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Last updated on May 3, 2025, at 2:24 p.m.
Neighbors near San Pablo and Solano Avenues awoke to the sounds of small explosions early Saturday morning after a fire broke out at the Exotic Clouds Gift Shop.
Firefighters were dispatched to the shop at 12557 San Pablo Avenue at 3:40 a.m. after multiple callers reported seeing smoke and hearing explosions coming from the building.
Richmond's gunshot detection system, ShotSpotter, also detected a shot fired at the same location.
The blaze went to a second alarm after the fire crews at the scene reported heavy smoke and continued to hear explosions coming from inside the shop. Firefighters had to make a forced entry to gain access to the burning building, which was fortified with security devices.
The fire was contained in about 30 minutes, but left the interior heavily damaged.
Richmond Fire Department Photographer Christian W. Wimmer posted images on social media of a fire crew battling the blaze and described the scene.
"Richmond Fire Ladder Truck Company No. 4 after they cut some holes to open up the roof to ventilate the structure to help release the heat, smoke, and toxic gases inside," Wimmer said.
On Saturday morning, workers were visible outside the business making repairs and repainting the exterior of the building. By afternoon, the city had red-tagged the shop, barring entry.
The fire is still being investigated, and there are currently no reported injuries. However, according to dispatch records, the Red Cross was asked to assist with displaced occupants.
Exotic Cloud Gift Shop opened in April 2024, just as the Richmond City Council began working to pass a moratorium on tobacco retailers.
Richmond City Council considers tobacco moratorium after proliferation of smoke shops
The Richmond City Council tried to pass a moratorium on tobacco retailers, but with only four councilmembers in attendance, they didn’t have the five votes required to pass an emergency ordinance at Tuesday’s council meeting. Council members reported receiving numerous complaints about the number of smoke shops and
Soren Hemmila
Council members reported receiving numerous complaints about the number of smoke shops and tobacco retailers operating throughout Richmond. A city investigation showed that some retailers were operating without the required tobacco retailer license or had other license violations.
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