Fire destroys Carlotta Market

CARLOTTA – “A lot of history was lost.” That’s what neighbors told News Channel 3 after fire ripped through a Carlotta building.
Around 4:00 Monday morning Carlotta Volunteer Fire Department, Calfire and Fortuna Fire responded to the 7000 block of Highway 36 where flames were visible at the Carlotta Market.
Witnesses said that before crews arrived, a quick-thinking woman alerted nearby residents to the potential danger by honking her car horn.
Neighbors woke up to a fully involved structure fire at what locals call ‘Judy’s Market.’
California Highway Patrol provided one-way traffic control on Highway 36 to give crews space to attack the blaze.
It took two hours to contain, and the building was completely destroyed.
Neighbors say the market was a centerpiece in the community for decades before closing more than ten years ago. It had been unoccupied for more than a year but still served as a bus stop for Cuddeback School. The school will make other arrangements for the foreseeable future.
No injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation.