Banquet Hall Destroyed in Two Alarm Fire

The historic Kola Shanah Catering and Banquet Hall in San Bernardino was destroyed in a two alarm fire. San Bernardino County Fire crews were dispatched to a commercial fire at 1746 Mt Vernon, San Bernardino after reports of heavy smoke and fire from a medium-sized vacant commercial property. The banquet hall had been used for hosting events like weddings and birthday parties.

Due to the size of the fire and 10,000 square foot building, it did not take long before a second alarm was quickly struck. Windy conditions also quickly spread the fire through the large building.

Firefighters were met with an aggressive interior fire attack in zero visibility conditions. Truck crews were on the roof to make vertical ventilation to help increase visibility & lower heat conditions inside. All in all, it took approximately sixty minutes to have the fire was knocked down, and the building was a total loss.

San Bernardino County Fire responded with nine Engines, two Truck Companies, a Medic Squad, two Battalion Chiefs, a Training/Safety Office & two Fire Investigators. San Bernardino PD assisted with traffic control on Mt Vernon Ave.

No injuries to firefighters or citizens were noted, and the fire remains under investigation by San Bernardino County Fire Investigators.