Fire Nearly Destroys Park Restroom

REDLANDS>> A park restroom building was severely damaged in an early morning fire Friday, Nov. 11 at Crafton Park in the 500 block of Wabash Avenue. Redlands firefighters responded to reports of a smell of smoke in the area of Colton Avenue between Dearborn and Judson streets shortly before 1 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11. As firefighters were searching for the source of the smell additional reports came in of a structure fire. When firefighters arrived, they found a park restroom heavily involved with fire and portions of the roof collapsing. Firefighters knocked down the blaze within 15 minutes and remained on scene to overhaul the building for another two hours. There were no injuries reported and damage is estimated at $110,000. One engine from the San Bernardino County Fire Station in Mentone provided assistance and Redlands Police provided traffic control. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Redlands Fire Department Investigation Unit at (909) 798-7693 or We-Tip at (800) 782-7463 or (800) 78CRIME.