Bear West BBQ Damaged in Early Morning Blaze

An early-morning fire swept through Bear West BBQ & Soul Food in North Highlands around 2:30–3:00 a.m., and Sacramento Metro Fire crews knocked down the flames and contained the blaze before it spread to other buildings. The restaurant was heavily damaged and neighboring Heredia Art Collective suffered significant smoke and water damage after firefighters ventilated the roof; both businesses are closed indefinitely but no injuries were reported. Owners say the restaurant had been repeatedly vandalized, some cite security footage showing a person near the back of the building, and they allege a Molotov cocktail was thrown while fire officials continue to investigate. A GoFundMe has been launched to cover emergency repairs, equipment replacement, security upgrades and employee support amid claims insurance will not cover all losses. Despite the devastation, owners said a $60,000 smoker survived and they plan to rely on catering and ghost-kitchen operations while rebuilding.