The Cape Mendocino Earthquakes of April 25-26, 1992 (Image 2 of 20)

(SCOTIA) The view at left shows the area destroyed by the fire. It is believed that the fire early Sunday, April 26th, resulted from an electrical short caused by the earthquake. Before the fire, the mall consisted of five one-to two-story, woodframe, commercial buildings including a lumber yard, a pharmacy, a coffee shop, a grocery store, and a Ben Franklin Variety Store. While local firemen were attempting to save the mall, the second major shock occurred which snapped the town's water main. Firemen drew water from a nearby log pond in order to continue fighting the fire.