San Diego
The fire that destroyed the Farmers Bazaar and the century-old building that housed it was started by an “electrical problem,” Sgt. Frank Barone from the Metro Arson Strike Team said Wednesday. Investigators believe the fire erupted in the arcade room on the mezzanine level, he added.
Although investigators are uncertain what caused the electrical problem, Barone said witnesses told investigators the building was plagued by problems with the electrical system that led to power outages and tripped switches. There are no plans to file criminal charges in the incident, he said.
The Farmers Bazaar burned down last week in a four-alarm fire battled by about 120 firefighters, who struggled with the flames for two hours. The bazaar was a downtown produce emporium of common and exotic vegetables, situated near L Street and 7th Avenue. The building also included a barber shop, fish market and restaurants.
No injuries were reported among the estimated 200 shopkeepers and 50 employees inside at the time. But four firefighters suffered minor injuries in fighting the fire.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
