Fire damages Sonoma bakery, pizza restaurant

Fire badly damaged two Sonoma businesses late Tuesday night, according to a Sonoma fire official.

The fire started in the kitchen of the longstanding Garcia's Bakery, which also was home to a new pizza business in the same location, New Haven Apizza, said Sonoma Valley fire Battalion Chief John Franceschi.

It was reported about 11:15 p.m. at 555 Fifth Street West.

Arriving Sonoma Valley firefighters opened the front door and found heavy black smoke throughout and flames in the kitchen, Franceschi said.

Sonoma Valley fire crews, with four engines and a ladder truck, put out the fire and stopped it from spreading to nearby businesses. 'I'm sorry to see somebody's business suffer like this but without the good work of the crews it could have been much worse,' said Sonoma Valley Fire Chief Steve Akre.

The kitchen was destroyed and the front reception and dining areas have serious heat and smoke damage, Franceschi said.

Garcia's Bakery has been in the location for years but owners recently opened up the pizza business in the same spot for nighttime customers, he said.

Investigators were at the property early Wednesday looking for the cause.