Fire damages 4 businesses at Palo Alto Strip Mall

Firefighters said a fire broke out at a Palo Alto mall Thursday night, causing damage to at least four businesses.

At approximately 11:15 p.m. Wednesday, fire crews arrived at Middlefield Road and Loma Verde Avenue on reports of a building fire. Upon their arrival, they found intense flames emanating from the mall.

Four businesses were damaged by fire or smoke, including AJ’s Cleaners, Philz Coffee, Bill’s Cafe and a liquor store.

Fire officials indicated that the fire likely originated in AJ’s restroom, which was temporarily closed, according to its website.

“The units arrived and found intense flames coming from the dry cleaning building,” Palo Alto Fire Captain Kevin McNally said. “They launched a fire attack and after getting inside the building, the fire escaped through the roof, so they went on the defensive.”

The fire was eventually extinguished and crews remained on the scene during the morning hours to clean up and investigate.

Damage to businesses adjacent to AJ is being assessed.