The Santa Maria Fire Marshal has officially declared the Santa Maria Supply building a total loss after a Saturday‑early‑morning fire devastated the property. Emergency crews responded to a report of flames at the corner of Blosser Road and Boone Street at approximately 3:30 a.m., finding the hardware store – which also sold home‑improvement and gardening items – engulfed in smoke and heat.
Firefighters Respond and One Injured
Firefighters from the Santa Maria Fire Department arrived quickly and worked to contain the blaze. One firefighter sustained injuries while battling the fire and was transported to Marian Medical Center for treatment. No other injuries were reported among the public or other first‑responders.
Investigation Ongoing, Damage Extensive
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, officials said the blaze heavily damaged the building’s storage area. The fire was eventually brought under control, but the extent of the destruction led the fire marshal to declare the structure a total loss and unsafe for occupancy.
Impact on the Community
Santa Maria Supply has been a local fixture for hardware, home‑improvement, and gardening supplies. Its loss removes a convenient resource for residents and small‑business owners who rely on the store for everyday projects. The city’s public‑safety officials emphasized that the declaration of total loss is a precautionary measure to protect the public from potential hazards such as structural collapse.
Next Steps for the Property
The fire marshal’s declaration means the building will require demolition or extensive reconstruction before any future use. City officials have not yet announced a timeline for cleanup or potential redevelopment of the site. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official city communications as more details become available.
Community Resources
Anyone seeking alternative hardware or home‑improvement supplies in the meantime can visit nearby retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, or local independent stores. The Santa Maria Fire Department continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.
For further information, please follow the Santa Maria Fire Marshal’s announcements or contact the city’s public‑information office.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
