The early hours of Monday morning brought devastation to Old Town Newhall as a fierce fire tore through a row of businesses along Main Street. The blaze, which began just before 3 a.m., quickly engulfed several commercial buildings, including the beloved Newhall Refinery restaurant and the historic MAIN performing arts theatre. Firefighters battled the inferno for hours, ultimately bringing it under control by around 8 a.m.
The fire, which originated at Gary’s Auto Collision Center, spread rapidly due to the close proximity of the buildings. Among the structures severely damaged were Caring Quality Dental, the Care Tucker Style House clothing store, and the former El Trocadero Mexican restaurant. The loss of these businesses has left a significant void in the heart of Santa Clarita’s historic district.
The fire’s rapid spread and firefighting efforts
The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded swiftly to the blaze, escalating their response to a third alarm as the fire grew in intensity. Over 100 firefighters were dispatched to the scene, employing a “surround and drown” strategy to contain the flames. Aerial ladder trucks were used to douse the fire from above, while crews on the ground worked to protect nearby structures.
The fire’s rapid spread was attributed to the close proximity of the buildings and the presence of flammable materials in the auto body shop. Aerial footage showed the roofline of the block glowing orange as heavy black smoke drifted over surrounding neighborhoods. Despite the extensive damage, no injuries were reported among firefighters, employees, or residents.
The impact on the community and local businesses
The fire has had a profound impact on the Old Town Newhall community. The Newhall Refinery, a popular restaurant since its opening in 2013, was a beloved gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Its loss, along with that of the MAIN theatre, has left a significant cultural void in the area.
Business owners along the affected stretch of Main Street are now beginning to assess the damage and plan for the future. The city of Santa Clarita has closed off a wide perimeter around the scene, with closures likely to remain in place while structural safety checks continue. The economic impact of the fire is expected to be substantial, with many local businesses facing significant losses.
The investigation and questions surrounding the fire
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with fire officials yet to determine whether the auto body shop’s operations played any role in its origin. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s bomb squad and arson investigators are working to uncover the truth behind the blaze.
Questions have also been raised about the owner of Gary’s Auto Collision Center, John Wright, who previously owned Halsey’s Auto Center, which burned down in July 2026. Customers and a former employee have expressed concerns about Wright’s business practices, with some alleging that he has been involved in litigation and investigations in the past. However, no official cause has been announced for either fire.
As the community begins to reckon with the loss, the city of Santa Clarita has pledged to support the affected businesses and residents. Mayor Laurene Weste issued a statement expressing her sorrow over the destruction of historic buildings and her commitment to rebuilding the area. The city is working with local arts organizations to find alternate locations for displaced shows and events.
The road to recovery will be long, but the spirit of Old Town Newhall remains strong. The community’s resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the enduring bonds that tie its residents together. As the investigation continues and the cleanup efforts begin, the people of Santa Clarita are determined to rebuild and restore their beloved historic district.
