One day after a massive three-alarm fire gutted a number of longstanding downtown Visalia businesses — Cafe 225, Mama K's Diner and Exotica Boutique among them — owners, customers, and employees are left to pick up the pieces.
The blaze erupted in the attic of Mama K's early Wednesday morning before spreading to neighboring businesses in the 200 block of Main Street.
Investigators are currently working to determine the cause of the fire. Early estimates indicate damages could amount to millions, according to Battalion Chief Danny Wristen.
For 225 owner Karl Merten, the future is uncertain.
"We have to wait to hear back from the insurance company and property owners before we can make any decisions (about the future)," he said, surveying the charred remains of his 23-year-old restaurant. "It's a lot to process."
Visalia Mayor Bob Link expressed optimism in the face of Wednesday's fire.