Massive fire rips through commercial complex, destroying several historic Newhall businesses

Massive fire rips through commercial complex, destroying several historic Newhall businesses By David González , Sid Garcia , and Abigail Velez Tuesday, August 25, 2026 6:33AM A massive fire ripped through a business complex in the Newhall neighborhood of Santa Clarita, destroying several of those establishments early Monday morning. NEWHALL, SANTA CLARITA (KABC) -- A massive fire ripped through a business complex in the Newhall neighborhood of Santa Clarita, destroying several of those establishments early Monday morning.

The fire started around 3 a.m. Initial reports from Los Angeles County suggested the blaze may have started at an auto body shop. However, county officials later said the origin of the fire remains under investigation.

The 3rd alarm fire quickly spread to the popular Newhall Refinery restaurant and a performing arts theater next door called The MAIN.

Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesperson Pauline McGee said investigators have not yet determined what caused the fire.

"It's not known what was the cause of the fire," she said. "It's a tragic situation that happened with the all of these businesses burning down and people lost their jobs."

Newhall Refinery restaurant employee Felix Salgado said the loss was difficult to process.

"Look at this," he said as he pointed to the destruction. "It's gone now."

A GoFundMe has been created to help rebuild the restaurant .

Officials say up to six businesses have possibly been impacted, including a clothing store and another restaurant.

For hours, more than 100 firefighters battled the stubborn blaze that cast an orange glow around the building and sent up thick smoke. The flames were still actively burning hours after it started.

Despite the widespread destruction, no injuries were reported.

The fire wiped out businesses that have been staples in the area for many years, even decades, and many community members were shocked and saddened to see the gutted storefronts after the firefight.

"This strip where these buildings are that are still burning... is really the heart of Main Street, the heart of Old Town Newhall. Our premier arts and entertainment center," Carrie Lujan with the city of Santa Clarita said. "On Thursday night, we had our SENSES Block Party right in front of these buildings. We had an art reception in The Main, which is now destroyed. We have theater companies that were looking forward to having their productions there. So it's absolutely devastating to wake up and see this has happened."

Those who owned those businesses surveyed the damage once the intense flames were extinguished.

"All the memories. All the things we did. All the plans we still had, and it's like... it's hard," said Johnny Tucker, who co-owned a boutique that was destroyed, Care Tucker Style House.

"It was my dream, and it's all our passion, all the hard work that we put into it... It feels like a bad dream," said Care Tucker of Care Tucker Style House. "I feel numb."

Just down the street, an artist watched as years of her work were scorched.

When asked how much she was losing, Jane Mick said: "We're over 20,000. It's years of working on your art... it's sad."

Many business owners were left speechless as they watched a piece of Newhall's history disappear.

"This is a historical building that can't be replaced the same way, and so it's just tragedy in so many ways," said Johnny Tucker.

In a post on Instagram , the Newhall Refinery said, "We are heartbroken and still processing what has happened. We want to thank everyone for the prayers and support. We want to thank our community; we love and adore Newhall and Santa Clarita. We want to thank the firefighters and first responders who worked tirelessly to try to stop the fire."

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: ABC7 Los Angeles. Open at source →