San Bernardino historic building fire puts spotlight on need for revitalization

In San Bernardino, a historic 100-year-old building, formerly the Harris Department Store, caught fire on Monday, reigniting calls for revitalization in the city. The building, a significant piece of the city's history, has been vacant for years but remains iconic due to its historical significance, including being the first in the Inland Empire to have an escalator. The structure was once linked to the now-demolished Carousel Mall, which closed in 2017 due to increased criminal activities like break-ins and fires, a fate some fear for the Harris Department Store building. San Bernardino County Department Public Information Officer Eric Sherwin revealed that the fire was intense, with temperatures reaching up to several hundred degrees, making firefighting efforts challenging due to the building's construction materials creating an oven-like environment. Over 100 units on rotating shifts were required to contain the blaze after several hours. Sherwin suspects that the fire likely originated inside the building, possibly started by homeless individuals seeking shelter within. San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran acknowledged the neglected state of the building and the city's plans to acquire it for future revitalization efforts, although significant repairs are anticipated. Local residents and workers express a desire for the building to be rejuvenated and reopened for businesses, fearing that the current empty lots and unoccupied spaces could face a similar fate if left unattended. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, but the incident has underscored the urgent need for community revitalization efforts in San Bernardino. Reporting from the scene, journalist Joy Benedict highlighted the fire at the historic building, emphasizing the belief among city leaders that homeless occupants may have sparked the blaze. The incident has shed light on the long-standing neglect of the vacant structure and the broader call for revitalization in the community. As discussions continue on the future of the Harris Department Store building, concerns persist about the potential risks posed by neglected properties in the area, urging swift action to prevent similar incidents in the future.