Two Alarm Fire Destroys Mosque, Real Estate Office

STOCKTON, Calif. (CBS13) -- Fire officials are investigating the cause of a two-alarm fire that destroyed a mosque and a neighboring real estate office Saturday morning.

Dozens of firefighters responded to the 4200 block of North Pershing Avenue after flames erupted in a strip mall, destroying the Masjid Al Emaan mosque and a real estate office next door.

"Initially we think it started in the mosque, but we can't confirm or deny that until we can get in there to check," said Stockton Fire Battalion Chief Rick Stubstad.

The heat of the flames melted plastic blinds at a neighboring apartment complex, and 10 units were evacuated. The Living Water Ministries & Christian Center in the mall suffered minor water damage, but firefighters were able to halt the fire's progress before it spread further.

Mosque president Fahmy Nasser said he trusts the fire department will quickly be able to determine whether the cause of the fire was accidental or intentional, and said the religious center hasn't experienced any hostility from the community.

Fire officials and ATF investigators are continuing to search for the cause of the fire.

The total damage to the structures is estimated at $300,000.