Hispanic chamber in Visalia set fire

A fire apparently set by a burglar caused major damage to a building in Visalia used by the Tulare Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for offices.

Armondo Apodaca, executive director, said it appears a burglar took two TVs and electronic devices before setting the fire.

The building at 1100 W. Main St. was reported on fire at 4:11 p.m. Sunday, the Visalia Fire Department said.

Firefighters saw smoke from the outside, broke in and found heavy smoke and fire and put it out in 10 minutes.

The fire caused an estimated $50,000 in damages to the building and $40,000 in damages to contents. The pre-fire value of the building and contents is estimated at $225,000.

The fire is under investigation, said battalion chief Danny Wristen. The fire department is not confirming a burglary occurred while the fire is under investigation but is working with police, he said.

The chamber will continue with planned events, including a Cinco de Mayo parade and festival on May 1, Apodaca said.

This story was originally published April 18, 2016 at 6:40 PM with the headline "Hispanic chamber in Visalia set fire."