A massive three-alarm fire tore through a popular restaurant and several other businesses in Santa Clarita’s Newhall community early Monday morning, sending flames and heavy smoke through a commercial center in the area’s historic district.
Los Angeles County firefighters responded shortly before 3 a.m. to reports of a commercial building fire in the 24000 block of North Main Street in Old Town Newhall.
When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames coming from the roof of Newhall Refinery, a popular restaurant located in a strip mall at the corner of Main and Market streets. Firefighters also discovered that the flames had spread to The MAIN performing arts theater and an auto body shop located within the same commercial center.
The fire quickly escalated into a major emergency, eventually requiring more than 100 firefighters and defensive firefighting operations.
What Happened
Firefighters arrived at the commercial center after receiving reports of a large structure fire shortly before 3 a.m.
According to Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesperson Pauline McGee, crews determined that the fire originated at the auto body shop rather than the restaurant.
Firefighters initially attacked the flames directly, but conditions inside the structure deteriorated as the fire spread.
“Once they realized the conditions were getting progressively worse, they came out to go into defensive mode and fight the fire from outside,” McGee said.
She explained that firefighters were then positioned outside the structure, using aerial ladder trucks and ground crews to attack the flames.
“They’re fighting from the aerial ladders and also the ground,” McGee said.
More than 100 firefighters were ultimately sent to the scene as the blaze spread through the commercial center.
The fire was not limited to Newhall Refinery. Flames reached several other businesses in the same complex, raising concerns about the extent of the structural damage.
Several Businesses Damaged
The commercial center houses multiple businesses, including Newhall Refinery, The MAIN theater and an auto body shop.
As firefighters continued battling the flames, the fire spread to additional portions of the strip mall.
McGee told KTLA that the number of affected businesses had grown significantly as the incident developed.
“It’s up to between five and seven businesses that are on fire,” she said.
The spread of the fire created difficult conditions for firefighters, particularly because flames were moving through the connected commercial structures.
Video from the scene showed large flames rising from the building and smoke pouring into the sky above Old Town Newhall.
At least one section of the roof had collapsed by approximately 7 a.m., illustrating the severity of the damage and the structural instability firefighters were facing.
The extent of the damage to individual businesses was not immediately known.
Firefighters Shift to Defensive Operations
The decision to fight the blaze from outside was an important development in the response.
When firefighters encounter worsening structural conditions, defensive operations allow crews to attack the fire while reducing the risk of personnel being inside a potentially unstable building.
In this case, crews used aerial ladders and ground-based hose lines to direct water toward the burning structures.
The large number of firefighters required for the operation also reflected the size and complexity of the fire.
The three-alarm designation brought additional resources to the scene as the fire threatened multiple businesses within the commercial center.
What Authorities Are Saying
The Los Angeles County Fire Department said the fire originated at the auto body shop, although investigators have not yet determined what caused the blaze.
McGee said crews initially attempted to fight the fire from inside, but conditions eventually became too dangerous for that approach.
The department's response focused on containing the flames and preventing the fire from spreading even farther through the commercial center.
The presence of more than 100 firefighters allowed crews to operate multiple aerial ladders and ground lines while working to contain the blaze.
No immediate injuries were reported as of the latest update.
Officials have not said whether anyone was inside the affected businesses when the fire began or whether any evacuations were necessary in nearby areas.
Why It Matters
The fire struck a commercial area in Old Town Newhall’s historic district, meaning the damage could have consequences beyond a single restaurant.
Newhall Refinery was among the businesses directly affected, while other businesses in the same center also suffered damage.
A major fire involving several connected commercial properties can create prolonged disruptions even after the flames are extinguished. Businesses may need structural inspections, cleanup, repairs and insurance assessments before they can determine when or whether they can reopen.
The damage could also affect employees, customers and other businesses that rely on the commercial center.
For the local community, the loss of a popular restaurant and potential damage to neighboring establishments could represent a significant economic and cultural setback.
A Cautious View
Although the destruction appeared extensive, the full impact should not be assumed until fire officials and property representatives complete their assessments. The number of businesses affected was still being described as an estimate while the fire was active, and the condition of individual buildings had not been fully determined. Likewise, there was no immediate indication that the fire was intentionally set. The cause remained under investigation, so conclusions about what started the blaze would be premature.
No Immediate Injuries Reported
Despite the size of the fire and the number of businesses involved, there were no immediate reports of injuries.
That included firefighters and members of the public as of the latest information available.
The lack of reported injuries was notable given the intensity of the blaze and the structural damage observed at the scene.
Firefighters continued working for hours after the initial response, dealing with flames and unstable portions of the commercial center.
The roof collapse also created additional hazards for crews and likely contributed to the decision to maintain defensive firefighting operations.
Transportation Impact
Despite the major fire and firefighting operation in the area, Metrolink service was not interrupted.
That meant regional rail service continued operating even as emergency crews worked at the nearby commercial center.
Officials did not immediately report a broader transportation disruption associated with the fire.
Drivers traveling near the area could nevertheless encounter emergency vehicles, firefighting equipment and activity around the commercial center as crews continued operations.
What Happens Next
Firefighters are expected to remain at the scene while they fully extinguish remaining hot spots and ensure the damaged structures are safe.
Once the fire is under control, investigators will begin working to determine what caused the blaze.
Because the fire began at the auto body shop and subsequently spread to other businesses, investigators will need to examine the area of origin and surrounding structures for evidence that could help establish how the fire started.
The extent of the damage will also become clearer once firefighters and structural officials can safely access the affected buildings.
Business owners and property representatives are expected to assess losses and determine the next steps for cleanup, repairs and potential reopening.
What We Still Don't Know
- What caused the fire at the auto body shop where firefighters said the blaze originated.
- How many businesses were ultimately damaged, with officials initially estimating between five and seven were affected.
- The total cost of the damage to Newhall Refinery and the other businesses.
- Whether the affected businesses will be able to reopen and how long repairs could take.
- Whether anyone was inside the commercial center when the fire began.
- How long cleanup and investigation efforts will continue after the fire is fully extinguished.
For now, firefighters continue working to contain the aftermath of the massive blaze, while investigators begin the process of determining what caused the fire.
The incident remains a developing story, and additional information is expected as officials assess the damage and investigate the cause.