Electrical fire closes west Modesto market
A west Modesto market closed Wednesday after an electrical fire inside the attic caused significant damage.
The blaze broke out at Alex and Sons Market at 515 Martin Luther King Drive at about 2:15 p.m.
The fire started in the attic, likely due to “wiring that was either not properly secured or electrical failure,” said Dustin Bruley, supervisor of the Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigation Unit.
Owner Mohamed Zokari said business had been ‘booming’ during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Something like this just to come out of nowhere definitely is a 180,” he said. “But we are being optimistic the insurance is working with us ... hopefully with time we will get everything back to where it was and even better.”
Zokari said he was told restrictions from the pandemic would cause delays in the permitting and inspection process and expects it could be seven to eight months before he can reopen.
Modesto Fire Department crews contained the fire to the attic but the damage there was extensive and is estimated to cost about $125,000.
This story was originally published May 14, 2020 at 9:45 AM.
