Thermal tire shop fire considered arson

Firefighters contained a fire at a used tire shop in Thermal early Wednesday morning at the northeast corner of Harrison Street and Airport Boulevard.

The fire was first reported at 1:44 a.m.

Firefighters arrived to find the 1,200 square foot single story commercial structure fully engulfed in flames, along with an estimated 100 tires next to the building.

Crews believe the fire started in a tire pile just north of the main building then spread to the shop.

The fire was contained at 2:47 a.m.

The California Highway Patrol shut down Harrison Street between Airport Boulevard and Avenue 55 while crews were working on the fire scene.

Crews said no injuries were reported. They were expected to remain on scene for a few hours mopping up.

Investigators had not released an official cause for the fire Wednesday morning, but the building owner said they believed the fire was arson-related.

She also said the building was a total loss and estimates the loss at over $100,000.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 News for updates.