Blaze Totals Historical Building That Opened On Day Of Pearl Harbor Attack
Thursday, February 6th, 2020 Excess & Surplus Lines PropertyThe sound of explosions and breaking glass accompanied the sight of bright orange flames and swirling smoke engulfing the CarQuest Auto Parts shop in Chowchilla.
Firefighters from the City, Madera County, and the nearby Central California Women’s Facility rushed to the scene around 3 a.m. Wednesday and found the burning building secured with no one inside.
"We have a 10,000 square foot commercial building," says Chowchilla Fire Department Bat. Chief Fred Gaumnitz. "There are several rooms, and it seemed to have started in the interior in one of the rooms."
Crews had to shut down Robertson Boulevard as they worked to contain the blaze. They say the property was full of oil, gasoline, and ag supplies that created a huge fuel load.
The building is now a total loss, with damages estimated at more than $1 million. Family members say the auto parts shop was owned for more than 30 years by Charles Green and that he is known for his many contributions to the community.
