February 28, 2008

Shortly after 9:00 p.m. Wednesday night, El Cajon fire crews responded to reports of a structure fire in the 700-block of East Main Street. Arriving crews found heavy smoke coming from the large one-story structure, said to be 98 Cent Discount store, and up-graded the call to a third alarm.

Due to the types of products in the store and heavy storage in the back of the 10-thousand square foot structure, fire crews went on the defensive, fighting the fire from the outside. For several hours three ladder trucks poured heavy streams of water onto the fire. About 50 firefighters from five fire agencies brought the fire at Allen's 98 Cents Discount Store under control. Throughout the evening heavy smoke could be seen from interstate 8 in El Cajon and at times flames could be seen shooting from the roof. East Main Street was closed between Roanoke Avenue and Mollison Avenue as firefighters fought the blaze.

One firefighter was taken to a hospital with a hand injury. No one was reported to be in the store at the time of the fire. The fire is now under investigation and firefighters will remain at the store well into Thursday morning dousing hot spots.

This fire is under investigation. Early damage estimates, including both structure and contents has been set at $2-million dollars. The fire was contained to the one business, while a nearby Law Mower shop and an RV and vehicle sales lot were not damaged.

Assisting El Cajon firefighters were fire crews from East County, La Mesa and Santee and from the San Miguel Fire District. The American Red Cross was also there to provide snacks and beverages for firefighters.