Crazy Horse Saloon Reopens After Fire

The Crazy Horse Steak House in Santa Ana was preparing to reopen for business Thursday following Wednesday’s fire that scorched a sign in front of the building but did not damage its interior, according to Fred Reiser, vice president of operations at the Crazy Horse.

“We’re cleaning it up and plan to be open at 5 p.m. for dinner,” Reiser said Thursday. “There was damage to the sign and to the exterior of the building. We’re taking care of that. Otherwise, we’re in good shape.”

Damage was estimated at $30,000, according to Battalion Chief Mike Ferguson of the Santa Ana Fire Dept. He said the fire was started by an electrical short from a neon sign on the roof that was pounded into the building by heavy wind. The fire began at 2:30 p.m., as about 25 customers ate in the restaurant. They were evacuated, and the fire was put out in about 20 minutes, Ferguson said.

With a 250-seat theater and a separate, 200-seat dining room, the Crazy Horse has been Orange County’s primary country music nightclub, featuring such artists as Ray Charles, Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson.