Multiple Hollister businesses damaged in structure fire

HOLLISTER, Calif. (KION) UPDATED 7/13/20 6:45 P.M. Five businesses were destroyed in the fire on San Benito Street, including a salon, check cashing business, flower shop, insurance office and printing shop.

Fire investigators completed their initial investigation Monday afternoon but couldn’t release the cause at this time. They said the fire likely started somewhere near the salon or check cashing business and quickly spread into the attic of the building.

Fire Marshal Charlie Bedolla said high winds drove the fire and made the firefight difficult, along with the heat and the fact that the road was blocked off at the time for outdoor dining.

He said four firefighters suffered from heat exhaustion while battling the flames and some were taken to the hospital. They are all doing okay now.

Firefighters were able to salvage some boxes and drawers. In some of the containers, the contents were destroyed, but in others, priceless items like photographs were saved.

Bedolla said the building will be turned over the the property and business owners once safe. The findings of the investigation will be released after an insurance investigation is complete.

UPDATED 7/13/20 10:30 A.M. A Hollister building is left damaged Monday after a fire over the weekend.

Business owners are devastated after the fire multiple businesses on San Benito Street.

Crews were still investigating the fire Monday morning.

KION's Elisha Machado will have a report with the latest details on the fire and concerns from business owners on KION News at 5 and 6 p.m.

UPDATED 5:43 A.M. Several businesses were damaged in a structure fire on San Benito Street in Hollister Sunday afternoon.

A video shared with us by viewer Guy Betancourt shows heavy clouds of smoke billowing from the roof of the building.

Multiple fire departments responded to help put the blaze out.

We're told the fire is out now, but Hollister Mayor Ignacio Velasquez said multiple businesses were damaged in the fire.

Fire crews on scene said because the pandemic shut down many businesses on San Benito Street, no customers or workers were inside.

Four firemen sustained non life-threatening injuries and were treated and released from a hospital, according to officials.

Crews spent the night and this morning monitoring hot spots.

Hollister Battalion Chief, Phil Rossi said an investigation crew is expected later this morning.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Hollister Fire dispatch confirms fire crews are battling a structure fire on San Benito Street.

KION viewers on scene sent us photos which show firefighters spraying down the building which has plumes of smoke rising from the roof.

It's unclear yet what caused the fire.

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.