A fire Friday night destroyed the Ridgemark Realty building that also housed a valuable collection of antiques.
The fire was reported at 8:48 p.m., and firefighters had it under control at 9:51 p.m., said Fire Chief Mike O’Connor.
He noted there were flames shooting from the building when fire crews first arrived. While looking over the rubble Saturday morning, the chief listed off some of the many valuables stored at Circa Architectural Antiques – in the back half of the building at 853 San Benito St. – destroyed in the blaze such as items from Hearst Castle.
Investigators believe the fire started in the deck area on the Circa Architectural Antiques side of the building, but are unsure of a cause. O’Connor said firefighters do not suspect arson and that he hopes to have a cause figured out by Monday.
He also pointed to eight residential units across the alley neighboring the office building from which occupants had to be evacuated. There was some heat damage to the outside of those buildings as well. Additionally, there were wires down during the blaze along the alleyway between the antique business and the homes, causing a delay in gaining optimal access to the fire, the chief said.
The local chapter of the American Red Cross was at the site Saturday assisting the residents in the aftermath, while authorities had hoped to have a closed block of San Benito Street reopened by noon Saturday.
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