An early morning fire broke out around 1:00 am this morning at 335 NE Dekalb Avenue, El Sancho’s Taco Shop East. Reporting witnesses stated they saw flames coming from the West side of the restaurant, on the alley side. The fire originated on the East side of the building, and spread up and into the attic. Fire crews were able to extinguish the fire within 30 mins. The estimated building loss to El Sancho’s is $180,000, and contents estimated at $75,000-$85,000. Several cars from the adjacent car dealership, Auto Kings, also sustained damage from the radiant heat 20 feet away. No information on loss for those vehicles.
Cause of the fire at Sancho’s was ruled accidental, caused by improperly disposed ashes from outdoor cooking operations. Safety reminder, as Summer approaches and days get hotter and dryer, please pay extra attention to ashes from any type of wood burning fires, stoves, campfires, etc. The dry, hot climate can extend how long the ashes stay warm for.
