‘It Just Won’t Stop Burning’: Fire Damages San Pedro Businesses

Several businesses were damaged early Monday in a fire that burned for more than two hours near an historic theater in San Pedro.

A firefighter was hospitalized in fair condition during the overnight firefight after suffering from exhaustion.

The fire, reported at 4:15 a.m. in the 500 block of South Pacific Avenue, caused a patrial roof collapse, but no injuries were immediately reported. The collapse forced firefighters to attack the fire from outside the building using ladder trucks.

A worker inside the building called 911 after smelling smoke. The damaged buildings included a fitnesses center.

"Your whole life is burning right before your eyes and you don't know what to think or do," said Jamie Burton, the fitness center owner."Every time it stops, it just comes back. That's what's freaking me out the most -- it just won't stop burning."

The Warner Grand Theatre, located next to one of the burned businesses, opened in January 1931. The art deco theater was not damaged.

Nearby streets are expected to remain closed Monday morning.