Newhall three-alarm fire destroys several businesses in Santa Clarita

Firefighters in Santa Clarita battled a three-alarm fire that damaged several businesses in the Old Town Newhall area on Monday morning.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department said crews arrived on the 24000 block of Main Street around 2:55 a.m. They found a one-story commercial building with smoke and fire showing from the roof. 

The blaze was quickly upgraded to a three-alarm fire, which is classified as a major emergency that requires a high level of response. Flames spread from the initial building and damaged six others, fire officials said. Over 100 firefighters were dispatched to fight the fire. 

Later Monday, LACoFD officials said that "due to the extensive damage and size of the affected area, Fire Department personnel are assisting Arson and Explosives Detail Investigators with the excavation of the scene" so they can thoroughly identify the origin of the fire. 

Newhall Refinery, a business that was affected by the fire, wrote a statement on Instagram saying they were "still processing what has happened and waiting to fully understand the extent of the damage."

"Since the news broke, we have received an overwhelming number of calls, messages, prayers, and offers of support from our guests, friends, fellow business owners, and members of this wonderful community," the post said. 

Main Street, Sixth Street, Eighth Street, Railroad Avenue and Newhall Avenue were closed for hours due to the ongoing incident. Drivers were temporarily urged to use alternate routes and avoid the area.  

There are no reports of any injuries, but in all, seven businesses were destroyed. Along with the Newhall Refinery and Care Tucker Boutique, city officials said the MAIN Theatre was also destroyed. 

"I think this part is heartbreaking for both of us to see this, like it doesn't feel real," said Care Tucker. "Feels like a bad dream."