Longtime Carmichael Fruit Stand Destroyed In Suspected Arson

CARMICHAEL (CBS13) — An arson attack destroyed an entire fruit stand on a popular corner in Carmichael, leaving the longtime owner wondering how she'll rebuild.

Neighbor Joe Gomez took cellphone video of the fire that claimed the Farmer's Wife Fruit Stand early Friday morning.

"It was so huge and I was just immediately thinking we have to call the fire department, this is scary," he said.

GOFUNDME: Help rebuild the Farmer's Wife Fruit Stand.

The damage was too devastating for longtime owner Rosemarie Martell. All that's left is a charred wooden skeleton and a burned-out van that was full of produce.

"I want to cry but once I start I won't be able to quit," she said.

The fire started just before 2 a.m., and investigators are calling it arson.

"They were dousing the building and setting it on fire," Martell said.

For now, she and a group of volunteers have set up a temporary shop on the back of the property off of WInding Way.

"I know they burned it down, but they are not gonna win," she said. "We are going to be here."

The fruit stand has been a staple in the community for 45 years. Now, it's unrecognizable to its loyal customers.

"It's not just the money," Martell said. "The money is really beside the point. It's the evilness of people. And it's sad."

Martell says their insurance won't cover the cost to rebuild, and they're hoping people stop by and make donations.