Murrieta Three Story Commercial Office Building under construction Destroyed in Monday Evening Blaze

 IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Murrieta—A three story office building under construction in Historic Downtown Murrieta was destroyed by a two-alarm fire early Monday evening, despite the quick response of Murrieta firefighters. The building, located at the southwest corner of Kalmia and Washington Streets in Historic Downtown, was in the advanced stage of framing, and was approximately 14,500 square foot in size.  Firefighters arrived on scene at 8:02 to find the building fully engulfed in flames.  Knockdown of the fire occurred within thirty minutes, with firefighters remaining on scene throughout the night to prevent the fire from rekindling.  Nineteen Murrieta firefighters were aided by two CAL-FIRE engine companies, with a third CAL-FIRE engine assisting by covering the rest of the City while Murrieta firefighters battled the flames.

Ten nearby commercial, office and residential structures were briefly threatened however firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings, resulting in approximately $1.5 million in property value saved.  The building under construction was a total loss, estimated at $2.8 million. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation.  There were no injuries reported with this incident.  If anyone has information regarding this fire, please contact the Murrieta Fire Department Fire Investigative Bureau at (951) 304-3473.  

Photo courtesy of Murrieta Battalion Chief Pat Jennings