(InEDC) BY InEDC Published: September 13, 2023
In breaking news, a vacant building that once housed a Taco Bell in Pollock Pines was engulfed in flames early this morning. The incident occurred at around 2:30 a.m. in the parking lot near Pony Express Trail and the Safeway grocery store, prompting firefighters to respond swiftly. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and the fire was successfully extinguished after a rigorous effort by the El Dorado County Fire Protection District.
The building, which had been abandoned since the fast food restaurant closed its doors in 2018, was in a state of disrepair and neglect. Consequently, the county had taken measures to board up the structure in February due to concerns about safety and vandalism. The ownership of the building had changed hands multiple times since the closure, with the latest transfer occurring in August 2022.
Due to the lack of attention given to the property, it had become dilapidated, with broken windows and signs of vandalism. Additionally, there were indications that unhoused individuals had sought shelter inside the building, as evidenced by a mattress and pillows found on the counter. The county had fined the previous owner, Kilo Watt Investments LLC, for failing to address the complaints and unpaid fees, resulting in a staggering total sum of $31,000 owed by the time a new owner took possession of the property.
Efforts to contact Kilo Watt by the county were unsuccessful, with no response received since October 2022. The current owner, whose identity has not been disclosed, had expressed plans to renovate the space and reopen it as a Taco Bell by 2024. In a settlement agreement reached with the county, the accumulated fees were waived, provided that the new owner commenced necessary repairs and completed the restaurant construction by June 2024. However, the recent fire has raised questions about the future of these plans, as county officials and the owner will likely need to consider the extensive damage caused by the fire.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by officials from the El Dorado County Fire Protection District. Given the pre-existing condition of the building and the significant fire damage sustained, the structure is presumed to be a total loss. As the investigation progresses and more information becomes available, we will keep you updated on any developments regarding the cause of the fire and the future of the building.
