[SPRING VALLEY, Mon Jan 26, 2:45 a.m.]
A third-alarm fire destroyed multiple businesses at a single-story strip mall early Monday morning in Spring Valley, leading to partial structural collapse and a defensive firefighting operation.
Fire crews were dispatched shortly before 2:45 a.m. to a commercial strip mall along Worthington Street. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions involving multiple units, with the fire extending into the roof area. As the incident progressed, sections of the building experienced structural failure, including a façade collapse and full roof collapse in the most heavily affected units.
Due to the collapse risk, crews transitioned from an interior attack to defensive operations. A furniture store on the far left of the complex and a dental office on the far right avoided major fire involvement but sustained significant water damage. Two parked vehicles near the building were also damaged.
San Miguel Fire and Rescue led the response, with fire companies from several surrounding jurisdictions assisting due to the scale of the incident. Sheriff’s deputies closed Paradise Valley Road in the area to support fire operations and public safety.
No injuries were reported. Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the fire or its exact point of origin.
