The cause of the April 15 fire that destroyed Lassens Natural Foods & Vitamins store in Santa Maria remains accidental but undetermined because of the dangerous conditions in the damaged building.

At approximately 11:44 p.m. April 15, personnel from all Santa Maria Fire Department stations across the city arrived at the business at 1790 S. Broadway in the Plum Tree Plaza.

The danger prompted firefighters to move into a defensive mode shortly after arriving, battling the two-alarm blaze from outside the structure. 

Investigators believe that the fire started in the attic area on the south side of the building.

Because of the severely damaged building’s instability, investigators could not get a better look at the likely point of origin. 

“Everything in there is too unstable to move things without lifting them up,” Fire Marshal Jim Austin of the Santa Maria Fire Department said.

Huge equipment for ventilation fell into the structure as the roof collapsed.

The investigation had paused awaiting decisions from the building and business insurance firms. 

Crane companies were contacted about lifting the heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, weighing between 8,000 and 10,000 pounds, out of the way. 

All declined, Austin said.

“They don’t want to put any individuals in the building,” he added.

The building, now surrounded by chain link fencing, will be demolished. 

Meanwhile, Lassens vowed to reopen.

“We are actively exploring options for relocation to continue serving our valued customers in the area as quickly as possible,” Lassens officials said in a statement on social media. 

They have options nearby. An empty spot sits across the parking lot in the former home of Kelly-Moore Paints in the shopping center where Lassens operated.

The Lassens website lists the Santa Maria location as “temporarily closed.”

Until a new home is found, the closest Lassens stores for Santa Maria customers are in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara.