Fire burns Santa Ana building, stalls traffic - Excalibur Public Adjusters

The fire was reported early Tuesday morning at 1225 W. 17th St., near Bristol Street, authorities said.

SANTA ANA – A defective neon sign is believed to have caused a fire at a commercial building early Tuesday morning that resulted in $90,000 in damage, authorities said.

The fire was reported about 3:30 a.m. when passersby noticed fire coming from windows on the second floor of the building, 1225 W. 17th St., near Bristol Street, said Capt. Marc Stone of the Orange County Fire Authority.

Arriving firefighters found flames shooting out of the end suite and called for additional firefighters before the fire began to spread to other suites, Stone said.

The fire was knocked down in about 30 minutes with the help of about 45 firefighters, Stone said. No injuries were reported.

“The firefighters made a quick aggressive attack to prevent further damages to the businesses,” Stone said.

The blaze shut down traffic in both directions at 17th and Baker streets until about 6:30 a.m., Santa Ana police Sgt. Richard Gatto said. Patrol units were sent to control traffic.

Fire investigators believe a neon sign may have caused the fire, which destroyed one suite and damaged several others, Stone said.

By DENISSE SALAZAR / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Contact the writer: 714-704-3709 ordesalazar@ocregister.com