Beloved Los Angeles bar found engulfed in flames

Locals are devastated after a beloved neighborhood bar in Beverly Grove was found engulfed in flames Thursday afternoon.

Crews responded to a fire at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub on the 500 block of South Fairfax Avenue at around 1:17 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Arriving crews found heavy smoke and flames billowing from the right-side entryway.

The iconic Irish pub has been serving patrons for nearly 60 years. The bar’s owner, Damien Hanlon, recalled the frenzy he felt when a neighbor alerted him that his bar was on fire.

“They were saying, ‘Hey man! Your place is on fire! Come back! Get up here!’” Hanlon recalled.

By the time he arrived, firefighters had extinguished the flames and were able to stop the embers from threatening neighboring businesses.

Hanlon said he was stunned the bar was still standing and grateful to the firefighters who rushed over to extinguish the blaze.

“It’s amazing the work the [firefighters] did,” Hanlon said. “What they saved is incredible. it’s just incredible.”

Hanon said he was especially thankful the firefighters had saved the historic artwork that decorated the walls of the bar.

No injuries to employees or firefighters were reported, however, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

“It started outside and it wasn’t electrical so that’s all we know,” Hanlon said. 

Molly Malone’s is a popular local bar known for its live music, laid-back vibes, trivia nights and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

The bar, though severely damaged, is still standing. Hanlon said he is now focused on rebuilding and reopening as soon as he can.

His message to loyal customers? “We’ll be back for you guys! Just hang in there with us. We can’t wait to see you. Thanks for all your support.”

Hanlon said he is forever thankful to the firefighters who saved his beloved bar.

 “Thank you to those firemen who saved something that has been in our family for 57 years,” he said. “That means a lot to many people in the community.”

A reopening date has not been set, but Hanlon said he hopes to reopen within a few months. 

“It’s a family place,” he said. “We really are a family here.”