OCFA fire crews responded to a 3-alarm commercial fire this afternoon at 2:27 p.m. at the 1700 block of Kettering.
Firefighters have gone into a defensive mode, which means the fire is so large inside the building that the fire crews can only spray it with water at ground level and from aerial ladders.
The fire appears to have originated at a vacant building that once housed South Coast Baking, a producer of frozen cookie dough. They vacated that building in May of last year.
The fire was declared under control just past 7 p.m. this evening. There were no injuries reported, and the cause remains under investigation.
Now that we know the building was vacant one must wonder if perhaps transients had something to do with the fire. They often break into vacant bulidings to steal copper wires and anything valuable they can find.
The black smoke billowing from the fire could be seen from the 55 Freeway. The fire was a few blocks east of that freeway.
A “3-alarm fire” refers to the level of response required by the fire department, indicating a significant fire that necessitates a substantial number of resources and personnel. The size and severity of a 3-alarm commercial fire can vary, but it typically involves:
- Multiple fire engines and trucks: Usually, three or more fire engines, ladder trucks, and other specialized equipment.
- Extended firefighting efforts: The fire may spread across a large area, requiring prolonged efforts to control and extinguish.
- High risk to property and life: Such fires often pose a serious threat to buildings, occupants, and nearby structures.
The exact size can depend on factors like the building’s layout, materials involved, and the fire’s progression.
Irvine – Firefighters have gone into a defensive mode at a third alarm fire in a fully-involved commercial building. pic.twitter.com/eByZYWwQd8
— OCFA (@OCFireAuthority) April 12, 2025
As the building was vacant it is possible that any existing fire sprinklers were not working.
