimeter, Frieders said.
“The fire was burning so hot, it wasn’t worth risking lives,” he said.
At one point during the lengthy fire, the roof of the building collapsed, Frieders said. Fortunately, no firefighters were on top of it.
Division Chief Derrick Doehler said investigators don’t believe the fire was arson, but the cause of the fire hasn’t been determined.
The fire broke out at 7:22 p.m. either behind or inside a cell phone store in the 200 block of South San Gabriel Boulevard, he said.
The wireless store was in a building that also had a gift shop-bookstore and a third business.
In addition to the building, one car parked nearby was destroyed and at least one other was damaged, Frieders said.
Doehler said two firefighters sustained moderate injuries while fighting the flames but didn’t say what kind of injuries. Both firefighters were treated at a hospital and released, he added.
“One came back on duty at his request. One went home,” Doehler said.
No other injuries were reported, authorities said.
About 80 fire personnel fought the fire which was knocked down a little more than three hours after it ignited.
Fire departments from Pasadena, Los Angeles County, Alhambra, Monterey Park, San Marino, Arcadia and Glendale assisted San Gabriel Fire Department with the incident.
On Friday morning, Doehler said city employees were at the scene clearing the street.

– By Brian Day and Ruby Gonzales

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