Large Christmas Day Fires Strike Stanton, Anaheim

Two large fires struck the county on Christmas Day, burning a big industrial complex in Stanton and a vacant commercial building in Anaheim. No one was injured.

Damage estimates were unavailable Friday, and both fires remained under investigation.

Cardboard and hay outside the industrial complex at 8380 Cerritos Avenue in Stanton kept the blaze going for several hours Friday night. Firefighters dumped water on the flames from rooftops and ladders as well as from the ground.

Flames erupted at about 6:15 p.m.

The fire was under control but fire officials said it might burn for several hours more. Fire officials also said they were not sure Friday night whether the buildings were burned or just the fenced-in storage area of the complex.

More than 11 engines and dozens of firefighters responded to the fire.

Flames destroyed a building that once housed a Builder’s Emporium store at 2144 W. Lincoln Blvd., said Anaheim Division Chief Steve Magilocco.

“There is a high possibility (the fire) was caused by transients,” Magilocco said. He added that “from time to time” other fires have been reported at the same address.

When firefighters arrived at about 5 a.m., the second floor and the roof of the 25,000-square-foot building were fully engulfed.

More than 35 firefighters and six fire engines responded to the Anaheim blaze.