Massive fire erupts at RV dealership in Santa Fe Springs after burglary call, causes $1.5M in damage

SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif. (KABC) -- A burglary call turned into a massive firefight at a Santa Fe Springs RV dealership, which suffered a loss of at least $1.5 million.

The incident happened around 12:30 a.m. Thursday at Mike Thompson's RV Super Store on Firestone Boulevard.

According to the Whittier Police Department, which covers the city of Santa Fe Springs, officers responded to a possible burglary in progress after the dealership's alarm went off in the gated lot.

When they arrived, they encountered flames that quickly spread among the closely bunched vehicles.

Authorities say at least 15 fifth-wheel trailers were either damaged or completely destroyed. The total damage is reported to be between $1.5 million and $2 million.

Surveillance video of the RV lot from the time the fire started reportedly shows a suspicious man in the area.

The cause of the fire has not been determined. Investigators who were at the scene Thursday, which included ATF agents, interviewed individuals who live in a homeless encampment in the area. No arrests were made.

Mike Thompson's RV Super Store was started in 1972. It's a family owned and operated business with four locations in Southern California.

Santa Fe Springs Mayor Jay Sarno praised the city's fire department for their swift and coordinated response, which saved some of the businesses inventory. Because of that, the RV business was able to continue operations on Thursday.

Anyone with relevant information is asked to call the Whittier Police Department. The anonymous tip line can be reached at (562) 567-9299.