A catastrophic fire erupted on Airway Road in Riverside early Sunday morning, causing extensive damage to several local businesses. Emergency services were alerted a little after 5 a.m. and were quick to respond, combating the inferno for hours before bringing it under control around noon. Fortunately, despite the considerable damage, no lives were lost in the incident. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
In a heartwarming show of solidarity, local community members are rallying to offer assistance to the businesses affected. The fire’s discovery initially came from a burglary alarm. Emergency services arriving at the site found the likes of the Las Margaritas Mexican Bar and Grill severely affected. The sight of the area blanketed by smoke and the loss of long-standing structures was a stark reminder of the potential devastation of fires in urban areas.
Riverside Fire Chief, Mark Miller, described the damage as disconcerting, graphically detailing the scene of destruction left behind by the flames.
Riverside community supports fire-stricken businesses
Chief Miller’s account underscored the severity of the situation as well as the daunting recovery process that lies ahead.
In the wake of the disaster, businesses took to social media to express their distress. Las Margaritas posted a heartfelt statement about the damage they’d sustained. Local residents echoed their sentiments, voicing dismay and disappointment over the unfortunate incident.
The Riverside Area Chamber of Commerce reported Dollar General and Pita n More as majorly damaged, but projected another business, despite damage from smoke and water, should resume operations soon. Meanwhile, residents are urged to avoid the affected area to enable cleanup and safety checks. Though the damage is significant, it’s a relief that there were no human casualties.
The investigation into the fire is ongoing. Fire Chief Miller suggests the building’s design could have contributed to the fire’s rapid spread, resulting in the need for backup from nearby fire departments. After the fire, a safe was retrieved from the remnants of the Dollar General building before it was boarded up. As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful for quick recovery and restoration of the affected businesses.
