Firefighters at ‘Right Place at the Right Time’ Contain Blaze at Pasadena Market

A city official said a Pasadena Fire Department crew’s quick action on Saturday afternoon knocked down a potentially serious fire at a local market.

Engine 38 was driving past Vallarta Market at 655 N. Fair Oaks Ave. shortly before 4 p.m. when its crew heard the fire alarm and saw customers evacuating.

The firefighters immediately entered the building and extinguished a blaze in the kitchen before it could spread.

“At the right place at the right time,” said city spokesperson Lisa Derderian. “The crew prevented the fire from extending into the attic causing major damage.”

No injuries were reported.

The market remains closed pending a Health Department inspection, which is standard protocol in this situation.