BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A fire in downtown Bakersfield claimed two businesses and damaged two others Saturday morning.
The Bakersfield Fire Department responded to the call for a structure fire at 600 Chester Avenue around 2 a.m. Saturday morning. Crews say Pallets for Days was "completely damaged" by the blaze and Tina's Marie's Downtown Cafe was damaged.
The three-alarm fire was put out by 4 a.m. and arson investigators were on scene.
Crews remained on scene till 11:40 a.m. and did not identify any other fire threat before leaving, according to BFD.
At about 11:59 a.m., crews were dispatched back to the same location for a second fire, that sparked near Tina Marie's Downtown Cafe, which destroyed the already-damaged business. Sensation Lingerie and Maria's Home Furnishings were damaged.
The "fire progression stopped at the Buena Vista Museum," which crews were able to rescue, according to BFD.
BFD said the fire does appear to be suspicious and "subjects" were reported to be seen running away from the area.
No injuries were reported, and a cause has not yet been determined.
Crews are still on scene and the area is closed off.
