Early morning fire roars through Spring Valley strip mall

 Fire caused heavy damage to several businesses in a strip mall near Spring Valley on Monday.

The blaze erupted around 2:45 a.m. Monday on the northwest corner of Paradise Valley Road and Worthington Street, according to the San Diego Fire- Rescue Department.

When firefighters arrived, the building was fully involved.

The flames were contained and knocked down by 4:14 a.m., but crews remained on the scene for several hours, with utilities cut off to surrounding businesses.

“It’s devastating because whoever owned these businesses, that’s their life blood,” said Glenn Casey, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1978 and runs his own business there.

At least two businesses were reported destroyed, with two others sustaining damage, officials said. The worst of the flames seems to have destroyed Ish Exclusive skate and apparel shop. San Diego Fire Rescue estimated the damages at $4 million.

The family-owned store had been there for over a decade and appeared to be expanding next door.

“They are young kids. They were just trying to make it, so it’s really unfortunate this happened,” Maggie Lumpkin said.

No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was under investigation, but firefighters believe it started in the attic of Ish Exclusive. Two vehicles parked near the fire were destroyed by the heat from the fire as well, according to SDFD.

Personnel from San Miguel Fire & Rescue, National City and Chula Vista assisted in the effort.