Flames tore through an abandoned Hesperia strip club Saturday night, prompting a massive response from local fire departments. The former gentleman's club on Bear Valley Road, a magnet for fires in recent years, caught ablaze shortly after 7 PM, according to a San Bernardino County Fire Department report.
Upon arrival, fire personnel found the structure's rear engulfed in flames. Initial attempts to curb the fire's rage were met with resistance as the blaze spread rapidly, pushing firefighters to switch to a defensive attack, laying out multiple hose lines, and utilizing an aerial stream to quell the fire.
Entry proved difficult, as the firefighting teams had to cut their way through plywood barricades to access the blaze. Despite these hindrances, the fire was eventually reined in. The building was searched, revealing no trapped individuals within its charred confines. No injuries to fire personnel were reported.
The County Fire Department rolled out with three engines, a truck, and chiefs, bolstered by additional muscle from Victorville's two engines. Meanwhile, the fire demanded the call-up of move-up engines for station coverage, ensuring that the shroud of smoke would not spread over the surrounding community.
The cause of the fire was still under investigation by the Fire Marshal's office. Captain Jeremy Kern, Public Information Officer, was the point of contact for information, as noted in the department's official statement.
