A fire caused major damage to a florist shop in the Historic Plaza in Twentynine Palms last night. Twentynine Palms Fire Chief Jim Thompson said firefighters responded to a reported commercial structure fire at the Flower Garden in the 5600 block of Historic Plaza at 11:50 Tuesday night. Firefighters arrived to find a large amount of smoke pouring from the florist shop. Firefighters forced entry into the business and located the fire at the front counter area of the shop. Twentynine Palms firefighters, assisted by Combat Center and Wonder Valley firefighters, had the fire under control in 25 minutes. A county fire engine from Joshua Tree covered the Twentynine Palms district during the fire. Thompson said the fire was reported by retired Twentynine Palms Fire Chief Bob Coghill, who was driving home when he noticed smoke drifting across Adobe Road just north of Two Mile Road. He investigated further, located the fire, and immediately called 911. Thompson said Coghill’s actions limited the severity of the fire and prevented further damage to businesses in the Historic Plaza. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but appears to be accidental. Fire damage was confined to the front counter area; however the entire building and contents suffered heavy smoke damage. The loss to the building and contents is estimated at $15,000.
