WATCH: Local business reopens after north Phoenix arson damages multiple storefronts

May 23, 2026 - 12:51

More than three months after a man allegedly set fire to a shopping center in north Phoenix, some of the affected businesses are finally reopening their doors. The blaze, which police say was intentionally set, damaged multiple storefronts and forced several local shops to close for repairs.

One of the businesses that recently reopened is a family-owned market that had been a staple in the neighborhood for years. The owner described the fire as devastating, noting that the flames destroyed inventory and caused significant structural damage. But after months of cleanup, insurance negotiations, and rebuilding, the market welcomed customers back this week.

Surveillance footage from the night of the fire shows a suspect walking near the strip mall before flames erupted. Police arrested a man shortly after the incident, and he now faces multiple arson charges. Investigators have not released a clear motive, but they said the fire spread quickly, damaging several units before firefighters could contain it.

Other tenants in the shopping center are still working on repairs. Some storefronts remain boarded up, with contractors inside doing electrical and drywall work. A nearby restaurant hopes to reopen within the next few weeks, while a small salon is still assessing the damage.

Local residents have shown support by shopping at the reopened businesses and leaving positive messages on social media. The shopping center's management said they are working to get all tenants back as soon as possible. For now, the reopened market serves as a sign of resilience in a community that refused to let the fire define their neighborhood.