Michael Satterfield
UPDATE: According to an email from Sergeant Jeff Higbee of the Ontario Police Department on May, 17, 2016 .
“After speaking with the arson investigator with regard to the cause of the fire, the business with the Marijuana grow had nothing to do with the fire. [The Cause is] undetermined at this time.”
On Sunday May 1st, a fire broke out on Granite Ave in Ontario, California . While the cause of the fire is still under investigation some new revelations have shed light on what might have sparked the blaze. According to the fire investigators, the main electrical power panels that supplied the entire building were the like source of the fire. International Vehicle Importers was on one side of the building and M&D Towing until recently was on the other. The new tenant was hardly seen and the nature of their business was unknown even though it seemed to be busy.
Evidence now suggests that it was an unlicensed Marijuana grow operation and one possible scenario is that that they overloaded the main power breakers, sparking the fire. With the panel being on the side of the building where International Vehicle Importers was located, that side of the building sustained the bulk of the damage.
The property receipt from the Ontario Police Department shows (see below) that over 300 plants were seized as evidence and beyond that the department has yet to respond to questions other than stating that it is a open investigation.
Cars lost in the fire:
1 : 1990 Skyline 4DR,GTS-T, white, (impul),
2 : 1990 Skyline 4DR,GTS-T,Blue(TH1),
3 : 1990 Skyline 4DR,GTS-4,
4 : 1989 Cefiro
5 : 1989 Skyline GT-R, KH2,
6 : 1989 Soarer
7 : 1990 Skyline GT-R, (NISMO)
8 : 2000 Skyline GT-R (R34 Race car)
9 : 1989 Skyline GT-R, KH2, ( R34 wheel),
10 : 1994 Eunos/Mazda Cosmo
11 : 1990 Skyline GT-R, KH2,
12 : 1990 Skyline GT-R, KH2,
In addition to the cars the fire also cost the owners their dogs, three motorhomes, several motorcycles, countless parts, and business related documents and equipment. International Vehicle Importers still has a location in Long Beach and has new cars arriving, while they do have insurance it is a major setback to the company and the automotive community.
In a statement posted on the company’s Facebook page owner Sean Morris said “We were insured, but it doesn’t make anything easier. Along with business items, the dogs, and some spare parts, we also had some personal items that were being stored at the warehouse. Thank you for all the support out there. You all know who you are. We had tons of people volunteer to help.”
To check out their current inventory you can visit their site HERE.
