90 percent of a Pomona synagogue burned to the ground early Wednesday morning, though thankfully there were no injuries reported. That’s according to The Journal News. Hillcrest Fire Company Captain Corey Martin said the fire struck the synagogue “Chassidim of the Heights” around 5:30 Wednesday morning at 34 North Ridge Road in Pomona. It took several hours for volunteer firefighters from Hillcrest and Thiells to bring the blaze under control, the cause of which is not yet known. A Jewish website, Matzav.com, reported that three Torahs were destroyed in the fire.
Fire Displaces Residents in Orange County
No one was injured but several residents were left homeless after a fire tore through an Orange County townhouse complex late Tuesday afternoon. DailyVoice.com reported the blaze began at Whispering Hills in Chester around 5pm, possibly starting in a garage and spread to the units above. The building was reportedly destroyed after the roof caved in. Investigators are checking to see whether a car in the garage sparked the fire. The Red Cross was assisting residents who were displaced. 75 firefighters got it under control within a half-hour.