$13 Million Damage Reported in Newhall Fire Investigation

An estimated $13 million in damage is the current price tag for the August 24 fire that gutted a historic business complex in Old Town Newhall. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department provided that figure as part of its ongoing investigation into the incident.

The Santa Clarita Valley District Attorney’s Office requested additional time from the sheriff’s department on Monday. Prosecutors declined to file immediate charges against four individuals arrested last week. A spokeswoman for the office stated that investigators need to complete their work to determine if criminal charges are warranted against the suspects.

The four people taken into custody are John Wright, 47; Cristian Leija, 43; Jesus Figueroa, 54; and Antoinette Ruiz, 35. All four were booked on suspicion of arson and conspiracy on Thursday. Wright, 47, and Figueroa, 54, reside in Canyon Country. Ruiz, 35, and Leija, 43, live in El Monte. Jail records indicate Ruiz was released from custody on Friday. Figueroa was released Monday afternoon. Records suggest Wright and Leija are also expected to be released from custody.

Wright owns Gary’s Collision Center, the auto shop where the fire originated. The Santa Clarita Signal reported that Wright lost a court case involving unpaid rent to the property owner just days before the blaze. The court had ordered Wright to pay more than $50,000 in back rent or vacate the premises. Wright stated at the time that he was disputing the amount. In an interview shortly after the fire, Wright denied involvement in the incident.

The fire began around 2:55 a.m. on August 24 in the 24000 block of North Main Street. Firefighters responded to the scene and declared a second alarm at 3:07 a.m. and a third alarm at 4:42 a.m. A total of 112 firefighters arrived with 58 pieces of apparatus. A hazardous materials team was also deployed. Firefighters took defensive positions and used aerial ladder trucks to surround and drown the flames to protect nearby structures.

The blaze destroyed a historic structure that was more than 100 years old. The complex housed several longtime community establishments, including the MAIN Theatre, Newhall Refinery restaurant, and the auto body shop. Fire department spokesman Keith Navarre stated that the fire pretty much consumed the whole commercial building. One person was transported to a hospital six hours after the fire was reported, but officials did not believe the patient was injured by the fire.

Sheriff’s Arson and Explosives Detail detectives worked with county fire officials to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators served a search warrant at four locations in Los Angeles County on Thursday, which led to the arrests. Wright was arrested by a sheriff’s surveillance and apprehension team. Figueroa was booked in San Dimas by Major Crimes Bureau investigators. No details have been released regarding the specific circumstances that led investigators to the suspects.

This investigation follows a previous fire at a Wright-run auto shop on July 30, 2025. That incident occurred at Halsey’s Auto Shop at 27565 Sierra Highway. Arson investigators examined that blaze as well. The Signal reported that Wright received insurance compensation for the 2025 fire. The sheriff’s department urged anyone with information to call the Arson/Explosives Detail at 323-881-7500. Those who prefer anonymity can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.