Greenfield mourns loss of popular pizza shop after fire, arson ruled out
GREENFIELD, Calif. (KION-TV) UPDATE March 2, 2022 at 6:12 p.m. -- A devastating fire burned down a popular pizza restaurant in Greenfield on Feb. 9 and the Greenfield Fire Department has ruled out arson as a possible cause.
ORIGINAL STORY
Early Wednesday morning, California Gourmet Pizza went up in flames. Local firefighters were able to save what they could but the fire left major damages. A total loss for the community.
READ MORE: ‘Iconic’ Greenfield pizzeria lost in fire
"I was crying on my way, just praying nothing happened," the manager at California Gourmet Pizza, Lorena Ramirez said. Ramirez has a total of five kids who have all worked for the restaurant at some point. She and her daughter Celine are both current employees.
When she arrived on to the scene Ramirez said she witnessed smoke pouring through the sides of the building. She initially thought that the damage would be minor, until flames began ripping up the roof.
She watched in shock as the pizza shop turned to rubble and ash right in front of her. March was meant to mark her 26 year work anniversary.
"We would come in here and it would feel like home," Ramirez's daughter, Celine Leon said who had been going to the restaurant since she was 6 months old.
"I just keep thinking back at all the birthday parties my mom threw for us," Leon said "We just have so many pictures growing up here. It’s all gone, basically."
Leon is in her last year of college. She said she's worried about her next steps. Leon said this job worked with her schedule while she was going to school full-time. She said she doesn't know if another job will be as accommodating.
Ramirez and Leon said they are thankful for the community support.
“I just want to thank everyone who is getting a hold of me, texting me since the morning. Calling me, making sure that everyone is okay," Ramirez said. "I just wish that the owner can rebuild the place because I don’t think we can keep going without our pizza place.”
The cause of this fire is still under investigation.
