Local residents are heartbroken after a beloved Beverly Grove bar was found engulfed in flames on Thursday afternoon.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, fire crews were dispatched to the scene of a fire at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub in the 500 block of South Fairfax Avenue around 1:17 p.m.
Upon arriving on scene, firefighters found heavy smoke and flames coming from the right-hand doorway.
The Irish pub had been serving diners for nearly 60 years, and bar owner Damien Hanlon recalled the frenzy when a neighbour told him the bar was on fire.
“They were saying, ‘Hey! Your house is on fire! Come back! Come up here!'” Hanlon recalled.
By the time he arrived on the scene, firefighters had put out the fire and were able to prevent embers from spreading to nearby businesses.
Beloved local bar, Molly Malone’s Irish Pub, was seen engulfed in flames on June 20, 2024. (Karin Bryant @kbheat)
Firefighters worked to extinguish a massive fire that engulfed Molly Malone’s Irish Pub on June 20, 2024. (The Citizen)
Beloved local bar, Molly Malone’s Irish Pub, was seen engulfed in flames on June 20, 2024. (Karin Bryant @kbheat)
Firefighters worked to extinguish a massive fire that engulfed Molly Malone’s Irish Pub on June 20, 2024. (The Citizen)
Beloved local bar, Molly Malone’s Irish Pub, was seen engulfed in flames on June 20, 2024. (Karin Bryant @kbheat)
The charred exterior of Molly Malone’s Irish Pub after a massive fire on June 20, 2024. (KTLA)
Historic artwork rescued by firefighters after a fire at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub in Beverly Grove on June 20, 2024. (KTLA)
The charred exterior of Molly Malone’s Irish Pub after a massive fire on June 20, 2024. (KTLA)
The scene near the entrance where a fire broke out at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub in Beverly Grove on June 20, 2024. (KTLA)
The interior of Molly Malone’s Irish Pub in Beverly Grove was preserved after a devastating fire on June 20, 2024. (KTLA)
The charred exterior of Molly Malone’s Irish Pub after a massive fire on June 20, 2024. (KTLA)
Molly Malone’s Irish Pub is located in the Beverly Grove neighborhood of downtown Los Angeles. (KTLA)
Beloved local bar, Molly Malone’s Irish Pub, was seen engulfed in flames on June 20, 2024. (Karin Bryant @kbheat / Citizen)
Firefighters worked to extinguish a massive fire that engulfed Molly Malone’s Irish Pub on June 20, 2024. (The Citizen)
Hanlon said he was surprised the bar was still standing and was grateful to the firefighters who rushed to put out the flames.
“Great job! [firefighters] “It’s incredible what they’ve saved,” Hanlon said. “It’s just unbelievable.”
Hannon said he was especially grateful that firefighters were able to save the historic artwork that adorned the bar’s walls.
No injuries were reported among employees or firefighters, but the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
“The fire started outside and it wasn’t an electrical failure, so that’s all we know,” Hanlon said.
Molly Malone’s is a popular local bar known for its live music, laid back atmosphere, quiz nights and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
The bar sustained heavy damage but is still standing, and Hanlon said he’s focused on rebuilding and reopening as quickly as possible.
His message to loyal customers? “We will be back for you guys! Hang in there with us. We look forward to seeing you. Thank you for your support.”
Hanlon said he is forever grateful to the firefighters who saved his beloved bar.
“I want to thank the firefighters for saving what our family had for 57 years,” he said. “It means a lot to a lot of people in the community.”
No reopening date has been set, but Hanlon said he hopes to reopen within the next few months.
“This is a family place,” he said. “We really are a family here.”