A fire that erupted in an abandoned movie theater in Old Town Indio Saturday morning, causing an estimated $1 million in damage, was contained seven hours later.
The non-injury blaze was reported at 7:08 a.m. in the 42500 block of Fargo Street, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Firefighters reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the theater when they arrived.
A bulldozer was used to remove the front part of the building, allowing firefighters to enter the burning structure safely.
Fire officials said that the blaze was contained at 2:15 p.m.
Firefighters’ efforts prevented an estimated $3 million in damages to the vacant buildings north and south of the theater, fire officials said.