Authorities are investigating a structure fire that destroyed the NAPA Auto Parts store in downtown Morgan Hill late at night Sept. 25.
Cal Fire and Morgan Hill Fire Department crews responded to a report of a fire at the store’s address, at 17650 Monterey Road, about 10pm, according to Cal Fire Public Information Officer Chelsea Burkett. The first engine that arrived called in for more resources after seeing heavy smoke and flames coming from the building immediately upon arrival.
Additional fire engines responded from Gilroy, San Jose, South Santa Clara County, Santa Clara County Fire District and other agencies, Burkett said. Initially, firefighters entered the burning building but had to retreat shortly due to the heat and smoke.
Crews battled the blaze throughout the night and had the fire contained by early in the morning Sept. 26. The last firefighting crews left the scene just before 2pm, Burkett said.
The building suffered “extensive damage,” Burkett said. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
My heart goes out to the owners and employees. The Morgan Hill NAPA has been my “go to” auto parts store for 35 years. Just last week I was shopping there and read the sign that it is or was family owned for 50 to 60 years.
I was pulling into the parking lot on the 26th of September and saw the parking lot blocked off. I was saddened to see that it had burned down as this has been my “go to” auto parts store for my vehicles and equipment for the past 30+ years.
I hope they rescued Meow Meow the resident cat.
They said that he was kept locked in a room upstairs. So sadly my guess it is very unlikely that meow meow made it
Good article. Thank you.
That sucks. May Meow Meow live forever through memories. RIP Meow Meow
When we moved to Morgan Hill I was 14, that was 60 years ago, my Dad would get all of the parts for his private vehicles and company vehicles from B&M, later NAPA. They were always so helpful, the guys knew their stuff, changed batteries and wipers, etc. It was owned by the Minton family and their family worked there. It was supporting small businesses before we even knew what that was all about. This is very sad, but thank you for all the years you were there for us.