In a town where Main Street businesses are closely tied to family names and daily life, the July 4, 2025, fire that destroyed Templeton Feed and Grain became both a moment of loss and a catalyst for community support—and now criminal charges are moving forward for those allegedly responsible for the fire.
San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow announced May 21 that prosecutors filed charges against Morro Bay resident Michael Joseph Steele and a 16-year-old San Luis Obispo County resident in connection with the blaze.
Steele faces six counts, including child endangerment, conspiracy, and multiple charges related to the possession and transportation of illegal fireworks and explosive materials. Prosecutors allege that he helped acquire the illegal fireworks used in the incident. He posted bail and is scheduled for arraignment on June 4, 2026.
The juvenile faces charges including arson, conspiracy, and possession of materials used to make an explosive device. Prosecutors allege the teen used illegal fireworks that ignited the fire. The teen’s identity hasn’t been released under California law, and the case will be heard in juvenile court.
Investigators with the Templeton Fire Department and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office determined that the fire, which broke out around 11:30 p.m. on July 4, was caused by the illegal use of dangerous fireworks.
Dow called Templeton Feed and Grain a “historic institution” that served generations and said its loss was felt throughout the county.
In the days following the fire, Templeton’s close-knit community quickly turned grief into action, resident Sierra English told New Times. An organized fundraising effort to support the Jermin family—which has operated the business for generations—launched soon after the fire.
English, a Templeton resident and member of the Stronger Together fundraising committee for Templeton Feed and Grain, said the initial response reflected both urgency and connection in a small town where many people are tied to the store.
“I am a customer of the Feed and Grain, and we have been for years,” she said, noting that she’s raised chicken and pigs and has a steer. “When the fire happened, we were watching from our patio, which is right across the street, and it was just the most surreal thing. For that to have … just been suddenly taken away was just the craziest feeling.”
The Stronger Together committee is a coalition of local residents and business owners that partnered with SLO nonprofit Ponderosa to serve as a fiscal sponsor for donations.
The group organized several large-scale fundraisers, including a dinner and live auction held on the cleared site of the former feed store.
First District county Supervisor John Peschong served on the committee said the response reflected the town’s strong network of relationships and love for the business.
“Both Tom and Rick Jermin are great people in the community,” he told New Times. “I remember seeing Tom at the fair, talking to all the kids that bought feed from him that were showing their animals at the fair. … I just found that, you know, one of the most exciting things I’d seen from a community member, really supporting the kids and the families that support their business.”
According to the committee, combined fundraising from events, sponsorships, auctions, merchandise sales, and donations totaled more than $513,000. After expenses, $455,000 was delivered to Templeton Feed and Grain to support rebuilding.
Co-owner Rick Jermin thanked the community as rebuilding plans move forward on the original South Main Street site, where demolition of the remaining structure was completed in February 2026.
“Losing such an iconic building has been heartbreaking,” he said in press materials about the fundraiser. “But your kindness and support have brought us comfort and strength.”
Plans for a new storefront are underway, with a design expected to reflect the historic character and footprint of the original building while operations continue off-site. ∆
This article appears in Summer Guide 2026.