Manhattan Beach fire destroys shops
Investigators are seeking the cause of a five-alarm fire that destroyed five Manhattan Beach businesses early Tuesday.
The 2:30 a.m. blaze caused at least $1.7 million in structural damage to the shopping structure in the 1000 block of North Manhattan Avenue. The building had housed a grocery store before being converted to storefronts and restaurants.
Two well-known restaurants, El Sombrero and Old Venice, were destroyed. Also razed were Manhattan Beach 1-Hour Photo, Riley Arts gallery and framing shop, and Mona Boutique, a high-end clothing and accessories shop.
No one was injured.
Firefighters were alerted by a caller who reported smoke coming from the building.
By the time they arrived a few minutes later, the building was engulfed in flames.
The blaze was under control by 9:30 a.m., said Manhattan Beach Fire Department Battalion Chief Ken Shuck.
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