3am Fire Destroys Martinez Car Dealership

At 3:16 am fire crews from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District responded to a reported commercial structure fire at 2540 Pacheco Blvd. in Martinez. Initial 911 reports included several callers stating flames were shooting through the roof of the building with several vehicles on fire adjacent to the structure. Upon arrival, less than 7 minutes later, Engine 14 from Martinez reported a single story commercial structure car dealership well involved with several vehicles also burning inside and adjacent to the building. A 2nd alarm was immediately requested by Engine 14.

Defensive exterior operations commenced to protect exposures and limit the fire spread to additional structures and vehicles. Additional crews arrived from Martinez, Pacheco, Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, and Bay Point as part of the two-alarm response that included approximately 35 firefighters from 7 engines and 3 ladder trucks. Two fire investigators and a public information officer were also summoned to the scene.

Fire attack efforts were hampered by an energized electrical line that fell in front of the building, creating an area unsafe for fire crews to operate in. The fire was declared under control at 4:04 am, but crews remained on scene for several hours overhauling the structure and burned vehicles. The fire was contained to the structure of origin and no other structures were damaged. Two occupants of the building, living in an apartment in the back of the structure, were able to escape the fire prior to our arrival. A working smoke alarm was installed and recently tested within the apartment.

The cause of the fire was attributed to unattended cooking, a pot left on the stove, in the apartment unit. The occupants stated they were cooking and fell asleep, leaving the water to evaporate in the pot and the contents to eventually ignite. The pot was retrieved by fire investigators and the burner was confirmed to be in the “on” position.

No injuries were reported. The building was a total loss, including 6 vehicles.

Kitchen fires and unattended cooking account for more fires in structures than any other cause throughout the Fire District, and are the leading cause of structure fires nationwide. The Fire District reminds everyone to take precautions when cooking, never leave cooking unattended, and to install and maintain smoke alarms in your home.

Media Contact:
Inspector George Laing
(925) 941-3305

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