Friday, August 14, 2020

Altadena Barbershop Destroyed in ‘Suspicious’ Fire

G.C.’s Great Cuts, 2990 Glenrose Ave., was destroyed in a fire on Aug. 13, 2020. (Credit: GoFundMe.com)

An Altadena barbershop was destroyed Thursday in a fire that was initially described as suspicious in nature, authorities said.

A deputy out on patrol first noticed the fire about 3:20 a.m. at G.C.’s Great Cuts, 2990 Glenrose Ave., according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Chad Smeltzer. The business appeared to be a total loss.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation by the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Sheriff’s Arson-Explosives Detail, but investigators at the scene initially determined it appeared “suspicious,” Smeltzer said.

Business owner Geoff Cathcart could not be reached for comment Friday, nor could the arson investigators handling the case.

Sgt. Daniel Tobin of the Sheriff’s Arson Explosives Detail said the investigation into the origin and cause of the fire was ongoing.

“At this point, the cause of the fire is still undetermined,” he said. “I’ve collected samples to be submitted to our lab to test for the presence of ignitable liquids.”

A review of surveillance camera footage, as well as firefighter helmet-cam footage, did not initially turn up any overt signs of arson, Tobin said. The fire behavior did not appear to be out of the ordinary.

Investigators were focusing their attention on two primary potential causes of the fire, the sergeant said. It was believed to be the fire started either due to arson or an electrical malfunction. But it won’t be known which is the case until the lab results are returned.

An online fundraiser set up at gofundme.com/f/help-rebuild-great-cuts-barbershop to help the business rebuild raised more than $12,000 in one day.

“Great Cuts has been in the community for 10 years, where many men and young kids received haircut grooming services,” the statement said. “This establishment was not only a barbershop, it was a place where people can gather to laugh, get advice, while getting groomed.  PLEASE help to restore this business, any dollar amount will help!”

Cathcart wrote about the loss of his business, as well as his his gratitude to the community, in a Facebook post.

“Yesterday I witnessed my barbershop that I’ve built from ground up, which has provided employment to others and provides for my 6 children, go up in flames in 10 min.,” he wrote.

“Whether by accident or intentional (the most likely cause), our community place of sharing, teaching, and providing services for years was gone in minutes,” Cathcart wrote. “Initially crushed, what a blessing in disguise. I’m overwhelmed by the  unity, kindness and love from family, friends, neighbors and complete strangers. Thank you to all who have shared my post, sent kind words/texts, visits and donations. I have extreme gratitude and can’t thank you enough for your thoughtfulness and actions.”

And he also had a message for the person responsible, should the fire be confirmed by investigators as an act of arson.

“To whomever firebombed my shop last night; it will only make us stronger!!” he wrote. “For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.”