Fire Hits Santa Ana Industrial Building

A Santa Ana industrial fire that sent black smoke billowing thousands of feet into the air destroyed a metal awning firm and caused minor damage to another business, a Santa Ana fire official said Sunday.

The fire, which began inside the Pacific Awning Corp. building at 4020 W. Carriage Drive, was reported about 5:25 p.m., said Santa Ana Fire Department Battalion Chief John Chambers. The business was closed Sunday. No injuries were reported.

“We received a lot of calls on this, so the fire had a head start on us by the time we arrived,” Chambers said.

Giant Flames

The fire engulfed the 10,000-square-foot building, feeding giant flames that rose from the roof. More than 35 firefighters from Santa Ana and Fountain Valley battled the blaze for 45 minutes before bringing it under control, Chambers said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Chambers said that damage to the building will probably total more than $300,000 and that a more accurate estimate will be available once fire investigators complete their inquiry.

The fire also caused minor damage to the adjacent Art Up firm at 3000 S. Shannon St., near Harbor Boulevard and Segerstrom Avenue. No damage estimate was immediately available, however.

No Hazardous Materials

Chambers said that no hazardous materials were involved.

Police rerouted traffic near the area and also temporarily closed Segerstrom in both directions to help the firefighters in moving their equipment, Santa Ana Police Sgt. Joseph Esther said.

“We didn’t have any evacuations, but the black smoke attracted a lot of people to the area,” Esther said.

Segerstrom was reopened within half an hour.